| ADHD continues to be one of the most misunderstood | | | | in life. Sure, they might face certain challenges that we |
| conditions. In fact, ADHD is just about as | | | | (in the medical community) have identified, but there |
| misunderstood as children, adolescents, and teens | | | | are no absolutes. The common characteristics of a |
| most often are. From conspiracy claims to accusations | | | | child with ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and |
| of bad parenting, many people continue to miss the | | | | inattention. But those can be very powerful traits to the |
| most relevant and pressing issue: | | | | right person and in the right situation. |
| ADHD needs to be separated out from everything | | | | I used the example above as a very basic illustration |
| else in life. | | | | of how ADHD is so misunderstood. I want to |
| ADHD is a not a life threatening condition, and it does | | | | encourage parents to separate out the real issues. |
| not influence all aspects of life. I am often amazed | | | | Whether or not a child has ADHD really has nothing to |
| when someone asks a question like the following: | | | | do with whether or not he or she should be carrying a |
| Should a 12-year-old boy with ADHD be carrying a | | | | knife. Quite frankly, it's the same about whether or not |
| knife? | | | | a child with ADHD is actually capable of doing well in |
| Here's my first thought, "Why does a 12-year-old need | | | | school. |
| to be carrying a knife?" Next I want to know, "What | | | | These two issues have almost nothing to do with one |
| does ADHD have to do with it?" | | | | another. Most people will tell you that a child with |
| This might seem to be a trivial point, but it's actually one | | | | ADHD will struggle with attention and focus, therefore |
| of the most important components to really | | | | impacting his or her ability to perform in school. But |
| understanding our children, particularly a child with | | | | that's a total lie! There is no reason that child cannot |
| ADHD. | | | | learn strategies, and find ways to be successful in |
| Here's the truth: | | | | school. |
| A child with ADHD is no more or less likely to succeed | | | | |