Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield University - various times Pick
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Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield University - various times Pick
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Bradley Mountain Farm - 1:00 PM
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ADHD Awareness Week: One Family's Story
OUR STORY
In first grade my son's teacher noticed that there was a large discrepancy between his capability to verbally demonstrate knowledge and his ability to write and memorize simple three letter sight words. This turned out to be the first clue we had that something was off. When things didn't get easier, we had him tested and found out that he had dyslexia, a learning disability in children affecting reading, writing and spelling. After going down the IEP path, we were fortunate to get him into an incredible school in Manhattan built just for kids with learning differences called The Churchill School. Because, day in and day out, they dealt with kids like my son it was soon suspected that dyslexia wasn't the only issue. Surprise, surprise! ADD was also part of his brain package. We figured that out in 3rd grade. It took a while because there are two types of ADHD: the part with hyper-activity and the part without - called Inattentive Type (which is what my son has). Having these issues definitely serves up some challenges, however with education and clear communication with a child's teachers and pediatrician we can make a world of difference in a child's life.
Some say having ADHD can even be a gift. Come to find out, many famous and brilliant people had ADHD brains. Beethoven, Hans Christian Andersen, Winston Churchill, Leonardo da Vinci, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Benjamin Franklin, Ernest Hemingway, Michael Jordan, Picasso, and the incredible list goes on and on.
Many people are still unaware of what ADHD really means. The more we all know, the more we can accept and help those wired differently. The other day my younger son was sitting in class while the teacher was explaining to the children what dyslexia and adhd are. My son proudly stated, "Hey! That's what my brother has!" He thought it was pretty cool.
(Read on for lots of facts and resources about ADHD).
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
THE FACTS AND RESOURCES
4 to 7 million children (5-9% of the population) and 9 to 13 million adults (4-6% of the population) in the U.S. have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Abundant scientific research has led every mainstream medical, psychological, and educational organization in the United States to recognize ADHD as a legitimate diagnosis. Research shows that ADHD is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Its primary symptoms are inattention, impulsiveness, and, sometimes, hyperactivity. ADHD Awareness Coalition is made up the following organizations:
ACO (ADHD Coaches)
ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
NRC (National Resource Center on ADHD, a program of CHADD)
ADDConnect Your community for attention deficit support and solutions. Great resource where you can join groups, discussions and create journals. Some groups include topics such as parents of ADHD Children, ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment & ADHD related conditions. I highly recommend.
In my humble opinion, Ned Hallowell's "Driven to Distraction" is the ADHD bible. Focusing on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) as a life-long neurological problem that affects adults as well as children, this book describes the various forms ADD takes, how professionals distinguish ADD patterns from "unacceptable" behavior, and how medication and behavior modification techniques can balance its negative and positive aspects.
One more great on-line resource I found is here. John Swank gives you the low-down in a 5 minute read. He also drives home the fact that ADHD is highly inheritable and that one or both of the parents often has many of the traits. In fact, in today's world it's not uncommon for the child's diagnosis to be the precursor for a parent's. The other is here: The ADHD Information Library for Parents.
One last link for your reading pleasure that I think is very good: ADHD Symptoms: Diagnosis and Treatment Information.
If you suspect that your child or family member may have this learning difference don't delay in seeking treatment. It can change a person's life for the better.
Originally published 10/5/2012.
