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Nearly 1 million children potentially misdiagnosed with ADHD | MSU News | Michigan State University
Seeded on Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:20 PM EDT
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- Public Discussion (52)
No surprise at all.
I absolutely HATE the diagnosis of that "disease/condition".
It has caused a disturbing trend in this country where parents are misdiagnosing this in their kids if the young children are not always quiet and well behaved, which leads to the parents pushing the schools for this diagnosis.
Now I did go thru this with my daughter and it was like pulling teeth to get the school to test her. She wasn't learning at the same rate as her peers, yet they would always wait until the end of the school year to test her and then say "well have her checked again next year". It took until 6th grade to actually get a full battery of testing done and it was then found that she responded to aural stimulus and learning much much better than visual, so that was her problem with trying to copy and learn what was being written on the blackboard if it wasn't also followed with a verbal explanation. Once we learned that we were able to adjust how she was taught and do follow up on her lessons at home.
I see this with my daughter and my 4 yr old grandson, she is convinced that there is something "wrong" with him as he has hit the age where he is throwing temper tantrums and screaming and kicking and hitting the wall when put in timeout.
She minimizes the actions of the 3 and 2 yr olds with their stages of development(the terrible twos) and states that they were better behaved than the oldest when he went thru that stage. I have tried to explain that it just seems like they are behaving better, since she has already seen this stage with the oldest one.
I also think that the ex in-laws had an effect upon her since they have tried since her kids were born to get her to get a "diagnosis" of something "wrong" with the kids so that she can file for a government assistance check.
- 2 votes
I too feel the same way. It has been around since the 70's. Some of our family members were medicated then.
Just have to learn to work with it. So many resources, books, and help for parents, grandparents, friends.
- 2 votes
So when did they invent this 'disease'? I never remember hearing about it when I was a kid. Did big Pharma come up with this as a profitable way to comfort parents and teachers?
- 2 votes
Honestly do not know the answer. Early in the 70's my cousins (girls) were medicated. I honestly think
big pharma is making billions off the children/ adults with ADD.
- 2 votes
Adhd has bee seriously studied since the 1930's but there are also writings on the symptoms dating to the 1700's I believe.
- 2 votes
bmx mom 902413: interesting. That is 80 years. By golly, 80 years of documentation! Wow. 80 years of medication.
I would ask Y.
I do recall going to a historical site in Williamsburg, VA. Actually it was a mental institute which was
going to be restored as a site for tourists. The basement was filled with chains to chain human beings to the beds.
The wards were filled with beds, walls smelt like urine, blood on the walls. In the attic, sat there and read through
books, drs. notes. In those days, experiments were performed by removing parts of the brain; lobotomy. Sick.
Certain this place did become a tourist attraction. (1970). Lucky at the time. A guard, a historian gave me a tour.
He took time to walk me back to my car. That was nice of him. Since the place had an oppressed vibe, dark, this
historian used his flash lights so that one could read, observe and learn.
Think it is time for the companies to get real. Instead of pumping medication into young brains; they should
get busy doing the research. What do you think?
- 2 votes
Think it is time for the companies to get real. Instead of pumping medication into young brains; they should get busy doing the research. What do you think?
I agree, medication should be the last resort, not the first. I believe kids are being over prescribed meds because it's the easiest solution. I have personally known a mother who had her active daughter put on ritalin to make her easier to handle because the mom couldn't be bothered to actually parent. She was my daughters best friend and she was a zombie on medication. She was doing fine in school, just active. Some kids really need the medication though. My son just went on the medication this past summer. He is 14 and it has made a big difference. The hyperness dropped off a couple of years ago, but the impulsiveness and focus problems didn't. He has no side effects and is doing much better in school. We are a month in and I haven't had one call from the principle. That is a first.
- 3 votes
Allow me to pass this on to you. He may grow out of it. When my son was going through puberty, it was a rough
time for him. Once he passed that stage; he mellowed out. He still forgets. No big deal. He is doing great in school.
- 3 votes
Glad to hear your son is doing great in school. I hope my son grows out of it, I know many do.
- 3 votes
BMX MOM 902413... thank you. I sincerely hope your son matures nicely. I am happy that medication works
for him. Seems like you are standing your ground as his mom. Great advocate. We are not alone either. Our kids
need us. We need them. Bet your son is gifted in another field. Fishing and hunting sounds like fun. Does your
son use a cross bow?
