thought id start new thread to gather public opinion on adhd as people seem to be using samsmums thread to air their views and knowledge on this, which does not help her. to the best of my knowledge, a few points.
a) i have 4 kids, only 1 has adhd, how is this down to social/enviromental factors or my parenting skills?
b) if this label is given to all kids who behave badly, then why has my nephew been told he does not have it, though his behaviours are simular to my childs?
c) these behaviours must exist in more than 1 setting, eg home and school.
d) the childs parents/teachers have to agree theres a problem,then the child has a medical examination, and a psycological assesment, before a diagnosis is made. leaving little room 4 misdiagnosis (though im not saying this does not happen)
i had to wait 5 yrs for others to aknowledge there was a problem before i could start the assesments,yet still hear people say it must be my fault some how. i want to use this thread to raise others awareness to this.

d) the childs parents/teachers have to agree theres a problem,then the child has a medical examination, and a psycological assesment, before a diagnosis is made. leaving little room 4 misdiagnosis (though im not saying this does not happen) That's interesting :suspect:

So if the parents deny there is a problem, the poor kid automatically doesn't have this problem? :shocked:

Have I misread your post?

My eldest son is 22 y o.
Apparently he had hyperactivity disorder when he was at nursery, all to do with all the E numbers in food.
This was diagnosed by me telling the dr that he was unruly, had no fear & had thrown his chips I'd just bought him from a chippie at me.
You have to bare in mind I was 21 y o & he was 3 y o.
How did my GP make this diagnosis?
Just by listening to what I said, ONLY????

He is now a capable young man who had to put up with his father abusing his mother (ME) on a daily basis.
Now the new thing is ADHD????
Perhaps I am pesamistic but my son eats all the E numbers god sends as most 22 y o would & he is NORMAL!!!! (for want of a better word)!
I ain't saying your son hasn't got a problem but in my own opinion by what I see & hear, kids with ADHD come from families who have problems & need a scape goat.
Perhaps there is the minority who really do have a brain disorder that makes them behave the way they do but the dr's are too quick to diagnose an unruly child as having ADHD.
Please don't persecute me anyone ho believes I'm wrong, just educate me as I say what I see.
I'm not having a go at you as a parent but if my 22 y o son was 7 I guess he would have ADHD. Show me the conclusive evidence.
My nephew apparently has ADHD, yet when I have him on the very odd occasion he is the most politest, caring child going. His mum comes for him & he turns into this monster.

Interesting how a few boundaries make so much difference to so many different people

On absolutely no grounds at all - I believe that branding a kid with labels such as these, telling a kid they are not 'normal', giving them an excuse not to attempt to restrict their behaviour and demolishing the framework (rules) that a disorder such as this requires for a 'secure' environment is far from helpful

I'm too tired to explain myself properly :(

kids with behavioural problems exhibit more 'problems' when they are allowed to set the boundaries themselves or challenge boundaries they know are set for other children. Instead of being confident that 'this is so' they are 'wound up' by the stress of establishing how far things can be pushed

I've noticed when taking medical histories from kids (or more accurately their parents) that ADHD is extremely common around the council estate areas of Parsons Cross/Southey Green, Gleadless and the Manor. It is extremely uncommon in Dore, Totley or Fulwood.

Something in the water perhaps?

I read an article in a paper ayear or so ago about parenting and child behaviour, in alot of european countries ADHD is rarely heard of.

Everyone under 35 in the US has this diagnosis.

If you've ever had to live with a sufferer of ADHD, you'll know damn well it exists, believe me! :(

StarSparkle

Its both fact and fiction....like asthma. I believe in many cases ADHD and asthma are being used by doctors as a blanket condition to conveniently romove any pressure on themselves.
I am sometimes quite shocked at how asthma for example is being used by doctors for just about every chest condition a child develops and I have no doubts at all ADHD is being used by both doctors and parents to explain away simple bad behaviour. This then puts undue pressure on both the school teachers and the other kids who have to suffer because one child is then being "excused" for his rowdiness.
I am certainly not doubting its existence, just doubting its use.

Its both fact and fiction....like asthma. I believe in many cases ADHD and asthma are being used by doctors as a blanket condition to conveniently romove any pressure on themselves.
I am sometimes quite shocked at how asthma for example is being used by doctors for just about every chest condition a child develops and I have no doubts at all ADHD is being used by both doctors and parents to explain away simple bad behaviour. This then puts undue pressure on both the school teachers and the other kids who have to suffer because one child is then being "excused" for his rowdiness.
I am certainly not doubting its existence, just doubting its use.

I completely agree with you.

It seems like any badly-behaved child is nowadays being diagnosed as having ADHD, which is clearly rubbish. Some children are just behaving badly, and are anti-social little bleeps, and need to be taught how to behave properly in a civilised society.

And there is no way any child should be allowed to get away with bullying others, simply because they may have a diagnosis of ADHD - that is no excuse for bullying and should not be acceptable as an excuse.

The lazy and widespread diagnosing of ADHD does a complete disservice to those children (and adults) who genuinely suffer from this horrible condition. :( It means that the real sufferers who need help and understanding from others to help them cope with what is a very distressing and destructive condition (both for the sufferer and those around them) are not as likely to receive the help they need, as they may not be perceived as real sufferers.

Widespread diagnosing of ADHD renders the diagnosis effectively meaningless and dilutes the sympathy Real ADHD sufferers should be entitled to receive.

StarSparkle

I work with kids and I would say a number of the children who have come into my care are misdiagnosed, most of them are just naughty and need consistency, stable and realistic parenting and a sensible diet.
Obviously I have no choice but to treat the child as though they are a sufferer regardless, there's more paperwork, home visits, drug administration, it can mean diverting staff to a higher care ratio which costs more all round.
We also have some kids who are exhausting because they truly have ADHD and as the medication wears off you really know about it. We also have some who are manageable but obviously do have some realistically diagnosed issues.
I would agree that it is a blanket diagnosis and it's of little help to people who are just rubbish parents, or feeding their kids the rubbish which makes them nutty.
I would love to see a definitive test brought in but then since autism is such a broad spectrum, maybe it would be for ADHD too?
I also think ADD and Aspergers are over diagnosed too.

Exactly Starsparkle.
I have mates who have children with severe behavioural and therefore learning problems. These parents have totally different personalities and lifestyles so the children are being brought up in very different enviroments yet these kids still have very similar symptoms so I dont doubt for one second its existence.
What really pi**es me off is some children I know that have actually been diagnosed with this problem actually use it THEMSELVES as a disclaimer.

AJ

Everyone under 35 in the US has this diagnosis.

Ha! That and autism in some form. It's turned into a bu$iness. I would agree that ADD and ADHD is too frequently used as a catch-all diagnosis. Sure, some people do suffer from these things, but I can't believe THAT many children all have the same problem. As a parent, I'm also extremely wary of medicating my child without a damn good reason.

:) Sierra

Autism seems to be getting like an epidemic all over now, some parents with an autistic child say they would rather the child have cancer, at least there would be some help or hope out there for them.

Autism seems to be getting like an epidemic all over now, some parents with an autistic child say they would rather the child have cancer, at least there would be some help or hope out there for them.

I can well understand them saying that :( I think with regard to children, having a child who suffered from Autism would be my greatest fear and dread.

StarSparkle

My son has ADHD and Autism and believe me it is hard work,
I think they do diagnose it to quickly for some children now, it took me 5 years to get my son diagnosed, kids who do suffer with these disabilities need the correct schooling to help them get the best out of life, as for him rather havin cancer, i think not, thats horrendous.

I work with kids and I would say a number of the children who have come into my care are misdiagnosed, most of them are just naughty and need consistency, stable and realistic parenting and a sensible diet.

Ditto Zebra.

I'm so skeptical of ADHD due to my numerous contacts with 'it' it's untrue.

I personally find it amazing just how quickly the 'condition' vanishes when the child is threatened with losing something they value if they don't 'pack it in'.

My son has ADHD and Autism and believe me it is hard work,
I think they do diagnose it to quickly for some children now, it took me 5 years to get my son diagnosed, kids who do suffer with these disabilities need the correct schooling to help them get the best out of life, as for him rather havin cancer, i think not, thats horrendous.


Yes rach, but there's no modern help yet for people with Autism, it stays with them thru their adult life, at least there's treatment and hope for children with cancer....although I don't know which I would chose when it comes to your children.

I personally find it amazing just how quickly the 'condition' vanishes when the child is threatened with losing something they value if they don't 'pack it in'.
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean!

Exactly Starsparkle.
I have mates who have children with severe behavioural and therefore learning problems. These parents have totally different personalities and lifestyles so the children are being brought up in very different enviroments yet these kids still have very similar symptoms so I dont doubt for one second its existence.
What really pi**es me off is some children I know that have actually been diagnosed with this problem actually use it THEMSELVES as a disclaimer.

AJ
Ah yes, those famous last words; "Its not my fault if I'm ADHD, is it!"

Does my bloody head in some times. Especially when it's 'selective' ADHD. :suspect: :huh:

I've noticed when taking medical histories from kids (or more accurately their parents) that ADHD is extremely common around the council estate areas of Parsons Cross/Southey Green, Gleadless and the Manor. It is extremely uncommon in Dore, Totley or Fulwood.

Something in the water perhaps?

Or a result of heavy inbreeding, more like. This must be the flimsiest excuse for bad parenting - in most cases - known to man.

Best cure for ADHD.........



























Paying attention.

Autism seems to be getting like an epidemic all over now, some parents with an autistic child say they would rather the child have cancer, at least there would be some help or hope out there for them.
im sure no parent would say that they would rather have a child with cancer than adhd/autism.
what a stupid statement!
if i am wrong and there are parents that think/say such thing they should be ashamed of themselves as it is obvious they are selfishly thinking of the hard work that will be required.
my husband lost his child to cancer 8 yrs ago and believe me, any parent given the news there child has cancer will inevitably(sp) think of the worst. of course its heartbreaking for a parent to hear their child has any illness but when you have a child that is autistic or has adhd im sure you wouldnt constantly have in the back of your mind the posibility of burying your child prematurely.

Best cure for ADHD.........



























Paying attention.

Agreed...........

