u/OrdinaryClimate8445

My individual is the only person in my entire organization who is a 2:1 (two staff for the one individual). Although my individual is very challenging at times, my coworker honestly pisses me off even more somehow.

But that’s not really my topic for this post. Basically, my coworker this morning told me I need to not be “so afraid” of the individual I work with. This individual can be very intense and aggressive. I do not believe the individual is super dangerous, but given I get hurt easily because of a disability I myself have, I tend to try to be as cautious as I can (as in I will walk away or sometimes run away a short distance, if needed, so as not to leave my individual unattended but also to keep myself safe). I am not very physically strong and as already stated I get hurt really easily.

After switching to another client after being done with getting hit or grabbed every shift for next to zero discernible reason, the other staff for the 2:1 is pretty obviously angry about the change. He regularly sleeps while I do the vast majority of the work so it makes sense.

My coworker went so far this morning to tell me not just that I should essentially “take it” and not walk away whatever, but that I could also consider “shaking” the individual or even hitting/kicking him a little to show “who’s in charge.” He also admitted to hitting and kicking one of his individuals he worked with in the group home who he insists is much better behaved now as a result, presumably as evidence to how his approach works. This was all very concerning to me, and obviously something I’d never do, and so I reported to my supervisor.

Unfortunately, I doubt my staff will do anything because she said she “can’t” because it was at a residential agency. I’m sure she could but I think she really just doesn’t want the headache.

Stuff like this has been beginning to really demoralize me. This staff moreover is not an isolated case-nearly all the staff have fairly rough backgrounds. Why is it that this field in particular attracts so many people who should absolutely not be around such vulnerable people?? Is it a funding issue? Ableism?

Idk. I’d appreciate any thoughts/advice on what to do about my coworker’s statements. Thanks!

UPDATE: I reported the colleague last night. I know I shouldn’t have hesitated, it is just a mind fuck when your supervisor acts like it is out of your hands. It makes you doubt yourself. Thank you everyone for your support and information!

My current prescriber told me she could not prescribe me anything, regardless of what my insurance could theoretically pay for, above the FDA’s maximum recommended dosage. This is frustrating for me because I’ve heard from podcasts/articles with medical experts like Dr William Dodson MD that going above the “max dose” is often what is needed for some people with ADHD to achieve best results. I tried sending her some of this just to hear the prescribers thoughts and she could not even bother to “reply” herself, if you catch my drift. I understand she may be busy and not have time to look into it now, but I’d have much rather her say at least that she’d look into it another time. Also just because I’m always self-conscious of being told I’m “medication seeking” or “too dependent on stimulants,” I want to clarify that I have no idea what the right dose is for me yet as I have not had the opportunity to test any higher doses despite several years of being on stimulants and still not having the best level of functioning. However, I don’t want to be with a prescriber who is unwilling to even try what may be the only tested way of living a life not as impaired by ADHD.

To sum up this post, basically I’m writing to see what others in the ADHD community think of prescribers who won’t go above the FDA max. If you are of my opinion that it is sometimes needed, I’d love to see any research articles to share with my current/any future provider. I understand no one can provide medical advice here, but if you have any relevant research to share on this from reputable sources I’d love to see and take to the relevant medical professionals!

Thank you!!