- 1 vote
He uses a compound bow. He is gifted in math and science and wants to be an aeronautical engineer someday and design military aircraft and weapons systems. Started with an obsession with the military and paper airplanes when he was little.
- 2 votes
Great. really fantastic. Math and science are Joe's favorite subjects. He plans on becoming a geologist.
He also wants to step in the cage and do professional boxing/MMA fighting. Who am I to stop him?
I'm mom. So I have two who enjoy pro. boxing. Think we get carried away sometimes. Oh well....
think i need a nap. They both got a bit rough on me yesterday.:))...........
- 2 votes
Funny, I think math and science are common strengths in bright AD/HD boys. They think differently. Being a geologist sounds like fun, it was a field I considered when I was in college along with law and archeology. I think it's great that Joe is brave enough to try what interests him.
- 1 vote
Math and science follow rules. They are very black and white. The expectations are logical, crystal clear and completely objective. No one ever asks how you feel about a chemical reaction in Science class. You never get asked what an equation is is a metaphor for in Math class. You know when to start, you know what to do and you know when you're done. No guesswork. No social mine field. No ambiguity.
- 3 votes
Both are into Math and science. The eldest--pure math. Joe is following. When he was going through testing
during the early years; those tests showed his strengths and weaknesses; math was his strength. Reading & comprehension; his weakness. He has the " no fear, bonzai mentality. His older bro. is more of a logan & calm
in nature." With their experiences, mixed with my experiences + they were raised as adults, what one derived
is this= both are objective, loving. )( They enjoy helping others+ ^ they dislike injustice. /+/ hate people
who simply think life is 1 free ride. They deplore evil*. AKCS: one reason they both yearned for this field was
simply by deduction... Math and science follows rules.
- 3 votes
Yup. There is no injustice in logic. No judgement. It just is.
My older, ASD affected son has a very inflexible sense of justice and always has. It has caused him bushels of heartache dealing with our highly unfair, subjective, judgemetnal world.
My younger boy is all about "playing the system", bending the rules and making the world as unfair (in his favor) as possible. (He is, and always has been, my "red headed drama queen".)
Needless to say, I do not live in quiet, peaceful household. It has worked out in a lot of ways though. They learn a lot from eachother (as long as I stay out of it long enough).
- 1 vote
Indeed, my friend. Logic, critical thinking; "just is." We try to view our world using all facets of philosophical
set laws. If A than B. or if B than A maybe C. Sharp minds use math, logic, laws of reasoning.
Your older son, how old? Does he enjoy the heartache he has caused himself? I am viewing it as a "rush" for his
thinking mind. I may be wrong. I would " play the system" and do when " it plays me!"
Our home would be quiet if a negative being were removed. A hinderance, closed-minded coward. Just finished
using logic on him. Nothing worse than waking up, half asleep and having to slam someone right away!
It worked, or let me say; logic worked. When this being uses illogic, my sons will slam him.
- 2 votes
#1 son is 15. #2 is 12.
And no, he hasn't enjoyed it really. Learned from it, yes, but he takes all emotions very deeply. He is, by nature, an innocent to the core, who has to be taught to doubt and question and has learned a certain degree of cynicism, though he will never be a cynic in truth. He very much is what he is. He brings much more joy and beauty into our lives than aggravation. He notices and is touched by things we so often take for granted. He MAKES us slow down and smell the roses, watch the bug on the sidewalk and glory in a beautiful sunset, and never goes to bed without giving me a hug and an "I love you, Momma."
When he was four, he had us get a bunch of those microwave egg things for his Christmas presents for family. "Momma! It's the BEST THING EVER!!" On the commercial they said if you got one of them, you'd never go hungry again, and he said he wished he could get one for everyone in the whole world. Your average 4yo will fall for a sales pitch, I know, but he didn't fall for it, he believed it to the core. When he was about 8yo and found the gadget in the pot drawer and realized it wasn't true and was very angry and deeply hurt . "Why would they lie about something SO IMPORTANT, Momma?"
- 1 vote
Advertising and marketing can be misleading. Sure they target us, our parents, our children. I think they
(commercials) really don't take into consideration our " disabled, special needs gifted kids."
Your son sounds like a real lovable child. Even with his disabilities, he is more pure, than some adults.
I see his love for others. Amazing. His love is eternal. Sure he is very emotional. Even his brain & heart can see
mistruths and lies.