Adhd is a recognised problem, in short its a lack of concentration, frustration and not being able to control your temper, think of it like a persistent headache that wont go away, I was never diagnosed with adhd but my nephew suffers from it, I actually got sectioned once, I used to lose my temper and have a form of black out which meant I would kick the crap out of owt in my way and then be unable to remember what I did and I believe if the term adhd was around then im sure thats what I would be labelled as having, 1 cure is to never p*ss off an adhd sufferer.:hihi:

yes strix i think you did misread what i put try rereading it. it says that (in my case) these behaviours have to occur in other settings not just at home with mum. i am amused that dynamicdebs assumed it was a boy, fed on junk food. my daughter has a v. healthy diet as im fully aware that e numbers escalate the behaviours. also i did not realise gps could make this diognosis it would have saved me yrs of stress had i done that instead of going through the proper channels. :rolleyes:

My eldest has a diagnosis of A.D.H.D amongst other thing's, I dont live on a councill estate, both parents in our house work for a living and I bring my children up to be respectfull and well behaved. my son has been attending ryegate for just over three years now. during his life we have had to cope with various behaviour problem's, self harm and depression he is only 11.
he is for the most part a very well behaved child, but he has no common sense what so ever his social skills are very poor and it causes him no end of problems. He cant go out to play like normal children would do because he could potentialy get himself in unsafe situations. I dearnt let him stay at his friends houses because he has developed a habit of telling lie's. the other day he told my dad we starved him.. as a parent it can make you feel very isolated, but I find peoples ignorance on the subject to be more isolating

Ditto Zebra.

I'm so skeptical of ADHD due to my numerous contacts with 'it' it's untrue.

I personally find it amazing just how quickly the 'condition' vanishes when the child is threatened with losing something they value if they don't 'pack it in'.

So what about when this threat makes no difference what so ever? Even kids with any of the problems mentioned are able to 'behave' for a couple of hours especially when around someone different or somewhere different. Their mind is being kept occupied and focused upon something else.

What is the definition of 'behave' anyway. I've seen parents tell their kids to behave when to me they haven't really done anything wrong. On the other hand i've seen parents laugh at their kids for doing something that I would be horrified at my kids doing. So whos standard of 'behave' do we go by???

Snooze:
when a implied it was a boy that is purely because I personally do not know of any girls who have been diagnosed as having ADHD, sorry if I offended anyone! I am sure I didn't imply they were fed on junk food. What I was trying to say was in the 80's "when ADHD didn't exist" the in thing was Hyperactivity disorder caused by having too many e numbers in the diet.
My GP diagnosed this for my son based purely on what I told her, he was then labeled. I myself decided to put an end to putting him on the strictest of diets when he was getting upset at nursery by having an apple when other kids were tucking into treacle sponge & custard. His behaviour changed when I changed my parenting ideas. You have to bare in mind I was 17 when I gave birth to him, thought I knew everything but knew nothing.
I can hold my hand up & say I made the mistakes that had an affect on my child but I also realised before it was too late & am now gladly proud of the man he is today.
So from my experience I believe there may be a few kids with genuine ADHD the majority are misdiagnosed.

I have to add my two penn'orth here!

My son is 9 and has Aspergers, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD plus other motor/co-ordination/learning difficulties. He was first seen aged 2 when, despite always having a strict routine, he decided that he wasn't going to sleep anymore. He never slept more than half an hour a day and would scream constantly. There was no physical reason for this. This continued for a whole year. It was mentioned then that ADHD may be a possibility. By school age he was hyperactive and lacked concentration. To cut a very, very long story short, he has been assessed by The Community Peadiatric team, Speech and Language team, Rygate (2 day multi-disciplinary assesment) CAHMS and is now under the care of Shirle Hill Hospital. I have used every star chart, penny pot, naughty step system you can think of over the years. I stick to them religiously yet nothing has any effect. I have had all the coments about about being firm and having strict boundaries etc. He has a good, healthy fresh diet ( I have food intollerances so it's homemade fresh food every day) and isn't pumped full of additives. I have been doubted by so many people for so long. If my son's problems are down to my parenting skills and ADHD, Aspergers etc are just excuses, why then do all the team of experts I met with this week (Including ed psych, pead psychologist, psychotherapist, mental health nurse and Doctor) all agree that my son's problems are NOTHING to do with my parenting? They have observed him at home, at school and within the hospital/school unit and all agree that he has very complex needs and is a very ill little boy.

My son DOES have ADHD. This does not mean he is a badly behaved boy. This mean that he cannot concentrate on things for a given period of time, he cannot sit still (he is constantly wriggling about, swinging his legs etc) he has poor short term memory skills and a quick temper. His Aspergers makes him appear rude as he makes personal comments to people and he lacks social skills in general. He does not see the world the same way as we do. His 'defiance' is just the way he is. In his world, he see's no reason to other people's requests. He see's things from his point of vire only. Everything is black and white.

Living with a child with ADHD or an Autistic spectrum disorder is hard. Actually, that is an understatement, it's frustrating, isolating and downright heartbreaking at times. I have spent years feeling guilty, putting the blame on myself for the way my son is. I have been made to look like and feel like a bad parent. I AM NOT A BAD PARENT!!!!! I am an intelligent, grounded woman who know's the difference between a 'naughty' child and one who is suffering from a neurlogical disability.

People are too quick to apportion blame. After 4 years of assesments by every team imaginable (and they still haven't finished prodding and poking my poor boy!), I am sure someone would have noticed if his problems 'weren't real' and were all down to junk food and bad parenting.

To the parents of all the kids out there with ADHD or ASD etc, hold your heads high and don't feel guilty. When you live with this day in day out you know the truth :thumbsup: :rant:

I have to add my two penn'orth here!

My son is 9 and has Aspergers, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD plus other motor/co-ordination/learning difficulties. He was first seen aged 2 when, despite always having a strict routine, he decided that he wasn't going to sleep anymore. He never slept more than half an hour a day and would scream constantly. There was no physical reason for this. This continued for a whole year. It was mentioned then that ADHD may be a possibility. By school age he was hyperactive and lacked concentration. To cut a very, very long story short, he has been assessed by The Community Peadiatric team, Speech and Language team, Rygate (2 day multi-disciplinary assesment) CAHMS and is now under the care of Shirle Hill Hospital. I have used every star chart, penny pot, naughty step system you can think of over the years. I stick to them religiously yet nothing has any effect. I have had all the coments about about being firm and having strict boundaries etc. He has a good, healthy fresh diet ( I have food intollerances so it's homemade fresh food every day) and isn't pumped full of additives. I have been doubted by so many people for so long. If my son's problems are down to my parenting skills and ADHD, Aspergers etc are just excuses, why then do all the team of experts I met with this week (Including ed psych, pead psychologist, psychotherapist, mental health nurse and Doctor) all agree that my son's problems are NOTHING to do with my parenting? They have observed him at home, at school and within the hospital/school unit and all agree that he has very complex needs and is a very ill little boy.

My son DOES have ADHD. This does not mean he is a badly behaved boy. This mean that he cannot concentrate on things for a given period of time, he cannot sit still (he is constantly wriggling about, swinging his legs etc) he has poor short term memory skills and a quick temper. His Aspergers makes him appear rude as he makes personal comments to people and he lacks social skills in general. He does not see the world the same way as we do. His 'defiance' is just the way he is. In his world, he see's no reason to other people's requests. He see's things from his point of vire only. Everything is black and white.

Living with a child with ADHD or an Autistic spectrum disorder is hard. Actually, that is an understatement, it's frustrating, isolating and downright heartbreaking at times. I have spent years feeling guilty, putting the blame on myself for the way my son is. I have been made to look like and feel like a bad parent. I AM NOT A BAD PARENT!!!!! I am an intelligent, grounded woman who know's the difference between a 'naughty' child and one who is suffering from a neurlogical disability.

People are too quick to apportion blame. After 4 years of assesments by every team imaginable (and they still haven't finished prodding and poking my poor boy!), I am sure someone would have noticed if his problems 'weren't real' and were all down to junk food and bad parenting.

To the parents of all the kids out there with ADHD or ASD etc, hold your heads high and don't feel guilty. When you live with this day in day out you know the truth :thumbsup: :rant:

An absolutely excellent post, FairyNormal.

Unfortunately, it seems to be the way of the world that many people have to experience things for themselves before they truly believe in them :(

You live with an ADHD sufferer; I've lived with an ADHD sufferer; we KNOW how Real it is. Not everyone will be able to understand.

I'm convinced that one day some excellent medication will finally become available to help sufferers of ADHD and Autism cope with the demands made on them by society and everyday life, and which will enable the majority of them to live full and empowered lives.

StarSparkle

Yes ,good post FairyNormal..........My neice and her husband adopted 2 children with Autism, biological parents both had it and met in drug re-hab, had the two kids and gave them to the State for adoption.

My neice and husband get to go out once a year when her elderly parents are able to visit them, they can't attend any family weddings or get togethers as the young girl now 13 steals everything in sight, the boy 10 refuses to walk when people are around, the father has to carry him.

Although my neice and her husband never complain, they said they knew what they were getting into....don't think they knew it would get worse though, godnesss knows whats going to happen to these two kids when the 'now' parents die...back to the State I guess.

Originally Posted by dan_999uk
I've noticed when taking medical histories from kids (or more accurately their parents) that ADHD is extremely common around the council estate areas of Parsons Cross/Southey Green, Gleadless and the Manor. It is extremely uncommon in Dore, Totley or Fulwood.

Something in the water perhaps?
Or a result of heavy inbreeding, more like. This must be the flimsiest excuse for bad parenting - in most cases - known to man.It's all really simple when you look at it like this.

Is there any hope for these individuals. Do they grow out of it? Or give it up when they realise they are getting nowwhere.
Will it be used as defence in court when as a man they transgress the law by way of their ADHD.
From peoples descriptions of these children, they sound unloveable, and undeserving of the time spent on them.
It sounds as if institutional life would be better for them.
Their parents could get some peace, and the rest of society would be freee of them.
If they cannot conform, then this will happen anyway in the future, when they are committed to prison for some crime committed during a grown up out break of 'ADHD'.

They most certainly are not 'unloveable'- they may be hard work sometimes (but let's face it- what child isn't?) but that doesn't mean that their families or society should give up on them.

Most of the adults that they grow up to be are productive members of society.

They most certainly are not 'unloveable'- they may be hard work sometimes (but let's face it- what child isn't?) but that doesn't mean that their families or society should give up on them.

Most of the adults that they grow up to be are productive members of society.And a great many of them grow up to be career criminals.

And a great many of them grow up to be career criminals.

That's not a helpful comment to make Bartfarst - people with ADHD have a hard enough life as it is without people like you going round putting unjustified labels on them.

It's not helpful, it's not nice, it serves no useful purpose - so don't do it.

StarSparkle

I've noticed when taking medical histories from kids (or more accurately their parents) that ADHD is extremely common around the council estate areas of Parsons Cross/Southey Green, Gleadless and the Manor. It is extremely uncommon in Dore, Totley or Fulwood.

Something in the water perhaps?

I'm extremely sceptical about 'syndromes' and 'conditions' that the the latest intake of so called psychiatrists have invented , however, if the 'Acute Disobedience and Hard Dosh' syndrome really does exist, it does tend to proliferate in the areas where benefits are a way of life and disability premiums are added once this condition is diagnosed. This doesn't detract from the real problems some parents have with their children and these should be addressed.

