Hi,

My partner is currently going through the process of being diagnosed with ADHD. He has all the classic symptoms and after reading Driven to Distraction we have both felt a huge sense of relief - we understand our day to day lives a bit more now.

However, my main problem is when my partner gets hyperactive and can't calm himself down. He'll push, pull and grab me (in a silly manner, it's not violent) and he won't stop no matter how calmly or assertively I tell him that it's hurting me or putting me in danger. The only thing that stops him is if I slap him on the arm or similar. He then, understandably, gets very upset that I've hit him.

I really don't want to hit him but yesterday he was being really silly and backing me into the screen of our glass shower cubicle and the only thing I could do to stop him from pushing me through it was to hit him.

Is there any other way I can deal with the situation?

I hope you guys can offer some advice.

Thank you.