Even though my sons are grown, they still show their love by their actions. We do, for the sake of argument
go around occasionally with a heated debate. Training exercise for our minds. Know in my heart; they both
will survive in this world. Even in the web of darkness; they will make the right choices for their lives.
I once took care of a child with autism. He was 15. Beautiful boy. He did fall through the cracks, where his
education was concerned. When a specialist wrote him off, she stated (text book ignorance) that my student
would end up in a group home, no future. She had already made up her mind that this precious soul was
a lost cause. He was unable to speak at the time, prone to punching me, fellow students. Naturally, no one
in the administration would support him or me as his educational assistant. WE were on our own.
What i did was treat him like my own son. Worked with him and opened his mind with many tools; art, PE,
reading, music. He improved 100%. He was able to carry on a conversation, spoke spanish ( i only knew easy
sentences) because he really felt close to a janitor. He was able to learn. During the assemblies, he sat down
and was extremely well behaved. He always had a smile on his face, the brightest eyes i ever did see.
The administration praised me. Yet behind my back they plotted. Well they have to live with that. As for the
gal who had her PHD, wrote my student off as a misfit, his future grim; she to had to live with her judgement
call.
I have taught classes where all students had some sort of emotional, behavior and physical disabilities. Knowing
that one can control a class of 45 kids; teachers have no excuse not to teach our children.
- 3 votes
My son might have ended up like that had he not had one in particular very caring and observant teacher in preschool. She encouraged us to figure out what was "out of tune" in his life and started us on a journey of understanding our son.
Early intervention gave us the clues and tools to keep him from sinking any deeper and he is exceedingly high functioning. He is now in a fabulous public school that truly values his unique viewpoint, though that is in a large part due to an exceptional teaching and support staff. (Folks like you Angela who never give up, never blame and live every day for a bit more potential realized.) He is happy and proud of his differences. He sees his "disability" as having "super abilities" that the rest of the world just doesn't have or understand. It's not their fault they weren't born like him. (With great power comes great responsibility.)
His BIG accomplishment this year is that he has been cast in a significant role in "Romeo and Juliet" as part of a very challenging educational theater program and a very talented cast (of primarily neurotypical peers). He has dabbled with an interest in theater before and we are a very theater involved family. This year, he swallowed his fears and discomfort and auditioned. I couldn't be more proud if it were "The Royal Shakespearean"!
- 3 votes
He sees his "disability" as having "super abilities" that the rest of the world just doesn't have or understand.
That's how my son views his AD/HD. He looks at it as more of an ability than a disability. Even though he was only recently diagnosed, I think he has known he had it all along.
- 2 votes
Angela-
(“When a specialist wrote him off, she stated (text book ignorance) that my student would end up in a group home,”)
WOW!!! Would you consider taking on the responsibility and obligation of executive director, for a group home that would have the awesome responsibility of running an animal shelter, that would include training kids (all kids) to train dogs (all dogs), all with the higher purpose of tending to the many Pet Therapy Programs in your area, that you would be in charge of? Now that is a rambling and pondering question…
(“What i did was treat him like my own son. Worked with him and opened his mind with many tools; art, PE, reading, music. He improved 100%. He was able to carry on a conversation, spoke spanish ( i only knew easy sentences) because he really felt close to a janitor. He was able to learn.”)
There can be a very real magic that exists within our simple understanding and empathetic-bonding in our relationships with each other. (dogs and kids included) It’s magic.
(“I have taught classes where all students had some sort of emotional, behavior and physical disabilities. Knowing that one can control a class of 45 kids; teachers have no excuse not to teach our children.”)
They have never been shown how to do that, and they just don‘t have your gift…. They don’t learn that kind of common-sense stuff in college, it just don‘t fit into no books.
- 2 votes
Ladies, both of you are really remarkable. Loving your children with super abilities. I need to ask my son if
he feels/ shares the same way. Joe has already started next weeks homework; taking a break. Down time.
Always give them their adult space. When they wanna talk; they'll smile and let me know.
Every time I start writing about AD/HD I keep thinking of Joe's physicians who made us... who we are..
with all the knowledge he passed on and his classes.:))
- 3 votes
DALE 95...
Certainly if you were serious regarding your rambling and pondering question. I would need to work with (kids) and with (all dogs); field work meaning out doors! The rest would be easy; office stuff, grant writing included!