I'm extremely sceptical about 'syndromes' and 'conditions' that the the latest intake of so called psychiatrists have invented , however, if the 'Acute Disobedience and Hard Dosh' syndrome really does exist, it does tend to proliferate in the areas where benefits are a way of life and disability premiums are added once this condition is diagnosed. This doesn't detract from the real problems some parents have with their children and these should be addressed.

You really shouldn't talk about subjects you clearly know nothing about, Cloudybay :nono:

It just shows your ignorance.

StarSparkle

That's not a helpful comment to make Bartfarst - people with ADHD have a hard enough life as it is without people like you going round putting unjustified labels on them.
It's not helpful, it's not nice, it serves no useful purpose - so don't do it.
StarSparkle
Sometimes the truth can hurt.
Problem children usually grow into problem adults, at least they do in the real world I live in.

You really shouldn't talk about subjects you clearly know nothing about, Cloudybay :nono:

It just shows your ignorance.

StarSparkleEverybody duck, handbags at ten paces . . . .

some people may have misunderstood my referance to medical examinations, they do a medical to discount an underlying illness/condition such as poor eyesight/hearing which may cause behaviours that mimic adhd. most people assume that the child is badly behaved, this is not the case my daughter is one of the most caring, considerate kids i know, she just cannot control her actions due to her impulsive nature, is unable to stay still even when asleep, has difficulty staying focused, or concentrating, which affected her school work since diagnosis school work has improved greatly and due to meds is more able to focus on tasks set. kids with adhd need strict routines, clear consistant bounderies, with clear consequences for inappropiate behaviours. NOT "as some think" allow them to run riot and allow them to get away with it because of there illness. this is known in our world of adhd as behaviour management.
dynamicdebs, no offence taken, i did that to see how many people assumed my child was a boy as it is extremely rare in girls, possibly why it took so long for her to get an official diagnosis. if it helps any i was well into my twentys when i had her so not a teen mum unable to cope not that im dissing teen mums so dont take offence.:)

Is there any hope for these individuals. Do they grow out of it? Or give it up when they realise they are getting nowwhere.

Autistic spectrum disorders are something that cannot be 'grown out of'. They are life long developmental disorders. There is no magic cure. You wouldn't expect a child with Downs Syndrome to grow out of it would you? There is no difference for ASD.

From peoples descriptions of these children, they sound unloveable, and undeserving of the time spent on them.
It sounds as if institutional life would be better for them.
Their parents could get some peace, and the rest of society would be freee of them.
If they cannot conform, then this will happen anyway in the future, when they are committed to prison for some crime committed during a grown up out break of 'ADHD'.

How dare you imply that my son or any other child with ADHD or ASD is unloveable and undeserving of the time spent on them? I am extremely insulted by that comment. My son is an extremely affectionate, warm, caring little boy whom I love unbelievably much. So you think society would be better off without the likes of him do you and that he should be institutionalised? Why is this? What harm does he pose to society just because he is different from you? Autism or ADHD does NOT make an individual a criminal nor does it make them a non-conformist. My son asks me on a daily basis why he can't be 'normal' and why does he do the things he does? It breaks my heart. He is hard work but I love him unconditionally. He knows he is different and he hates it. Society is cruel to anyone who breaks the mould of so called 'normality'.

I seriously hope that you have no children nor do in the future. Heaven help any child of yours should it have a disability or some other kind ofdifference.

In my opinion, people like you, ignorant, ill informed biggots are the ones who pose more danger to society than any person with ADHD or ASD.

many of you with"normal kids" assume it would not exsist if our parenting skills were adequate, but those of you who think that still have not answered my question. if only 1 of my 4 kids has adhd, then why dont my other 3 if it is down to bad parenting?
the problem is that some parents do claim there kids have it, and use it as an excuse thinking they dont have to enforce rules. these individuals have never had an official diagnosis. which you must understand is extremly frustrating to those of us who do as fairy normal said our kids dont act like this on purpose, as it is difficult and upseting for them. my child does not have freinds and spends much of her time either alone or with her brothers. she has no problem making friends but keeping them is. which upsets me when we can here the kids outside playing. it is very easy for others on the outside to criticize. i dont know any kid with an official diagnosis of adhd, therefore able to access help and support, who would end up in prision.

Autistic spectrum disorders are something that cannot be 'grown out of'. They are life long developmental disorders. There is no magic cure. You wouldn't expect a child with Downs Syndrome to grow out of it would you? There is no difference for ASD.



How dare you imply that my son or any other child with ADHD or ASD is unloveable and undeserving of the time spent on them? I am extremely insulted by that comment. My son is an extremely affectionate, warm, caring little boy whom I love unbelievably much. So you think society would be better off without the likes of him do you and that he should be institutionalised? Why is this? What harm does he pose to society just because he is different from you? Autism or ADHD does NOT make an individual a criminal nor does it make them a non-conformist. My son asks me on a daily basis why he can't be 'normal' and why does he do the things he does? It breaks my heart. He is hard work but I love him unconditionally. He knows he is different and he hates it. Society is cruel to anyone who breaks the mould of so called 'normality'.

I seriously hope that you have no children nor do in the future. Heaven help any child of yours should it have a disability or some other kind ofdifference.

In my opinion, people like you, ignorant, ill informed biggots are the ones who pose more danger to society than any person with ADHD or ASD.
My children and grandchildren are well brought up, well developed, successful people.
I was brought up in an era when we did not rush to find an excuse for peoples errant behaviour. You sorted yourself out, or went under
These days it is all, give something a name and that makes it all alright.
There is no excuse for bad behaviour.
What ever name you want to call it by.

My children and grandchildren are well brought up, well developed, successful people.
I was brought up in an era when we did not rush to find an excuse for peoples errant behaviour. You sorted yourself out, or went under
These days it is all, give something a name and that makes it all alright.
There is no excuse for bad behaviour.
What ever name you want to call it by.

I'm very disappointed in you, Artisan - I really thought better of you than this.

Just because you may have been fortunate enough not to come across this condition amongst your family and acquaintances, does not give you the right to demean other people's experiences of what is a very real condition.

You should be thanking God that no-one in your family suffers from it, that's all I can say.

Learn a little tolerance, my friend.

StarSparkle

It is not bad behaviour. I am well brought up and so are my children. If you want to be really picky and make out that it is all down to upbringing then surely as I come from a family that contained well respected, titled people, surely that cannot be the case? I work, always have done and my children do not roam the streets running riot and causing trouble. My son has a neurological disability not an ASBO!

For some people I am afraid that ignorance is bliss. You do not live in the real world where real people struggle everyday with such disabilities. I will never make excuses for the way my son is. If he is naughty, he is punished appropriately. However, I refuse to punish him for being born differently. His disgnosis is not an excuse, it is a real reason for him being the way he is.

And do you know what, he'll grow up to be 10 times the 'man' you are.

I'm very disappointed in you, Artisan - I really thought better of you than this.

Just because you may have been fortunate enough not to come across this condition amongst your family and acquaintances, does not give you the right to demean other people's experiences of what is a very real condition.

You should be thanking God that no-one in your family suffers from it, that's all I can say.

Learn a little tolerance, my friend.

StarSparkle
I am one of the most tolerant people on this planet.
However, can you explain to me, why my two year old granddaughter, who has never known anything but love in her life, should have her hair pulled and be hit, at nursery, by one of these children?
The children who suffer from this ailment, are not the ones said to have it.
It is the well behaved children who have to take the brunt of their outrageous behaviour.
Every concession given just reinforces in their mind, that this behaviour pays dividends.
We all love our children, but giving into them and excusing their behaviour by giving it a title is not the way.
That is my opinion, and my final word on this matter.

You really shouldn't talk about subjects you clearly know nothing about, Cloudybay :nono:

It just shows your ignorance.

StarSparkle

And how do you know that Cloudbay knows nothing about ADHD StarSparkle?, you should not be so quick to jump on someone like that as it could be construed as bullying !!

bartfast, you really do hold some objectionable opinions.

trust me, ADHD really does happen. My nephew has it, mildly, and my cousin's son also is affected.

I am in my forties, and I had ADHD before it was really well-known.

At the age of about 11 months, my parents had to get some sedatives for me from the doctor, because I could not/ would not sleep. (which, of course, impacted on them)

I was very forward, developmentally, taking and walking before the age of one, reading (properly) by the age of 2 and a half. I could recite the alphabet, backwards at 18 months old.

I would get into trouble at school, because I was not stimulated enough by the teacher, as I was some way in advance of my classmates. I became bored, and would frequently end up being made to sit in isolation outside the classroom, in the infant and junior school.

when I was in junior school it was first suspected that I may be "gifted", and some IQ tests were performed on me. I had a reading age, at seven or eight, that went off the scale (I seem to remember the scale only went to something like 15 yrs 8 mos.) My IQ was in the high 150s. My teacher called my parents in, and tried to explain to them, that I had a higher IQ than HE had, and he was a university graduate. (!)

It was hellish, for me, as I was constantly held back, by my fellow pupils. now I don't mean to sound mean, as they were mostly "average-to-bright" but it was like being a sprint runner, being held back in pace by an elderly person. It might have been better for me to have had one-to-one tuition, perhaps, where I could have advanced at my own pace.

A headmaster, who was wonderfully forward-thinking had a conference with my parents about the difficulties I was experiencing, as he had recognised that there was some problem reconciling my advanced abilities with the pace i was having to work at. this was the first time that it was properly mooted that there was something actually "wrong".

From being tiny, I had difficulties with sleeplessness. Throughout my childhood I could not switch off, and settle.

I needed to read till the small-hours. I had to read until I was so exhausted I couldnt help but drop off. Which, again, impacted on my parents, who, in the middle of the night, would have to remonstrate with me that I still had my reading lamp on, and my nose in a book.

My mind was so active, that, even when asleep, it would not shut down enough, and I would have night terrors, nightmares, and would sleepwalk.

I agree that some ADHD can be helped with decent nutrition, (particularly cutting out certain e-numbers, and being disciplined in curtailing the amount of refined sugars given to a child) but it really is no easy thing to cope with for a parent.

I am one of the most tolerant people on this planet.
However, can you explain to me, why my two year old granddaughter, who has never known anything but love in her life, should have her hair pulled and be hit, at nursery, by one of these children?
The children who suffer from this ailment, are not the ones said to have it.
It is the well behaved children who have to take the brunt of their outrageous behaviour.
Every concession given just reinforces in their mind, that this behaviour pays dividends.
We all love our children, but giving into them and excusing their behaviour by giving it a title is not the way.
That is my opinion, and my final word on this matter.

