(This is a repost. I do not know what happened to first post)
In an article by Dr. Peter S. Jensen, M.D. titled: "Setting the Record Straight: Fact v. Fiction About ADHD," it becomes quite clear that the need for people to learn about and understand factual information about ADHD is necessary (NAMI Beginnings Summer 2003, and ADHD Support.com (2008)).
Considering that 5 - 9 percent of children ages 5 to 7 are affected by mental illness (3.4 million children), America must act diligently to move pass the fiction and make the facts known just as diligently.
Parents must educate themselves and make mental healthcare a priority for their children who will become adults with a mental illness of some type.
FACT:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a real, bona fide, valid mental illness that should not be taken lightly or dismissed by parents/caregivers, etc.
It is more serious than simply, "boys will be boys."
ADHD is NOT the result of an over-crowded classroom.
A child with ADHD cannot control his or her impulses or direct their attention.
ADHD is NOT the fault of bad parents or bad teachers.
ADHD affects brain functioning such as behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
ADHD persons have a brain structure/function or family and genetic factor or prenatal/perinatal factos or chemical toxins or severe psychosocial stressors directly tied to the disorder.
ADHD can be treated with medication management and behavior therapies or both.
ADHD can lead to a child failing school courses if untreated and miss more days from school.
ADHD children can end up in the juvenile justice system if healthcare is ignored or denied or withheld.
ADHD can exist at the same time another brain disorder exists. This is known as a Co-Curring Disorder. Each Disorder must be treated based on the symptoms of each to maximize treatment.
ADHD especially in boys is accompanied by oppositional defiant disorder (i.e., aggression towards people and animals, negative behavior, hostility, destruction of property, deceitfulness, theft, serious rule-breaking), anxiety, depression, and sometimes a learning disability.
ADHD children are entitled to an inclusive education under the Individuals With A Disability Education Act (IDEA). Inclusive education means your child can learn in a regular classroom with whatever supports are necessary such as a one-on-one Aide. These aides can help keep your child's attentionon the lesson, for example when a teacher must teach 20+ students at a time and may not be able to give individual attention or instruction.
Mental illness is the third leading cause of suicides among teens!
If we provide access to mental healthcare to our children, they will grow up knwoing to ask for supports and services as they need it. This will curtail untreated mental illnesses in adults!
FICTION: ADHD will go away.
Please discuss any concerns you hae about ADHD and your child with your pediatrician and stay educated about new medications and therapies.
Please work closely with your school for the best educational outcome for your ADHD child.
Please visit these sites that update information and resources regularly and join to learn about all the latest treatments, laws, and coping skills:
Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD):
www.chadd.org National Institute Mental Health:
www.nimh.nih.gov Kids Mental Health Organization:
www.kidsmentalhealth.org National Alliance on Mental Illness:
www.nami.org Your local school board and school Psychiatrist.
Agnes B. Levine
Author of: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter 2008 Release Pending
www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater (Subscribe Now)
Founder/President: Levine-Oliver Publisher, the Exclusive publishing home of Swaggie Coleman. Visit Swaggie's Voice© at:
http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com and win prizes!
Posted By: agnes levine
Wednesday, October 8th 2008 at 2:47PM
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