My answer to your pondering question during this space in time. Since your thought, typing is a rambling one,
am i to assume; your out in space? No, I think I am. Evolving... being.... Thank your kind compliments. Though it was not necessary, thank you. ** I try to live a life of simplicity. Influenced by Japan and two teachers who taught
me.
Correction: Word or thought.
Group homes benefit many adults, students and children. I hope one did not insult any organization, group home.
Sorry if one did.
In the case of this young gifted lad, the fact that she limited his potential as a human being, her mind believed
he could never be helped, so why waste her time. Her text books made her think so. Apathy? Ignorance on the
authors, who by default, were fellow professors.
All the more reason to defy, challenge a system, a school of thought, whatever. Their school of thought wrong.
Self-evident, don't you think?
- 3 votes
RE: 22.2
Thanks, Angela, but I feel my son is the remakable one. I just got lucky with the "genetic lottery". (Twice, actually.)
- 1 vote
AKCS: In Sunday's Parade, page 4, an article stated "kids may be developing ADHD due to pesticides.
Man made toxins, used for spraying on our agriculture. They are telling us to wash fruit and vegetables."
YOU were 100% correct; environmental. The only problem i have: (would need to set up my microscope, stain
& prep slides) to scientifically prove this truth. *Fruits/veggies need water, fertile soil and sun to grow. Naturally,
bees to pollinate. Unfortunately, they are sprayed; dusted. AKCS, watermelon is filled with sweet juicy fruit; as with
other fruits and veggies. How do I know: pesticides ARE NOT in the fruit? I DO NOT KNOW. Scary, especially when
so much of our fruit is imported. We also have fruit growing in America. So do you think our fruit needs a closer
look by scientists in the Bio. field? I am wondering.
So, the old theory (blame game) that we were responsible for our child's/children ADHD is a fallacy!!
Your comments # 2.13 and #7.2 are valid. How is his play coming along? Bet he is really excited; you 2.:))
- 1 vote
I have a rule I now live by, if the fruit has a thick skin I'm going to peel off and discard, I don't worry about pesticides. If not like strawberries and grapes and such, I buy organic. They don't use pesticides.
- 1 vote
We use so many berries for our daily smoothies. A natural boost of energy. Actually, we don't feel as healthy
if we don't have our daily supply of fruit & orange juice & ice.
- 1 vote
My boys will both eat veggies 'til they pop, but aren't much on fruit.
It is funny, really. All the while I was pregnant with the older one, I ate organic and took ridiculous care to be healthy. When he was a baby, he ate OG foods as much as possible and had very little processed food as he couldn't tolerate corn syrup. He did go on formula supplementation at 9mo as we had a LOT of other stuff going on right then that made it hard to breeastfeed exclusively. His first solid food was steamed broccoli cribbed off my plate. He is the one who delivered via C-section, was sick off and on for his first 18 mo and has the ASD, AD/HD and OCD issues.
With the younger one, I suffered from 10 mo of morning, noon and night sickness. I ate whatever I could keep down (or tried to). I lost weight while pregnant, dealt with food poisoning, a chronic sinus infection and bronchitis. I pretty much broke every "healthy pregnancy" rule except for getting pre-natal care. From all this, I got a fast, uncomplicated vaginal delivery and supremely healthy kid that skates through life.
Go figure!
He's just getting started with rehearsals for R&J, and, yes, loving it. He's got a pretty hefty part himself (Paris), is understudying Romeo, has both sword and fist fights and an on stage death scene. Too cool!
- 2 votes
I was 36-37 years old when Joseph was born. Ready physically and emotionally, took very good care of my health.
Had the best OB/GYN during that time, loved my Drs. eyes! I was swimming, healthy and happy. Did everything
a woman could do to have a normal child. We were exposed to toxins via "hot metals" in the sperm.
Genetic studies were done and the researchers knew exactly what i was exposed to. Gave them a list of all the
chemicals and metals. Locked away in a data bank; our genetic make-up remains in Santa Fe, NM.
His birth remarkable. 60 feet of umbilical cord, with several loops wrapped around his neck!; born blue. My physician
did CPR with his mouth only; Joey alive and normal. Was so happy to hold this little fellow. Named him right away
while he was still in the womb. Still can't explain the joy of giving birth. We celebrated in the birthing suite.
Watched a boxing match. My dad and others drank beer and ate. When everyone in their altered states started getting loud, disturbing other parents; i had the nurse send all of them home. Loud TV, loud talking and beer.