I'm not going to get into this with you, Artisan.

You appear to have no understanding whatsoever of what makes ADHD children tick, and seem to have a totally closed mind to their situation.

As has been said several times, ADHD is a DISABILITY, a Neurological Condition. ADHD sufferers are handicapped in this world, but, presumably because they don't LOOK handicapped, they receive minimal sympathy from the general public. Their brains are not wired up in the same way as the vast najority of people, which means they think differently and respond differently to stimuli than your average person. This does NOT mean they are intentionally badly-behaved - it does mean they can have poor impulse control, which can make it appear that they are being deliberately naughty.

They can get into trouble without having any idea why they are being punished.

It is not a question of them being 'bad' children or having incompetent parents - it does mean they will not always behave in ways that are expected by people who have no understanding of their condition.

Bad behaviour is not acceptable simply because a child suffers from ADHD - no-one is saying that ADHD sufferers should be allowed to get away with behaving in an unacceptable manner. If anything, ADHD sufferers need VERY clear boundaries as to what is and is not acceptable. What these children most need is some sympathy and understanding from those around them, to help them to integrate the best they can.

Anyone who is 'different' to the norm in our society faces a great deal of pressure to conform. Many ADHD sufferers would LOVE to be able to do so - "I just want to be normal" is something that is often said. But it's just not that easy, I'm afraid. A person with ADHD can feel like a Martian sent to live on planet Earth without an instruction manual for how to live successfully on this planet. It's a bit like like expecting a British child to be able to speak Chinese without ever being taught it.

A bit of sympathy and understanding for such people, who already have lives full of confusion and pain, is not too much to ask, surely?

StarSparkle

bartfast, you really do hold some objectionable opinions.

trust me, ADHD really does happen. My nephew has it, mildly, and my cousin's son also is affected.

I am in my forties, and I had ADHD before it was really well-known.

At the age of about 11 months, my parents had to get some sedatives for me from the doctor, because I could not/ would not sleep. (which, of course, impacted on them)

I was very forward, developmentally, taking and walking before the age of one, reading (properly) by the age of 2 and a half. I could recite the alphabet, backwards at 18 months old.

I would get into trouble at school, because I was not stimulated enough by the teacher, as I was some way in advance of my classmates. I became bored, and would frequently end up being made to sit in isolation outside the classroom, in the infant and junior school.

when I was in junior school it was first suspected that I may be "gifted", and some IQ tests were performed on me. I had a reading age, at seven or eight, that went off the scale (I seem to remember the scale only went to something like 15 yrs 8 mos.) My IQ was in the high 150s. My teacher called my parents in, and tried to explain to them, that I had a higher IQ than HE had, and he was a university graduate. (!)

It was hellish, for me, as I was constantly held back, by my fellow pupils. now I don't mean to sound mean, as they were mostly "average-to-bright" but it was like being a sprint runner, being held back in pace by an elderly person. It might have been better for me to have had one-to-one tuition, perhaps, where I could have advanced at my own pace.

A headmaster, who was wonderfully forward-thinking had a conference with my parents about the difficulties I was experiencing, as he had recognised that there was some problem reconciling my advanced abilities with the pace i was having to work at. this was the first time that it was properly mooted that there was something actually "wrong".

From being tiny, I had difficulties with sleeplessness. Throughout my childhood I could not switch off, and settle.

I needed to read till the small-hours. I had to read until I was so exhausted I couldnt help but drop off. Which, again, impacted on my parents, who, in the middle of the night, would have to remonstrate with me that I still had my reading lamp on, and my nose in a book.

My mind was so active, that, even when asleep, it would not shut down enough, and I would have night terrors, nightmares, and would sleepwalk.

I agree that some ADHD can be helped with decent nutrition, (particularly cutting out certain e-numbers, and being disciplined in curtailing the amount of refined sugars given to a child) but it really is no easy thing to cope with for a parent.
Sounds like you were bright but didn't receive enough stimulus to engage your mind, or to tire you.

Your IQ is similar to mine - I was moved up a year at school when I was 6 and that seemed to help, as I had to catch up with kids a year older who had a year's more teaching and knowledge than I had at that stage.
I was a bit of a handful for my parents because I was bright, inquisitive and strong-willed, but they just made sure that I knew in no uncertain terms that their wills were stronger than mine. It worked, and they didn't look for a label to justify an energetic bright kid who needed a firm hand.
They just applied discipline, and made sure I focussed my energy into taking my O levels a year early.

And how do you know that Cloudbay knows nothing about ADHD StarSparkle?, you should not be so quick to jump on someone like that as it could be construed as bullying !!

It's perfectly obvious from her comments - simple, really

StarSparkle

if the 'Acute Disobedience and Hard Dosh' syndrome really does exist, it does tend to proliferate in the areas where benefits are a way of life and disability premiums are added once this condition is diagnosed. This doesn't detract from the real problems some parents have with their children and these should be addressed.

I have been told by someone who works with many families with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD that this is becoming more and more common. Do families only get more benefits if the child is actually taking medication for ADHD? Where is the reasoning behind the governments decision to increase benefits in these cases? Doesn't it encourage parents to: a; medicate their children with drugs that we know very little of the long term effects of and what damage they can do? b; ensure that their children continue to behave in this way? Hasn't research also shown that omega fish oils and vitamin supplements have had more succesful effects on children with ADHD than medication we know little about? If so - why is the government so keen on pushing Ritalin and whatever else down youngsters throats, and dishing out financial incentives to families for being guinea pigs?

I do sympathise wholeheartedly with the families of children with disabilities and learning difficulties and I know it can be very frustrating and a battle to get the help they need and deserve.

I think we need to monitor the situation closely, nationwide, though, as it would appear that children might be at risk of being exploited.

It's perfectly obvious from her comments - simple, really

StarSparkle


can i ask you what your qualifacations are? ... I mean professional qualifacations, a social worker, doctor, specialist teacher?


I'm not denying special needs exist, but i think 80% of the cases are caused by bad parenting, shouldnt parents take responsability for their childrens behaviour?

can i ask you what your qualifacations are? ... I mean professional qualifacations, a social worker, doctor, specialist teacher?


Real life experiences with real-life sufferers of ADHD/Autism - not just theories from books. And I spent a great deal of time researching into Autism/the Autistic spectrum in the mid-90s for my own education using the resources of the University Library, including the most up-to-date academic journals. I have also studied the work of leading Autism specialists in this country, such as Dr Lorna Wing and Professor Digby Tantam.

I know what I'm talking about - both practically and academically.

StarSparkle

Real life experiences with real-life sufferers of ADHD & Autism - not just theories from books. And I spent a great deal of time researching into Autism & the Autistic spectrum in the mid-90s for my own education using the resources of the University Library, including the most up-to-date academic journals. I have also studied the work of leading Autism specialists in this country, such as Dr Lorna Wing and Professor Digby Tantam.

I know what I'm talking about - both practically and academically.

StarSparkle

i ask again, what are your academic qualifications?

judging by your answer i presume you do not have any, i have no problem with people expressing their opinions, it just seems to be very bully boy tactics to dis-spell, ignore and shout down the opinions of other people (cloudybay for instance). Why should your opinions be more credable than cloudybays ... or for that matter, anyone who disagrees with you?

i ask again, what are your academic qualifications?

judging by your answer i presume you do not have any, i have no problem with people expressing their opinions, it just seems to be very bully boy tactics to dis-spell, ignore and shout down the opinions of other people (cloudybay for instance). Why should your opinions be more credable than cloudybays ... or for that matter, anyone who disagrees with you?

You've obviously already made your mind up about me - there's no point in me trying to talk to a closed mind.

I'm not rising to your bait - have a nice day :)

StarSparkle

Real life experiences with real-life sufferers of ADHD/Autism - not just theories from books. And I spent a great deal of time researching into Autism/the Autistic spectrum in the mid-90s for my own education using the resources of the University Library, including the most up-to-date academic journals. I have also studied the work of leading Autism specialists in this country, such as Dr Lorna Wing and Professor Digby Tantam.

I know what I'm talking about - both practically and academically.

StarSparkleI met a chap who claimed to be a physicist a couple of years ago. It turned out that he had, indeed, read a couple of books and papers about particle physics and relativity. It was rather amusing to see my ex pull him to pieces over a drink one night - she had a physics masters and specialised in just those subjects.

I met a chap who claimed to be a physicist a couple of years ago. It turned out that he had, indeed, read a couple of books and papers about particle physics and relativity. It was rather amusing to see my ex pull him to pieces over a drink one night - she had a physics masters and specialised in just those subjects.

It was a little more than that, my dear Bartfarst - I was reading the same learned journal articles as the academics in the field would/should have been studying.

I have conversed with specialists in the Autism field and was able to keep up my side of the discussion with perfect ease, thank you, as I actually knew what I was talking about.

To have a degree/qualifications in a subject does not make you omnipotent in that area - it merely means you have studied the required texts and have managed to regurgitate them successfully in examinations. I gave intensive personal study to the subject of Autism and related disabilities, and as I have already stated, had many years of personal experience of the condition prior to that.

I am not suggesting in any way that I am an expert in the area of Autism, of course not - but I certainly know a hell of a lot more than the vast majority of people.

StarSparkle

It was a little more than that, my dear Bartfarst - I was reading the same learned journal articles as the academics in the field would/should have been studying.I am sure that you have read thoroughly into the subject, and you certainly seem to be confident of your knowledge and experience.

And I have no doubt that that's a very great deal more than the likes of Cloudybay.
StarSparkleMeeoow!! What you don't get a claw caught in your cardigan.

Im too lazy to read the entire thread, but doesnt nutrition play a part in this condition? Wasnt there something about E numbers Etc aggravating it?

Im too lazy to read the entire thread, but doesnt nutrition play a part in this condition? Wasnt there something about E numbers Etc aggravating it?

I think E numbers can have an effect - especially the red / orange colourants.

Despite doing Biochemistry donkey's years ago I can't remember the details now.

But they can have the same effect on kids who don't have ADHD, however.

I think E numbers can have an effect - especially the red / orange colourants.

Despite doing Biochemistry donkey's years ago I can't remember the details now.

But they can have the same effect on kids who don't have ADHD, however.
Yeah I vaguely remember the colourants in Smarties having a horrible effect-so bad in fact, they had to change the ingredients.

E numbers had an effect on my little bro, mainly E102 (tartrazine)...made him insane!!!

even cutting that out (which did make a huge difference) he was still hyper a lot of the time and was eventually diagnosed with ADHD when it was too late to help him at school etc :(

So, StarSparkle, you have spoken masterfully on the subject........every view on it which is disagreeable to your own is not worth a hearing on this thread. :)

E numbers had an effect on my little bro, mainly E102 (tartrazine)...made him insane!!!

even cutting that out (which did make a huge difference) he was still hyper a lot of the time and was eventually diagnosed with ADHD when it was too late to help him at school etc :(

That's the stuff, tartrazine!

