My husband has ADHD and so this is something I live with
every day. However, I and my husband both believe that
very often ADD or ADHD is far too overused as a reason for
a child's misbehavior. Dr. Mary Ann Block has a wonderful
book on the subject titled "No More Ritalin...Treating ADHD
Without Drugs". She points out that very often there are
other medical or psychological reasons for the child acting
out or showing other symptoms commonly associated with ADHD.
Obviously I would recommend always consulting doctors about
treatment first but please, parents be cautious about
medicating your children with something like Ritalin.
Doctors are beginning to realize that ADHD kids are simply
wired to think differently than the majority of people.
This can be an asset if recognized and the child is taught
to control himself. My husband was not medicated as a
child, largely because he grew up before Ritalin was used
very often. However, he did very well
in school because he was treated with consistency and not
allowed to let his hyperactivity act as an excuse. He
did often get in trouble because he had a hard time paying
attention and not being distracted by every little sound
he heard around him. His teachers were understanding though
and he gradually learned how to concentrate on the lesson and
how to use his hyperactivity to his advantage.
I know sometimes its hard to remember, but the same negative-
seeming traits of your ADHD child can be turned into positive
traits when he is an adult. Keep at it! We all need
support and so if any of you need to talk about your ADHD
child or spouse, please feel free to leave a message on my
message board. Perhaps we could be of mutual encouragement
and support to each other.
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