Baby Joey was not feeling the noise. Neither was I.
Nursed him but he would choke on my milk. Knew something was wrong. He was not growing like his peers.
His growth hindered by mild cerebral palsy. His left side of his body completely affected. A specialist zeroed
in right away. We were blessed with getting the help needed; intensive physical therapy.
Fact that genetic studies were done in vitro, after he was born, this mind knows the researchers and experts
could use our documentation (permission granted) in unlocking the keys to ADHD. Documentation is key
to finding the cure. That was 21 ago.*
AKCS: our smoothies consist of yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, fresh pineapple, black berries, bananas and other fruit. If they are not in season, Jon purchases frozen fruit in the bags. Sometimes he adds a protein powder
called Mus-L Blast. Bulks up our body. We use Simply Orange juice or an all natural juice. Boosts our energy level.
He being the eldest, the pure math guy spends his free time studying the human body. What he has found to be true: the BMI chart is wrong. He is recalculating it. In due time, Jon will share all his knowledge with his Bro's in
Cali. His heart is there!
- 2 votes
Hello Angela. Congratulations on this research of articles and info about the health of our children.
Although I am not a medical doctor or a specialist on that subject, I have also noticed this problem on our children, but not only on the youngest ones, in general in my country. It is to easy to solve it with medical drugs... although some really need some medicaments.
I sincerely beleive that if we want to solve this matter we have to go the the cause of the problem. Many factors are in line here. The greatest one, I beleive, is our Society itself. One of the greatest one I advance is the STRESS on the shoulders of the parents day after day, this in general and reflected on our children. Pressure of Society of today contributes greatly to this problem and naturally overflows on lots of children who have to deal with this phenomena of our "speeding" Society. Here in Canada, the problem is about the same but on a smaller scale because the population is smaller.
I assume that it is, in general, for a good part of it, a Society factor and I am glad that the medias are talking about it and hope People will respond. Hope it will continue so that a conscientisation will happened and a mood will be created in minds...Influence of medias is great and imagine if they would want, they surely could influence towards positivism and help on this matter.
Hope "Society Stress" will come down but we must not forget that it is tied-up to economics, social and many other factors...Time is a factor. All cannot be accomplished all at once but there could be a beginning ... After all we only live for a time. Why don't we enjoy it instead of living always on nerves ...our children would benefit from it, but like I said once " We are only humans... Merci
Lucien (Quebec Newsvine Canada)
- 2 votes
#3 - Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:56 AM EDTLucien: good morning. Been thinking about you. Thinking about your clean water! Honestly. Hope you are well.
Spent 18 years learning, structuring, attending classes, dealing with special education teachers and IEP meetings.
Education is the best policy. Ah yes, went through behavior training, medication with our younger son. There were
times when the fellow never slept as the medication had the opposite effect. Looking back, it was a blessing.
He is off all medication, happy and alive. Doing well in school, his life; totally structured.
There are many adults who would benefit being on medication. Clashing of personalities is not my/his cup of tea!
Of course, folks who could improve their mental mood choose not to. Bummer. These kids need praise. They also
are so sensitive; desire to be normal. They are normal; gifted souls.
I agree with you. We should not have to live our lives in a stressful environment. Remove the stress=peace.
Remove the negative+closed minded adult=love. Remove the hate=fruit and food for thought. Get rid of the
personality who challenges, lives for evil=good, harmonious, happy life. A loud ignorant voice, who uses others
words could benefit by educating himself if he chose to do so. We will see.
Lucien, I have spent years learning all diseases, all family members who suffer from ADD/ADHD. All recorded
in a journal. Our physician stated, there is a genetic link. " Misfiring of electrical impulses in the frontal lobe of
the brain is affected." We can blame no one. These are the cards we were dealt with. Live with it.. move on...!
Maybe the ones who create stress will experience stress X 2. Maybe the negative person will experience negativity X 2. Maybe the hateful/lier will find itself alone X 0. Either way, it is our hope that these students
live normal lives. They will.
Cure time is here. Feel it. The drug companies know that the medication prescribed does do damage. In California, other states 2; one may get a medicinal license for medicinal cannabis 4 ADD/ADHD. One can
and will improve their quality of life.
How is the weather? Chilly? Salmon biting? Lucky you... Merci Lucien.