I remember in my School Governing days we could tell which kids had had a slightly 'chemically enhanced' lunchtime treats with their sandwiches; they were teh oens who started climbing the walls!

I met a chap who claimed to be a physicist a couple of years ago. It turned out that he had, indeed, read a couple of books and papers about particle physics and relativity. It was rather amusing to see my ex pull him to pieces over a drink one night - she had a physics masters and specialised in just those subjects.

Ive met a few people like that too, why do poeple lie and pretend to be experts in areas they know little about, if they really want to be an expert instead of just spouting that they are, why dont they put in the required study and put their money where their mouth is!

Its just fabulous when a so-called expert comes face to face with a professional, they fall to pieces quicker than a clowns car!:thumbsup:

It's perfectly obvious from her comments - simple, really

StarSparkle

That is YOU opinion StarSparkle, however, i would have hoped that people on here could have a sensible discussion and not just give someone a cursory slapdown with that derisory remark, each persons opions are valid, wemight not agree with them, but that does not give us all cart blanche to be so dismissive

I think E numbers can have an effect - especially the red / orange colourants.

Despite doing Biochemistry donkey's years ago I can't remember the details now.

But they can have the same effect on kids who don't have ADHD, however.

quite right my 3yr old goes loopy if granny gives him sweets full of e numbers, but he most definatly does not have adhd. yet my child who does has a v. healthy diet, she has never been one for chips n nuggets, prefering fresh fruit n veg instead. theres more to it than kids bouncing off the walls for a few hrs. we also tried omega 3 oils before diagnosis but they had no effect that was recognised, her school work was still appalling. and that was/is my main concern.

FICTION

Which I think answers the original question.

FICTION

Which I think answers the original question.

It does Bartfarst, but it would be nice to see some reasoned thought behind your opinion.

It does Bartfarst, but it would be nice to see some reasoned thought behind your opinion.
Stop being tiresome Halibut, I've made a few posts. As you seem to have the time to stalk the Forum throughout the day, I suggest you look for them.

Stop being tiresome Halibut, I've made a few posts. As you seem to have the time to stalk the Forum throughout the day, I suggest you look for them.
I did, but still couldn't see anything which might suggest reasoned thought.

bartfarst: i did ask for peoples opinon and you gave it though looking through your previous posts, i still can not see your reasoning behind it, other than an opinion it is centered around councial estates. does this have any thing to do with living in hallam, nice area, nice neighbours? i personaly will not shout you down for explaining this, though i cannot speak for others.

thought id start new thread to gather public opinion on adhd as people seem to be using samsmums thread to air their views and knowledge on this, which does not help her. to the best of my knowledge, a few points.
a) i have 4 kids, only 1 has adhd, how is this down to social/enviromental factors or my parenting skills?
b) if this label is given to all kids who behave badly, then why has my nephew been told he does not have it, though his behaviours are simular to my childs?
c) these behaviours must exist in more than 1 setting, eg home and school.
d) the childs parents/teachers have to agree theres a problem,then the child has a medical examination, and a psycological assesment, before a diagnosis is made. leaving little room 4 misdiagnosis (though im not saying this does not happen)
i had to wait 5 yrs for others to aknowledge there was a problem before i could start the assesments,yet still hear people say it must be my fault some how. i want to use this thread to raise others awareness to this.

I feel quite strongly about this!

I believe that a lot of children do NOT have adhd but it a easy label to give a child. Once they have this label they drug them up and forget about them.
where i live there is huge poverty and in the 90's the adults were on prosac now their off that and the kids are on ritalin?
if adhd is a new medical condition where the hell has it came from?
dont get me wrong iam not blaming parents but i suggest we should look at the relationships between parents and children because relationships will be different with each child. and each childs needs will be different.
not only that i would do everything for my child not to be labeled with this condition. but some doctors are quick to say undisarible behaviour is adhd!
my godson is labeled with this condition and he was given it at the age of 7 it is not the appropriate place to tell you his life story but put it this way by the time he was 7 he had been through more than most adults and the psychologists told his mother children will adapt and its like water off a ducks back !! the man needs sacking but never mind

rant over !! sorry !! thank you

bartfarst: i did ask for peoples opinon and you gave it though looking through your previous posts, i still can not see your reasoning behind it, other than an opinion it is centered around councial estates. does this have any thing to do with living in hallam, nice area, nice neighbours? i personaly will not shout you down for explaining this, though i cannot speak for others.
If there is such a disorder, which is possible, I believe that it is very rare.

I also believe that many people, social services included, use it as an 'easy option' for labelling plain old bad kids.

Further, I don't ever see so-called ADHD sufferers that have come from well-balanced, educated families - but we all see the product of the gutter estates, where good parenting is a rare commodity and 'ADHD' is rife.

Bartfarst, I find you comments unbelievably unsulting.

So, I take it you are implying that I am uneducated and a product of a gutter estate? What, may I ask, qualifies you to make this assumption? You know nothing about myself or my family. We do not live on any Estate, I work and am well educated. Both my children are well balanced individuals, one just happens to have a medical diagnosis from several specialists of Aspergers, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD and OCD. As I have previously stated, he has been assessed almost continuously for the last 4 years by a variety of specialists, all of whom have come to the same conclusion. His disabilities are nothing what-so-ever to do with my parenting skills or lack of them. His conditions are neurological disorders and are most likely genetic in nature. When an otherwise 'normal' 5 year old finds he has to lick everything because if he doesn't, he fears he might die, I fail to see what that has to do with my parenting. When he doesn't sleep or cannot sit still despite being exhasuted, how has my parenting influenced this? When he can recall conversations almost word perfect from 5 years ago but cannot remember a set of instructions given 5 minutes ago, how can my parenting cause this?

I find your comments and opinions nothing but hot headed, predjudiced insults. I do not have to justify myself to you, neither do I have to insult you to get my point across.

I ask you, which one of us comes across as the most well-balanced and educated? Spouting insults does not make one educated neither does a 'nice' address.

Better the fool remain silent than open his mouth and remove all doubt!

kerry w: i did not find it easy to get the diagnosis, though i will admit that i was relieved to get the diagnosis, after years of been told that it was normal, just a phase, bad parenting ect ect. now she does have meds(which has calmed her down, and made her more focused). she has not been forgot about, she has reviews every 3 months at ryegate, to moniter her wellbeing/behaviour. and i use positive parenting, and can call upon ryegate to give guidence if her behaviour should become troublesome,
i do however acknowledge your point that each child has a different relationship with the parent.
you comment that your godsons adhd could be due to his enviroment, but my child displayed the classic adhd behaviours well before anything else could have had any effect.

I agree with you, fairy, (happy birthday, BTW!)

I have stated in my own post, where I speak of my own experience of being ADHD, I was not a "gutter child" type... I was the child of two very intelligent people, and very "forward" and intelligent myself, so Bartfast's sweeping dismissal is ridiculous in the extreme, and incredibly insulting to the parents and children livng with these conditions.

I felt i had adhd when i was younger but i got labelled a problem child instead

I had a serious lack in concentra

i found that my school work did suff

and my english lessons were a nightm

i found i sumtimes started to drift off and when i came back and reread what i had wrote dkakjjsdhdajkhdksjab nz it maid apsolutly know sense whatsoeveeeeeeeeeerrrrr :(

bartfarst:
i did say i would not shout you down, so will keep my sarcasm to myself. but dont judge me because i live in shiregreen. i did have a very middle class upbringing my grandparents were very well respected bussiness people, my husband and i own our own house, we dont claim benifits, i dont even claim dla so this is not an excuse for extra benifit claims,not that i should have to explain my upbringing this for my family is v. real. just wondered exactly how many kids do you actually know who have adhd?
as ive mentioned before from my experiance, the diagniosis involves a series of evaluations/examinations. not one parent saying there kid is unruly to obtain an officail diagnosis.

Posted by Bartfartst: If there is such a disorder, which is possible, I believe that it is very rare.
I also believe that many people, social services included, use it as an 'easy option' for labelling plain old bad kids.
Further, I don't ever see so-called ADHD sufferers that have come from well-balanced, educated families - but we all see the product of the gutter estates, where good parenting is a rare commodity and 'ADHD' is rife.

Bartfarst, I find you comments unbelievably unsulting.
So, I take it you are implying that I am uneducated and a product of a gutter estate? What, may I ask, qualifies you to make this assumption? You know nothing about myself or my family. We do not live on any Estate, I work and am well educated. Both my children are well balanced individuals, one just happens to have a medical diagnosis from several specialists of Aspergers, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD and OCD. As I have previously stated, he has been assessed almost continuously for the last 4 years by a variety of specialists, all of whom have come to the same conclusion. His disabilities are nothing what-so-ever to do with my parenting skills or lack of them. His conditions are neurological disorders and are most likely genetic in nature. When an otherwise 'normal' 5 year old finds he has to lick everything because if he doesn't, he fears he might die, I fail to see what that has to do with my parenting. When he doesn't sleep or cannot sit still despite being exhasuted, how has my parenting influenced this? When he can recall conversations almost word perfect from 5 years ago but cannot remember a set of instructions given 5 minutes ago, how can my parenting cause this?
I find your comments and opinions nothing but hot headed, predjudiced insults. I do not have to justify myself to you, neither do I have to insult you to get my point across.
I ask you, which one of us comes across as the most well-balanced and educated? Spouting insults does not make one educated neither does a 'nice' address.
Better the fool remain silent than open his mouth and remove all doubt! For goodness’ sake woman, I implied nothing of the sort. I did not aim my comment at you, so your decision to take it as an insult is a little paranoid. I never even knew that you existed or read your posts, let alone made judgements about you or claimed knowledge of your family.

Most of the conditions you describe seem to be rooted in the Aspergers rather than ADHD, but lets’ move on to the ADHD.

Did you notice my comment “such a disorder, which is possible, I believe that it is very rare”.

Perhaps there are people with genuine disorders. I did not single you out as somebody who did or did not have to deal with the alleged condition. Maybe your child has it.

On the whole though, there are many kids that need strict discipline, and families that fail to provide it. They look for excuses for their failings, and so-called experts are happy to label them with something that makes life easier and justifies it all.

For someone who has been so vocal on this subject to not even read the many replies by myself in this thread I find incredible. It is obvious, if you had read any of my comments, that my child has this condition. I do take offense at your sweeping generalisations about the upbringing, education and social status of families with children diagnosed with ADHD. This includes me so yes, your comments were aimed at me as much as any other parent of a child with ADHD.

