ADHD is Real

by Melissa on February 10, 2008

I don’t know how many times a month I hear someone tell me, not knowing my family’s makeup, that ADHD is not real. Usually the comment is followed by a statement placing the blame on bad parents who can’t, or don’t want to, control their kids so they simply medicate them into a zombie state. Our local news station even had a special report with a local counselor who swore up and down that ADHD is simply not a real condition. As she sat there spewing her nonsensities, my son was jumping up and down incessantly trying to form a thought. This was around dinner time and obviously his medication had worn off. He never did get that sentence out.

I do agree with those that state that ADHD is overdiagnosed and overmedicated. I do think that some children are placed on ADHD medication for the benefit of the teacher(s) and/or the parent(s). Some children who are medicated are also like little zombies, I have seen it myself. My son, however, is not one of these. He is medicated because *he* notices the difference and likes the way he feels and act. I’ve mentioned it before, he even calls it his “control medicine.” Pretty insightful comment from a five year-old. Read my entry The Controversy Behind ADHD.

Parentingguides.org has an article up entitled “I Don’t Believe in ADHD” – it is more than worth the two minutes or so it takes to read it.

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{ 3 trackbacks }

ADHD is Real at adhd advice.net: February 10, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Shaping Youth » Bullying & the Special Needs Child: “You Must Be The New Kid”: February 19, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Asperger’s Syndrome and Giftedness - Mutterings Of A Mindless Mommy: May 6, 2008 at 8:49 am

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

attention-deficit-disorder February 10, 2008 at 9:46 pm: I find your post highly enlightening! ADHD medications can aid in improving one’s condition. At http://www.attention-deficit-disorder.net they provide a variety of solutions to the attention deficit disorder. I’ve tried them and it really works! I highly recommend this to all of you.
Whitney Hoffman February 11, 2008 at 3:03 am: Thank you for writing this. We have the same problem at our house, and this is one of the reasons I started the LD Podcast- to help moms and dads understand learning disabilities as well as how to treat them; strategies to help the kids succeed.

It’s hard having a child and have people constantly assume your parenting is defective if your child isn’t ready for the country club. I think it is the thing that makes having a child with a less visible disability tough- people can’t see the problem like if a child is in a wheelchair, so therefore, any problems must be ours.

I take solice in the fact many of the most judgmental people don’t yet have their own kids.
Alan Bradford February 11, 2008 at 4:59 am: Melissa,

Sorry to hear about the ignorance floating around in your neck of the woods. Hopefully you are still able to receive the treatment your family deserves. As someone who has been diagnosed and is taking medication for ADHD, I agree 100% with your 5-year-old’s assessment of his medicine.

Last night I sat and studied a very difficult Physics text book for over two hours straight. I would have NEVER been able to do that if it weren’t for the positive effects of this medication I am taking. I can’t imagine making it through college without having seen a doctor to help get myself and my mind “under control.”

Keep up the good work. You are doing a great public service by getting this information out to the public.
Melissa February 11, 2008 at 5:32 am: Thank you Whitney and Alan. Whitney you’re absolutely right, because ADHD is an invisible condition, people are often more quick to judge.

Alan – congratulations to you! My son will be happy to hear that someone “the net” agrees with him. Keep up the studying and good luck as you finish your degree.
ADHDFamilies February 11, 2008 at 2:02 pm: I only have one thing to say.

Thank you!
Melissa February 11, 2008 at 3:57 pm: ADHDFamilies – You’re welcome!
Pickel February 13, 2008 at 1:55 pm: Melissa, where are you located? I saw a google ad for the Fox Valley. You can email me privately.
Shane February 24, 2009 at 10:33 am: I totally agree… it is 100% real! I have an eleven year old son that was diagnosed when he was six.

I’ve enjoyed looking around your site and getting to “know” you. May I suggest a site that I think you’d really like? It is www.trusera.com. It is a wonderful health community with a large ADHD and autism presence. You have so much to say and would be a welcome contributor. Hope to “see” you there. I’m carouselgirl….. look me up if you come by.
Melissa February 25, 2009 at 5:43 pm: Hi Shane,

I am on Trusera, I was invited back during beta. The site has grown so much and is wonderful but I haven’t had much free time to explore it lately. I really need to focus on spending a bit of time with the site.

Warmly,

Melissa