- 2 votes
I have done research on all kinds of disorders and the one cause most often overlooked is the part that the central nervous system plays in things such as ADD, ADHD, autism, mental/emotional disorders of all kinds, etc.
The same kinds of medicines are given to 'control' all of these kinds of disorders, so is there a connection between the causes of them? There most certainly is.
They all have in common the malfunction of the electrical system of the body. Medicine can only control the symptoms. However, the foods that have both the positive and negative electrical charges in them can get to the root of the problem. Our bodies are highly electrical, but medications are chemical in nature. Foods, on the other hand, have electrical components that can help the nervous system to start working properly, thereby lessening symptoms such as nervousness, depression, agitation, not being able to concentrate, to name just a few.
- 2 votes
#4 - Wed Sep 15, 2010 1:39 PM EDTInteresting, do you have more information on this or a web site about it?
- 2 votes
Susie Macomber well stated. We removed refined sugar. We use sugar in the raw. They drink diet soda without
caffeine. Why get nervous? Smoothies with fresh fruit. Pure turkey sandwiches for the boast; energy. Pizza; brain
power. Nuts, fresh fruit, popcorn, banana & other breads.
CNS holds the key. No two brains are the same. Meditation helps.
- 2 votes
My oldest has an AD/HD diagnosis, but it is secondary to his ASD. Both diagnoses are valid, but were based on EXTENSIVE evaluation over several years. We are very lucky to have a pediatrician who is a conscious under-prescriber and we tried behavioral modification for years before resorting to meds.
In my son's case, the meds work exactly as advertised - once we got the ideal dosing and timing figured out. In his case, the Concerta supports focus and decreases distractability allowing him to put the energy he would use there to other uses. He is a happier, more relaxed, more confident kid. It was our last resort, and always should be, but in our case it worked out.
He does take several supplements in addition to the actual drug that help keep his dosage lower, ease the drop off when the meds wear off at the end of the day and help with challenges not addressed by the Concerta. No single solution or combination is going to work for everyone. It takes work and research and patience and energy and usually a good round or sixteen of trial and error to come up with the best solution to fit any individual need/situation.
- 2 votes
#5 - Wed Sep 15, 2010 2:48 PM EDTSo true. It took us a long time to get a correct diagnosis. My son is also on concerta and we are in counseling as a family to learn new ways of parenting and to help my son in the areas he has difficulty. It's not perfect but it has worked wonders.
- 2 votes
Good luck, BMX! You're doing it the right way. Don't look for easy answers, look for effective answers. We found that we were doing a lot of the right things instinctively just because they were what worked. No one knows your kid better than you do. The "experts" speak in generalities based on many children. Your concern is specific - your kid and his/her well-bing.
It helped to have someone explain to us why certain things were effective so we could apply that logic to other areas where things weren't going so well. It also helped us develop "scripts" to use with new teachers, caregivers, friends, classmates' parents, etc., so that all the adults influencing his world were informed and on the same page.
James is now 15 and in the last couple of years, we've been turning the "scripts" over to him so he can begin to self-advocate. It is very cool to watch him, carefully and with great pride, explain to someone how his brain is wired to see and notice different things than most people, how this makes him better at some tasks, and makes other types of tasks take more energy to complete.
- 2 votes
Thank you-Merci Angella and to all of our friends of the vine about the info about our children's health on this matter. Many parents living this situation if they see those info that you and friends wrote, will benefit from it. . Hope Google, Bing, Yahoo and many other big sites will reproduce what has been writen. Merci-Thank you for such.
This morning early it was 6 degrees in Gatineau-Ottawa and very chilly, that's for sure......In Western Canada this Fall, it was a record, millions and millions of salmons were coming up the Fraser River. Also many, many in Northern Quebec in different rivers all , in beautiful fresh and clean water.
Hope you're doing fine in California and until next time all my best to you and your family and to our respectful friends posting on the vine. Lucien
- 2 votes
#6 - Wed Sep 15, 2010 2:55 PM EDTIMHO, I feel this is a modern-cultural problem, with symptoms of ADHD et al showing up due to natural stress from unnatural life styles and diets. For 500,000 years we survived only through our struggle and keen awareness of our surroundings, prowess in defensive and hunting skills and hard work. Our whole entire physical and mental system is designed in just that way, through genetic selection of the fittest. As recently as just a couple of hundred years ago most of us lived on farms or had rigorous physical daily chores of some sorts, strenuous walking or working and physically intense and busy life styles.