Mod note:

Deep breath folks!

Remember that other people have opinions and beliefs, and that this is a place for debate. Don't take things personally, and respond with well thought out counter augments.

Let's turn the heat down a notch or two though. :)

Thanks.

I think in a lot of cases though some doctors don't give enough credit the the parents for knowing their children better than they do, that goes for some teachers too.

I agree with you completely, Poppins.

Particularly doctors, only see a child who is referred to them for perhaps an hour maybe, when it's a lottery whether the child is 'well-behaved' or 'badly-behaved' at that particular time? Really, how can an accurate assessment be made in such a short time?

The parents are with the child day in, day out - 24/7. I don't know what the answer is - but who is the expert on the child, after all - the parent or the doctor?

StarSparkle

kerry w: i did not find it easy to get the diagnosis, though i will admit that i was relieved to get the diagnosis, after years of been told that it was normal, just a phase, bad parenting ect ect. now she does have meds(which has calmed her down, and made her more focused). she has not been forgot about, she has reviews every 3 months at ryegate, to moniter her wellbeing/behaviour. and i use positive parenting, and can call upon ryegate to give guidence if her behaviour should become troublesome,
i do however acknowledge your point that each child has a different relationship with the parent.
you comment that your godsons adhd could be due to his enviroment, but my child displayed the classic adhd behaviours well before anything else could have had any effect.

Iam sorry if i have offended you i do not dispute that your child may have adhd and i feel for you and the issues you must face daily. however i still feel there are a lot of children and families left with this diagnosis and i know a few.
you are luckey to have such good after care !!

:)

I think in a lot of cases though some doctors don't give enough credit the the parents for knowing their children better than they do, that goes for some teachers too.



Individually they may all appear to have good grounds for thinking that their child is suffering from some medical condition. Taken as a whole, in general terms, it would appear that a disproportionate number come from low socio-economic backgrounds where the associated issues of absent fathers and poor nutrition are likely to be amongst the factors.

The problem is knowing which parents to trust, trusting too many of them has resulted in the situation in which kids are being diagnosed with, and being treated for, a medical problem when they haven't really got one.

Meanwhile parents of genuine sufferers are not receiving the appropriate levels of support and are disbelieved by members of the public.

Yes rach, but there's no modern help yet for people with Autism, it stays with them thru their adult life, at least there's treatment and hope for children with cancer....although I don't know which I would chose when it comes to your children.

My step brother, who was 6..died from cancer.

Do you think we would have prefered that?

:cry:

Individually they may all appear to have good grounds for thinking that their child is suffering from some medical condition. Taken as a whole, in general terms, it would appear that a disproportionate number come from low socio-economic backgrounds where the associated issues of absent fathers and poor nutrition are likely to be amongst the factors.

The problem is knowing which parents to trust, trusting too many of them has resulted in the situation in which kids are being diagnosed with, and being treated for, a medical problem when they haven't really got one.

Meanwhile parents of genuine sufferers are not receiving the appropriate levels of support and are disbelieved by members of the public.

Tricky, i couldnt have put that better myself. :)

re bartfarst
personaly i dont belive he is as arrogant as he would like us to believe. i think he is a bit of a joker, who gets a kick out of winding people up then sitting back and laughing at there responses. only a fool would admit they we that arrogant. you just need to look at his username to figure that 1 out, bart(makes me think of the simpsons) and could farst be german for farce eg comedy. though my german is not up to much
though he said it was fiction even he admited that there was a few genuine cases, even if he believes that only 5% of all adhd cases are genuine then surely that would make it fact, as he would have to believe that none of the cases were genuine for it to be fiction.:huh:

re bartfarst
personaly i dont belive he is as arrogant as he would like us to believe. i think he is a bit of a joker, who gets a kick out of winding people up then sitting back and laughing at there responses. only a fool would admit they we that arrogant. you just need to look at his username to figure that 1 out, bart(makes me think of the simpsons) and could farst be german for farce eg comedy. though my german is not up to much
though he said it was fiction even he admited that there was a few genuine cases, even if he believes that only 5% of all adhd cases are genuine then surely that would make it fact, as he would have to believe that none of the cases were genuine for it to be fiction.:huh:

Hiya,

Please leave Bartfarst out of discussions here, as I'm afraid he's unable to reply.

sorry. didnt mean it in a nasty way.

sorry. didnt mean it in a nasty way.

I know - just didn't want you waiting for a reply.

this has made intersting reading and i have first hand experiance of adhd as my brother apprently "suffers" from it.

i think it does exsist but only a minority of diagnosed cases are guenuine. and im sorry to rain on peoples parades but i think it is a working class disorder. I grew up on a council estate and i can honestly say that nearly all cases of adhd are to do with bad parenting (my dad included) rather than an actual medical condition!

as for my brother, he has just not been brought up as well by my dad as i was by my mum. his behaviour is down to not being disciplined and thinking there are no consequences for his actions. there is quite a big age difference between us and its blatantly obvious to even my dad now.

Do hyperactive dysliexic kids have DADH?

ADHD exists because doctors say it does. It is really just a scale of behaviour and those at the extremes of the scale must, by definition, not be normal. Because they aren't normal they must be treated. Of course, there will always be people who are at the extremes of the scale. In the US it is now common to give children who are "too small" growth hormones to make them "normal" which then makes another set of people too small. Another problem now in the US, and coming to a school near you soon, is testing to see if you are despressed. If a child is depressed then they need drugs and if you don't let them have drugs then you must be part of the problem.

i would never let my children have drugs for adhd, depression or any other type behavoural problem!!!!

i would never let my children have drugs for adhd, depression or any other type behavoural problem!!!!

From what I saw in family medical practice, some children diagnosed as ADHD respond strikingly well to such drugs as Ritalin. But I never started this treatment without a specialist opinion. Also, I found that if there was not a rapid improvement, then continuing Ritalin was useless.

Asthma has been mentioned way back in the thread; one Australian specialist in childhood asthma defines "asthma" as the condition which is cured by anti-asthma medication; i.e. if the medicine doesn't work, stop prescribing it and look for another cause.

"There are no diseases; only sick people. To group together people with similar symptoms is worthwhile if it helps treat them, but tying on labels is useless"

I've noticed when taking medical histories from kids (or more accurately their parents) that ADHD is extremely common around the council estate areas of Parsons Cross/Southey Green, Gleadless and the Manor. It is extremely uncommon in Dore, Totley or Fulwood.

Something in the water perhaps?

Trolling is NOT big or clever, in fact it makes you look like a muppet.

Do you see? :mad:

Rich would you care to explain why dan_999k is trolling?
i happen to agree with him. Unfortunately working class parents in general do not provide the same level of parenting as their middle class equivalent! this can lead to behavioural problems which are entirely the parents fault.

as has been previously mentioned in this thread, todays society happily makes excuses for the failings of others!
Your child is badly behaved? must be ADHD.

Rich would you care to explain why dan_999k is trolling?
i happen to agree with him. Unfortunately working class parents in general do not provide the same level of parenting as their middle class equivalent! this can lead to behavioural problems which are entirely the parents fault.

as has been previously mentioned in this thread, todays society happily makes excuses for the failings of others!
Your child is badly behaved? must be ADHD.

I disagree with his generalising comment that all ADHD kids are off Council Estates and not "well to do" areas for instance Eccleshall, Whirlow et al.

For instance, I have Aspergers, but I have never lived on a Council Estate and probably never will.

I disagree with his generalising comment that all ADHD kids are off Council Estates and not "well to do" areas for instance Eccleshall, Whirlow et al.

For instance, I have Aspergers, but I have never lived on a Council Estate and probably never will.

As you rightly point out, Rich, not all kids suffering from ADD/ADHD come from working-class, council estate backgrounds.

ADD/ADHD can strike whatever a person's social class or background. It is a medical condition, not a social phenomenon.

StarSparkle

starsparkle, i think everyone has agreed it does exist. the problem is that it is used as an excuse for bad behaviour and incorrectly diagnosed for a large proportion of working class kids.

starsparkle, i think everyone has agreed it does exist. the problem is that it is used as an excuse for bad behaviour and incorrectly diagnosed for a large proportion of working class kids.

I agree that a lot of straightforward bad behaviour does get wrongly labelled as ADHD, and that perhaps that happens more readily with working class children than middle-class ones.

My concern is that the kids who are genuinely suffering with ADHD don't get lost among all those 'badly-brought-up' kids (for want of a better phrase) who have nothing medically wrong with them, but who are just badly-behaved. I just worry that genuine ADHD cases get tarred with the 'just badly-behaved' brush.

StarSparkle

I disagree with his generalising comment that all ADHD kids are off Council Estates and not "well to do" areas for instance Eccleshall, Whirlow et al.

For instance, I have Aspergers, but I have never lived on a Council Estate and probably never will.

But he didn't say that. :rant:

ADHD is just an excuse for a kid to be a little barsteward & the parents/guardians & the authorities can do nothing.

ADHD is just an excuse for a kid to be a little barsteward & the parents/guardians & the authorities can do nothing.

PMSL @ Barsteward.

You're wrong though... ADHD doesn't just mean teh kid's a bad 'un at all.. It means the poor lad or lass has got a problem that they neither want nor can they help that affects how they behave.

funny that this thread should rear its ugly head again, this wk. as my child who does have adhd and is medicated, spent an evening this wk in the childrens (when split head open) due to us forgeting to give her her meds, she was in trouble all day at school came home bounced around like tigger till said accident:loopy: things which since meds dont really happen anymore, if this was bad parenting then why does med work?:confused:
if people dissagre with meds then spend a day with my child without meds and with, tell me which you preffer. these arent used to make child zombie like but to make her less hyper and less impulsive. she no longer wants to meet new friends as she becomes a scapegoat,( blame that kid everyone else does) not good for self esteem.

i used to be hyperactive as a child, i remember me and my sister thought apartment stores were the best playgrounds in the world! all the clothes to knock off and hide under.. my mum used to take me out to do different sports to waste my energy!

I agree that a lot of straightforward bad behaviour does get wrongly labelled as ADHD, and that perhaps that happens more readily with working class children than middle-class ones.

My concern is that the kids who are genuinely suffering with ADHD don't get lost among all those 'badly-brought-up' kids (for want of a better phrase) who have nothing medically wrong with them, but who are just badly-behaved. I just worry that genuine ADHD cases get tarred with the 'just badly-behaved' brush.

StarSparkle

and

Did you notice my comment “such a disorder, which is possible, I believe that it is very rare”.

Perhaps there are people with genuine disorders. I did not single you out as somebody who did or did not have to deal with the alleged condition. Maybe your child has it.

