My response.... WHY?? It's not something to be ashamed of!
As a teacher, I've encountered many different viewpoints on ADHD. Many parents refuse to even consider an ADHD diagnosis. Others refuse to consider medical interventions. Each family has the right to choose what's best for their family, but do NOT try to make me feel embarrassed or ashamed...or like a "bad parent" for our family's choices!
I've heard....
ADHD isn't real...it's just an excuse for bad parenting and letting kids have too much freedom.
I'm not going to put my kid on medicine just to make the teacher's job easier.
I guess I'll have to swallow my pride and try medicine for my kid.
Instead of ranting on and on about a subject that I am passionate about, I will just tell about our experience...
My husband has ADHD and is currently taking medication. In my opinion, this medication is just as important as blood pressure medicine or a hearing aid...it helps him live a productive and successful life. It has helped him personally, professionally, and physically.
As a special education teacher, I know the signs and symptoms of ADHD. When Joseph was very young I immediately recognized ADHD characteristics. In kindergarten he struggled to focus and had a hard time completing his work. When given free time, he moved from one activity to another, rarely finishing anything. First grade was even more difficult due to increased academic expectations. He rarely finished ANYTHING in class and was so distracted that he needed to have his desk moved away from his peers. We even tried a "wiggle seat" to help with his need to constantly move. Joseph goes to the school where I work and I admit that it was hard to see him isolated in class, but I knew that was what he needed...he was a distraction not only to himself, but also to his peers. Both his kindergarten and first grade teachers noted that he had strong academic abilities, but it just didn't show in his work (or lack of work)!
Jarrod and I decided to have him evaluated by the same doctor who worked with Jarrod when he moved to North Carolina. There was CLEAR evidence that Joseph has ADHD. His academic testing showed strong skills, especially in reading. The choice to us was clear...he would immediately begin medication to help him meet his full potential. The difference has been night and day...amazing. Now, it hasn't been an overnight "miracle cure." We have tried 3 different medications and several different dosages. As Joseph grows, we realize we will need to make adjustments. It was important for us to find the right medication, rather than trying one and saying, "It doesn't work, let's just give up!"
Joseph is very aware of the need to him to take medicine. At one time the doctor wrote the prescription for 5mg capsules so we could see what dosage worked best...Joseph told me that 3 pills was the best and helped him pay attention. He calls it his concentration medicine. Thankfully, with me being at his school he will come to my class if I forget to give him the medicine...he immediately notices a difference when he gets to class if he doesn't take it.
We talk openly with Joseph about his ADHD and the medicine...we never want him to feel ashamed or defeated because of it. Of course, we also don't let him use it as an excuse to get out of doing challenging work! :)
We are all very proud of Joseph...we're also thankful for the teachers and doctors who have helped him along the way!
If any of you ever want to talk about our experience or need advice, please feel free to ask! We are very open in talking about ADHD because
IT IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE ASHAMED OF!