But, in this modern culture, life is so very different. School busses for even short distances, TVs with remotes that receive hundreds of channels, virtual-video games, music zombie zones, ever prevalent street drugs, latch-key-kid life styles, chaotic and discipline-free school systems, twittering group-clicks, in your face images of sexual-glamour enticements impossible to achieve, peer pressures to obey, perverts on every corner, terrorism concerns, etc, etc, etc, and none of it is healthy.
I did a search to see how prevalent ADHD was with Amish farm kids but couldn’t find much, it appears to be very rare. But I did come across quite a bit of impressive and documented evidence showing ADHD to be a complete and utter hoax, and I think it’s all a matter of interpretation. The symptoms that show up, as a result of chaos, poor diet, and lack of exercise, discipline, and structure are all such that they collectively become labeled as ADHD.
I know that a problem exists with this off-balance stress our kids deal with, (or not) and the question now becomes how to fix it. Maybe drugs are the best pinch-hitting alternative if changing our life-style is not an option.
Normally, the chemical balances or imbalances with-in our brain/body are produced and regulated according to our actions and involvement with our surroundings.
This is a proven fact and can be seen in studies done with Pet Therapy research, where both the dog and the handler experience significant beneficial hormonal and chemical increases from just ten minutes of simple petting.
- 1 vote
#7 - Wed Sep 15, 2010 4:33 PM EDTADHD Comes from decreased prefrontal cortex activity and is hereditary. Amish societies are pretty closed and tend to marry from within, so if no one has had ADHD there would be no-one to pass it on.
My son has ADHD. He does not play video games or sit in front of the TV for long periods. He rode his bike to school, participates in athletics, and was kept on a low sugar diet. He also hunts and fishes. The only thing that caused him much stress was school.
- 1 vote
Dale, I appreciate your viewpoint and do agree that the increased prevalence of many of our "modern" diseases and disorders is indeed exacerbated by some of the "evils" of modern life - cancer, heart disease, substance dependency included with AD/HD, autism, bi-polar disorders, and OCD to name a few of the "usual suspects". I also agree that some of the "evils" are "fixable" and we need to address these particular variables as part of any effective and reasonable treatment plan.
Some, however, are not reasonably treatable - environmental contamination from the plethora of "beneficial" chemicals outgassing into our environment, for example. Some of the increased incidence, I feel, is due to positive factors of living in "The modern world". These include an increased knowledge base, early intervention and diagnosis, and greater awareness of learning and developmental differences, and increased acceptance that different doesn't mean "less" or "damaged".
To simply dismiss or deny AD/HD as a "complete and utter hoax" is as simplistic and detrimental as a parent going to a doctor and asking for medication for child that "just won't behave". To those of us who have children dealing with the challenge of AD/HD, that has the same emotional impact as telling us it is all our fault and if we weren't such lazy, negligent parents, our kids would be "normal". I'm sure you don't intend it that way, if I listen to my rational brain. My emotional brain is still stinging from the implication that I in some way "chose" this path for my son.
- 1 vote
I actually had a school psychologist tell my husband and I our sons problems in school were our fault. We didn't teach him the skills he should have learned at home as a toddler. I walked out and took my son out of that school district and haven't been back. My son isn't "normal" he's just him and he's fine with that.
- 1 vote
Had nearly that experience myself once when we were "shopping" for a school.Needless to say, that institution never got the joy and privilege of teaching my exceptional child! Definitely their loss and not mine.
- 1 vote
Just a different perspective to consider here with this delicate issue. Non-offensive food for thought. When dogs have their litters there generally always seems to be a runt in the bunch. Now that runt has to work harder to get a teat, struggle harder to get on top, and must always exert courage just to survive.
It is not an easy life being a runt, or disadvantaged in any way, but, when it comes to finding excellence in any task needed, I always look for the runt of the litter, the one that had to struggle harder to make it. For it’s in that struggle that we can develop character, focus, strength, determination, fortitude, and resilience. Think Short Power here. To just pamper and coddle that runt-puppy would make a good lap dog for sure. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. JMHO.
- 3 votes
Dale, is this really a delicate issue. I just thought we were parents sharing our point of views, our experiences
with our sons/daughters, and finding answers. I certainly never pampered Joe. He had to make choices. Even though
some of his choices were wrong. Being forgetful, he lost three wallets. Kids would tell him to jump off the
bridge, he would. They wouldn't. Bullying another problem with our kids. Got to watch out for bullies.