On the whole though, there are many kids that need strict discipline, and families that fail to provide it. They look for excuses for their failings, and so-called experts are happy to label them with something that makes life easier and justifies it all.

both arguing the same point. bartfast gets unfairly labelled a troll when neither are.

I wish I was hyperactive :(

ADHD is just an excuse for a kid to be a little barsteward & the parents/guardians & the authorities can do nothing.

as I have said earlier in this thread, I was ADHD before it was a "fashionable" diagnosis.

If ADHD is just a kid being a "barsteward" as you put it, please explain to me how it can be so that a ONE YEAR OLD CHILD needs to be medicated, in order that she actually sleeps because her parents are literally climbing the walls through their lack of sleep, themselves, because this child is so hyperactive, she cannot sleep?

my parents went through hell with me as a baby. It was a miracle they did not kill me, because from the get-go, I was up al night. Now, a six-month old/ one year old baby has not got enough self-determination or understanding of norms of behaviour, to be truly wilful, or "bad".

yes, some hyperactivity can be caused by certain additives in foods, or even sugar-rushes. and, of course, a sensible parent feeds their child foods that are healthy, and as additive free as possible. But additives are not the be-all and end-all cause of the impulsiveness of ADHD behaviours

and



both arguing the same point. bartfast gets unfairly labelled a troll when neither are.

EXCUSE ME! Don't you dare say I'm making the same point as Bartfarst :nono:

Bartfarst and I are not saying the same thing AT ALL about ADHD :confused: Have you actually bothered to read this thread, Preacher Man? It doesn't look like it to me.

Bartfarst made it very clear he basically doesn't believe in the condition; I know very well it exists, and am all for the sufferers receiving all the help and medication they require to help them live full and happy lives.

Not the same whatsoever.

I'd demand a retraction, but I know it won't be forthcoming, so I won't waste my energy.

StarSparkle

as I have said earlier in this thread, I was ADHD before it was a "fashionable" diagnosis.

If ADHD is just a kid being a "barsteward" as you put it, please explain to me how it can be so that a ONE YEAR OLD CHILD needs to be medicated, in order that she actually sleeps because her parents are literally climbing the walls through their lack of sleep, themselves, because this child is so hyperactive, she cannot sleep?

my parents went through hell with me as a baby. It was a miracle they did not kill me, because from the get-go, I was up al night. Now, a six-month old/ one year old baby has not got enough self-determination or understanding of norms of behaviour, to be truly wilful, or "bad".

yes, some hyperactivity can be caused by certain additives in foods, or even sugar-rushes. and, of course, a sensible parent feeds their child foods that are healthy, and as additive free as possible. But additives are not the be-all and end-all cause of the impulsiveness of ADHD behaviours

There is a diagnosis for everything these days.
Attention deficit part is just an excuse for some kid butchering a cat then blaming it on ADHD.
Hyperactivityis common but this isn't used as an excuse to get away with causing bedlam.
I was extremely hyperactive as a child but there is absolutely no reliable test that accurately distinguishes between children that are supposed to have "ADHD" and those that are not.

Starsparkle

you both share the perspective that it is being used to excuse badly behaved children. that is his biggest gripe with adhd. it also seems to be yours alongside people not thinking it is real, which is due to the shared gripe.

i was merely highlighting a curious paradox that i have noticed on many debate threads. A lot of people argue over various topics but they are arguing the same point from different views.

No offence was meant, i respect many of your views, and applaud you for researching into this subject. I did a little when my brother was diagnosed with it. Unfortunately it was obvious to me and sister, a psychologist, that he was in the falsely diagnosed category. i watched helplessly as he constantly used it as an excuse for why he was failing in school or getting in trouble for giving lip to his teachers. I tried to help him but he wouldn't listen, teenage arrogance, and he left school last year with 3 gcse's. pathetic since he was tested with an IQ of over 140!

There is a diagnosis for everything these days.
Attention deficit part is just an excuse for some kid butchering a cat then blaming it on ADHD.
Hyperactivityis common but this isn't used as an excuse to get away with causing bedlam.
I was extremely hyperactive as a child but there is absolutely no reliable test that accurately distinguishes between children that are supposed to have "ADHD" and those that are not.

You're right - there is no set clinical test. That's why it's a 'disorder' - it's a raft of conditions and symptoms that together form the condition.

If someone exhibits more than a certain umber of these symptoms then the diagnosis is made. But it is true that you can't get a 'blood test' for such a condition.

But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

as I have said earlier in this thread, I was ADHD before it was a "fashionable" diagnosis.

If ADHD is just a kid being a "barsteward" as you put it, please explain to me how it can be so that a ONE YEAR OLD CHILD needs to be medicated, in order that she actually sleeps because her parents are literally climbing the walls through their lack of sleep, themselves, because this child is so hyperactive, she cannot sleep?

just wondered if you still suffer from adhd symptoms, i.e poor concentration, disorganised, poor short term memory, sleep problems, procrastination. as it does affect people in there adult life, though the hyperactive side slows down

would also like to add that my child was hyperactive in the womb(taste of things to come)

just wondered if you still suffer from adhd symptoms, i.e poor concentration, disorganised, poor short term memory, sleep problems, procrastination. as it does affect people in there adult life, though the hyperactive side slows down

would also like to add that my child was hyperactive in the womb(taste of things to come)

ohhh yessss... just ask my OH, about that. I am now approaching the age of 43 (much faster than I would like) still have a dreadful "butterfly mind", and sleep disturbance. as for disorganised... well, I could write a book on it, if only I could knuckle down enough... ;) she said, wryly.

I often wonder how I would have fared, had something like Ritalin been available back in the 60's and 70's to treat it. My poor parents were driven to distraction by my antics.

There is a diagnosis for everything these days.
Attention deficit part is just an excuse for some kid butchering a cat then blaming it on ADHD.
Hyperactivityis common but this isn't used as an excuse to get away with causing bedlam.
I was extremely hyperactive as a child but there is absolutely no reliable test that accurately distinguishes between children that are supposed to have "ADHD" and those that are not.

I never butchered my cat...

poor concentration, disorganised, poor short term memory, sleep problems, procrastination.

i was going to reply but i had to just do something else and then i forgot and went down stairs! i thought i should come up and reply but just thought, later, so i came back up to get some kip then seen the screen and thought i should reply but i couldnt find the cordless mouse?? anyway i thought i would reply in the morning but i couldnt get to sleep so am doing it now!


nah, i do seriously have all those symptoms!!! maybe i should get mesen some ritalin :help:

Starsparkle

you both share the perspective that it is being used to excuse badly behaved children. that is his biggest gripe with adhd. it also seems to be yours alongside people not thinking it is real, which is due to the shared gripe.

i was merely highlighting a curious paradox that i have noticed on many debate threads. A lot of people argue over various topics but they are arguing the same point from different views.

No offence was meant, i respect many of your views, and applaud you for researching into this subject. I did a little when my brother was diagnosed with it. Unfortunately it was obvious to me and sister, a psychologist, that he was in the falsely diagnosed category. i watched helplessly as he constantly used it as an excuse for why he was failing in school or getting in trouble for giving lip to his teachers. I tried to help him but he wouldn't listen, teenage arrogance, and he left school last year with 3 gcse's. pathetic since he was tested with an IQ of over 140!

You're not giving a correct representation of my views.

My concern with ADHD is that it is accepted in society as the genuine medical condition it is, and that all the help they require is given to sufferers of the condition.

My only beef with children being wrongly diagnosed with ADHD simply because they have not been brough up properly, is that those children give people an excuse to claim there is no such thing as ADHD, and they also take precious resources away from those who really need them.

My position towards those with ADHD is one of understanding and sympathy, and I would like to do what I can to help them receive the help they need.

StarSparkle

Starsparkle
<snippitty-snip>I applaud you for researching into this subject. I did a little when my brother was diagnosed with it. Unfortunately it was obvious to me and sister, a psychologist, that he was in the falsely diagnosed category. i watched helplessly as he constantly used it as an excuse for why he was failing in school or getting in trouble for giving lip to his teachers. I tried to help him but he wouldn't listen, teenage arrogance, and he left school last year with 3 gcse's. pathetic since he was tested with an IQ of over 140!

My IQ when measured, Preach, was in the high 150s, but I did not do as well in my exams as my potential promised, precisely because of the ADHD. My mind is what's called a "butterfly" mind, because it flits so easily from one thing to another, and isn't as focussed as it ought to be.

You're right - there is no set clinical test. That's why it's a 'disorder' - it's a raft of conditions and symptoms that together form the condition.

If someone exhibits more than a certain umber of these symptoms then the diagnosis is made. But it is true that you can't get a 'blood test' for such a condition.

But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

The diagnosis is based on symptoms like hyperactivity or trouble sitting still or spitting on an old women, hardly scientific IMO. Most of the symptoms associated with ADHD can be traced to something other than ADHD.
It is so rife today that any child or adult who can't sit still or does an immoral act must have ADHD.

Im a massive flitter, macca will tell you how bad i am! i dont think i would take drugs to make me less so because i really enjoy it! thats just a side thought.

i used to be hyperactive as a child, i remember me and my sister thought apartment stores were the best playgrounds in the world! all the clothes to knock off and hide under.. my mum used to take me out to do different sports to waste my energy!

theres more to it than being hyper. impulsiveness(which can lead to dangerous situations) unable to concentrate, disorganised, poor short term memory, missing social cues, do i need to go on. i tried sports after school to burn off energy, but didnt help still bouncing around, and unable to sleep, got in trouble alot too as they find it difficult to take turns, and often butt in, a large group of 10 kids and 1 adult, its hard if 1 of them lacks concentration, and gets easily distracted.

The diagnosis is based on symptoms like hyperactivity or trouble sitting still or spitting on an old women, hardly scientific IMO. Most of the symptoms associated with ADHD can be traced to something other than ADHD.
It is so rife today that any child or adult who can't sit still or does an immoral act must have ADHD.

my child has never spat at anyone:gag: and would never, nor do i know any genuine cases who do/have, what immoral acts are you on about, psycopaths butcher cats, and do other immoral acts.
if you read my previous post you well see it is more than been a figget bum.

according to panorama tonite there's a lot in parenting or the lack off and say that some need lessons on parenting and it makes you wonder if there's some Munchhausen by proxy in some cases

but!
labelling all ADHD kids as just "naughty" etc, does a grave disservice to those of us who are genuinely ADHD.

it's far more than simply "naughtiness":- it affects all aspects of one's life, even into adulthood. Study, work, relationships...

too many people who just have generally naughty children are to quick to say 'oh they have ADHD its not my fault' it gets me so mad.

My grandson is diagnosed ADHD now Ok Im not with him all of the time but it seems to me all he suffers from is being a typical high spirited nine year old boy,its very easy to label people these days and the people who do the labelling are usually pople who have no experience other than sitting in a classroom reading books on subjects written by people with no first hand experience.I have my grandson at weekends and have never had any problem with him,I treat him as I was treat as a youngster,no mollycoddling,no bribery,dont force him to do what he doesnt want to do,in short I treat him as a normal person.why does everbody have to be labelled,it seems to be a curse of the 21st century.Its a pity that all the so called intelligent people in this society continually do things that seem to contradict their so called intelligence,you dont need to take a Mensa test to find out how clever you are,blimey all you have got to do is watch Quiz shows the people with the so called high IQ usually look the silliest on the show.The best way to learn about life is first and foremost to live it and then,and only then would your contribution be valid.

Best cure for ADHD.........

............

Paying attention.

LOL!.. - you try and have ADHD, and 'pay attention' -- thats one of the main symptoms, unable to concentrate, no patience, etc...


ok, any ways, I read 1 and 1/2 pages of this thread, and got so angry... I dont know ALL the details from my moms angle, but here's my experiences, and i'll be as truthful as I can, and i'll put down anything i can remember.......

at a very early age, i can remember being naughty, my bedroom was a mess, i was constantly being shouted at, shouting back, I was quite violent, i got bored easily, couldnt concentrate etc, I remember being dragged through hospital, to doctor, to psychologist after psychologist to therapist etc (this was all late 80's) until they eventually landed me as "Attention Defecit Disorder, with Hyperactivity" (aka, now, ADHD)

The tips they gave my mom was to avoid any ORANGE colours, and some artificial RED colours, so i couldnt have Orange juice, red liqurice, orange squash, red/orange cheese, watsits, cheesy puffs... etc, anything like those... I remember being so annoyed at this because i felt 'singled out' at school trips and such like...

While this did 'calm me down' quite a bit, there was still some bits that were unaffected, such as my short attention span.. this went on throughout primary school, secondary school, and college...

Primary school i dont remember much about, thats when all the psychologist trips took place, IQ tests, concentration tests, etc, oh, and they got me statemented (a SEN... what a joke, no school after that took any notice of this)

Secondary school, I ended up going only 2 and 1/2 days out of 5, because i needed a social worker there to 'keep an eye on me' as the school (in their words) "We cant offer the full time support needed", again, this singled me out, I was bulled to no end, i was branded a class disruptor (hey, i got/still get bored easily) and ended up totally skipping school..

I was then punted off to a "special" boys only school, for kids with behavioural difficulties, and this was the worst time of my life, the buillying was worse than at any other school (as most of the boys there were the criminal/violent type, and NOT learning difficulty type, if you know what i mean) and the school diddnt do GCSE's etc... i wont go into the whole details of the school, but lets just say it was total ****..

the school got closed down in 1996/7, I was 'dumped' into college... where, again, I ended up getting kicked out, the reason? (their words) "We are un able to offer the support he needs", so i was ASKED to leave, (unofficially kicked out) with nothing put on my record/notes to say i was removed, as they admitted it was their failing and not my fault.

since then, i have struggled to do any courses, though i have managed a few but with great difficulty, the "system" just doesnt want to know any more, I still have no GCSE's, and dont feel I could go to college and sit down and do them, because I know i'd just get total crap board, and wouldnt be able to concentrate, and end up skipping lessons etc...

To alot of people this might sound stupid, or like excuses "oh well, we all get bored, you just have to sit it out" -- thats the point, I cant.. i cant explain why I cant.. its just natural to me, I see how other people behave and some times wish i could, JUST to get through things like GCSE's..

any ways, the violentness, and loudness etc from when i was younger has subsided (im now 25) because I have tought myself to control it for the most part, but finding a Job is difficult, because of my lack of GCSE's for one... and another it has to be a specific job, I cant just be sat at a desk all day doing the same thing over and over, for the same reasons as above, why i cant go to college etc...

any ways, if you have any questions, reply, pm me, whatever...

I'll admit though, that alot of people who are now diagnosed ADHD may just have a couple of the symptoms, and not full-blown ADHD, these people can be helped with a little 1 to 1 time with someone who knows what theyer going through, and how to help them...

ADHD is also most common in men, however women can have ADHD, but the symptoms are slightly different, and its not as easy to spot...

Right, im ready for all slating and criticism and 'none believers' etc.. oh, and anyone who wants to take the p*** or laugh and call it a sob story and excuse....

Fiction.

Not all of us are made the same. Some of us have high levels of concentration, others don't. Some of us can read, others can't. Why give it a label? Because people can make loads of money out of 'researching' it.

The research money should be spent to ensure those who are not as gifted as other members of society are given every opportunity to learn abd enjoy the choices that the rest of us do.

Yep, most of the time, ADHD is yet another example of US-led diagnoses overprescription.

The research money should be spent to ensure those who are not as gifted as other members of society are given every opportunity to learn abd enjoy the choices that the rest of us do.

Thats what the ADHD researching is doing, its a known fact that the majority (note, not all) of people that are said to suffer from ADHD are of a higher intelligence than those who dont suffer from, the reasons alot of ADHD people 'fail' are because of the systems in place, the schooling system, the work system... just read my above post...

Abetter undstanding of ADD/ADHD (or any varient) could lead to helping these people like myself control any urges, and then lead a normal life, and give their intelligence to a job, or institute etc... and we all know where that could end.

This is on the msn home page tonight, just found it when i signed in ...

http://news.uk.msn.com/high-on-life.aspx

They didn't have it in the olden days, just used to call us high-spirited (or naughty) :)

I disagree with his generalising comment that all ADHD kids are off Council Estates and not "well to do" areas for instance Eccleshall, Whirlow et al.

For instance, I have Aspergers, but I have never lived on a Council Estate and probably never will.

Aspergers isn't ADHD.....and therfore not comparable

I see both sides of the coin. There are some genuine cases of ADHD but i feel alot of it is down to parenting and when we say 'bad' i mean lack of boundaries, rules, discipline, respect etc etc....
Many (not all) come from chaotic, crisis families with little positive parenting.

Some children who have ADHD are fostered, adpoted at an early age and still present with symptoms...Nature v Nurture?

ADHD is rarely found in isolation and children with ADHD often have attachement issues also

I have never seen such a lack of understanding in my life as I have in this thread.

We have a son who suffers from ADHD and ODD, he can read and write and does quite well at school due to the support he recieves,from us as parents and an excellent clynical psycologist.
Our son does not use the condition to his advantage and is in fact learning himself how to deal with it.

Its more than obvious to anyone that is around such kids to tell what is naughty behaviour and what isnt.
Its a common myth that you can just march down to your GP and demand Ritalin(equasium) or Concerta xl it just doesnt happen.
The whole process of diagnosis took almost 7 years so its not something they just bang a lable on to as some have indicated in their posts.
The condition does have certain traits that you come to recognise as part of the process of the disorder.
I will gladly share information with anyone who has a genuine interest on the subject,but as a whole some posts on here have displayed a level of ignorance that is second to none.

I have never seen such a lack of understanding in my life as I have in this thread.

We have a son who suffers from ADHD and ODD, he can read and write and does quite well at school due to the support he recieves,from us as parents and an excellent clynical psycologist.
Our son does not use the condition to his advantage and is in fact learning himself how to deal with it.

Its more than obvious to anyone that is around such kids to tell what is naughty behaviour and what isnt.
Its a common myth that you can just march down to your GP and demand Ritalin(equasium) or Concerta xl it just doesnt happen.
The whole process of diagnosis took almost 7 years so its not something they just bang a lable on to as some have indicated in their posts.
The condition does have certain traits that you come to recognise as part of the process of the disorder.
I will gladly share information with anyone who has a genuine interest on the subject,but as a whole some posts on here have displayed a level of ignorance that is second to none.

I totally agree, its not down to the parents, and boundries, and ADHD suffers arent 'dumber' (?) than anyone else, my IQ when i was tested as a child was in the top 3% of the country, I dont know about now though :)

and yes, we do know whats wrong/right, whats naughty, what isnt, but its just what we do that may not always be acceptible, been able to stop ourselves and say "no, i shouldnt do that, thats not acceptible" - while we know its not acceptible, its this ability that is lacking... (thats just one example)

I really think people should spend time with a few different people, adults and children, and see what its really like, the differences between poor parenting, and true ADD/ADHD are clear as crystal..

I am a firm believer that ADHD does exist. Really wish I'd seen last night's Panorama documentary, does anyone know when it is repeated? It's just I used to teach a Craig who had the condition, who would be 14 now and the mum on the comment I heard on the radio sounded just like his mum. Wondered if it was them.

ADHD children are wonderful children but can be extremely difficult work and often not understand their own feelings or emotions. Listening to children who bear the condition, what they go through privately was heartbreaking and people often don't recognise it as they see it as just bad behaviour.

I was looking forward to a serious discussion on the merits of the Beatles' 1964 film A Hard Day's Night - AHDN for short.

Anyways, as I've obviously picked the wrong thread can I slide in with a suggestion that Ringo Starr might have had it way back in the 60s? In AHDN you see a potential ADHD'd Ringo throwing darts at a parrot in a London boozer.

'Right, on your way, trouble-maker' shouts the buxom landlady.

And I thought it was just another American import....,

I am a firm believer that ADHD does exist. Really wish I'd seen last night's Panorama documentary, does anyone know when it is repeated? It's just I used to teach a Craig who had the condition, who would be 14 now and the mum on the comment I heard on the radio sounded just like his mum. Wondered if it was them.

ADHD children are wonderful children but can be extremely difficult work and often not understand their own feelings or emotions. Listening to children who bear the condition, what they go through privately was heartbreaking and people often don't recognise it as they see it as just bad behaviour.

if you have virgin media. or sky + you might be able to get it on replay, if you try to get it before sunday ( VM only keep replay programmes available for a week, so a programmme broadcast on Monday will be available till midnight Sunday, one broadcast on a Tuesday will be available till midnight Monday, etc)

if you have virgin media. or sky + you might be able to get it on replay, if you try to get it before sunday ( VM only keep replay programmes available for a week, so a programmme broadcast on Monday will be available till midnight Sunday, one broadcast on a Tuesday will be available till midnight Monday, etc)

Cheers but unfortunately I don't have either. :(

I am a firm believer that ADHD does exist. Really wish I'd seen last night's Panorama documentary, does anyone know when it is repeated? It's just I used to teach a Craig who had the condition, who would be 14 now and the mum on the comment I heard on the radio sounded just like his mum. Wondered if it was them.

ADHD children are wonderful children but can be extremely difficult work and often not understand their own feelings or emotions. Listening to children who bear the condition, what they go through privately was heartbreaking and people often don't recognise it as they see it as just bad behaviour.

heres a link which shows video footage of craig.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7090011.stm

:| wrong thread