- 2 votes
It’s sensitive and delicate in regards to our immediate defensiveness and gut-reaction to kill the messenger that might suggest a different perspective and thus imply that we are to blame. If dirty looks could kill, I would have been dead a dozen times already over suggestions about my grandson. He is not ADHD yet, but he will be, soon. Sad.
- 2 votes
Not to worry. You'll make it. Try and do empower yourself for the sake of your grand son.
The book: Negotiating the Special Education Maze by W. Anderson, S. Chitwood, Deidre Hayden is a great start.
Certain there are more up to date books.
I understand. Yeah I have that human emotion inside. Even though one prefers to say dislike....
I hate, deplore family or other who call these kids stupid, discourages, plots evil. takes advantage for their own
self, sick gain. Manipulators. We are not to blame. By reason of sheer ignorance, subjective thinking; fools, they are.
My understanding, at least in this state of NM. teachers are not allowed to diagnose. They are not physicians.
Go to the federal web-site: EHA which is Education of the Handicapped Act or EHA. Public Law 94-142.
Knowledge for everyone. All special needs, rights and laws protect the disabled.:)
- 2 votes
AKCS and BMX Mom 902413... On the first day of kindergarten, had my camera in hand, ready to snap Joe's first
1/2 day of public school. All dressed in his blue and red shorts w "where's the beach," insignia, a cute little button nose;
my son. A social worker ran up to me and announced, with all the other parents waiting, she stated that Joe would not be able to attend public school if he was not on medication! Her face, red. Her voice, angry. Parents and I looked at one another. I simply told her we forgot. Spent so much time chasing this little fellow around. Always had a problem with putting on his socks and tying his shoe laces twice. Worked up a sweat: fun! She looked at me, just starred her down.
Informed his physician.
During that time, we were blessed with a gifted physician whose specific training: Children with behavior, ADD/ADHD,
ODC disorder and other specific learning disabilities. She knew medications. Our psychiatrist worked very close with her.
She would send him notes, school notes. She always schooled me on textbook theory. She taught this being how to become a proactive parent. Based on my assessment, the teacher's assessment; our baby's medication was adjusted.
Joe was also born with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy and a skate board fixed that. During his birth, my cord was
wrapped around his neck; not enough oxygen to his brain. Today, he wraps his legs around my neck; a triangle choke!
Since I did teach him; am able to get out of his squeeze sometimes; tap out!
Drug choice- ritalin caused his senses to become distorted. Smell of onions, garlic, pickles, mustard and vinegar would really upset him. Today, he eats these veggies, uses condiments with his meals.
Swimming: with normal TSH levels, he would get chills, shiver in warm water at the community/base pool.
His lips, nails would turn blue. He would warm up & his color returned to normal; back to swimming. Since his heart rate increased during physical activity, one can only think oxygen was blocked to his extremities. Observation.
His handwriting was a bit slow, sloppy and he continued to erase constantly. Sensitive little fellow. His teacher recommended the large pencils. Than we used pencils with spongy grips. By the time he was in 4th or 5th grade
I purchased mechanical pencils. He had to learn to not press hard, the lead would snap. He wrote faster, hardly
erased and his hand writing improved 100%. His grades improved in spelling, english and all his subjects.
Color important. His homework folder was RED. We never lost it. The other folders were cool colors. Did art, added photos of home life. Zen signs, doggie and family and whatever reminded him of home. Visual implementation kept
him focused, calm.
I regret nothing. With the teachers who are involved in special education, their schedules, teaching, meetings
certainly would opt for making the IEP forms; a more simplified version for all.
AKCS don't let your emotional brain sting. What you went through was the "text-book" mentality! Let it go.
School of thought of years past. This is today. Smile and enjoy every moment.
- 2 votes
#8 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:47 AM EDTThere will be no toleration of diversity in personalities.
- 1 vote
#9 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 2:01 PM EDTUnfortunately, I have found that some schools are like that. The principal at my sons elementary school was agast when I asked for accomodations for his learning disability. She litteraly said "those things will make him stand out, you don't want him to be different do you". Too late my son was born different and that is a good thing. The school thought I could somehow force my son to be average and just like the rest of the kids. I have found that too many schools want to force square pegs into round holes, it just doesn't work and ends up making the square pegs hate school.
- 1 vote
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