Consequences of ADHD diagnoses that many don't know about:
1. Can't get a pilots license, probably ever. The 'exception process' is expensive and difficult and requires psychological evaluations and more.
2. May soon be prevented from purchasing any firearms. New legislation is working its way through the system that classifies ADHD as a psychological disorder of the sort that would place ADHD sufferers next to felons, dishonorably discharged veterans, and so on.
3. Probably can't get a CDL for the same reasons as #1.
There are more, these are just a few I've found recently.
Avoid the diagnosis at any cost, make absolutely CERTAIN (multiple opinions from doctors). Don't let a lazy guidance counselor ruin your child's life.
Where did you find this info? I'm not questioning your validity, Chairboy, just wondering who gives out this information, and who is lobbying to categorize sufferers of it in the same class as felons, etc. This post is in no way a stab at you, Chairboy. I just HAD to use you quote because of the people who choose to be ignorant and claim it is all BS.
ADD/ADHD is about as much of a psychological disorder as a broken arm is. In fact, the latest (4th) edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders doesn't even recognize it as a mental illness or disorder, but rather a physical, issue.
The following are symptoms or signs as stated by the AMA.
Children
* Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes when doing schoolwork or other activities
* Trouble keeping attention focused during play or tasks
* Appearing not to listen when spoken to
* Failing to follow instructions or finish tasks
* Avoiding tasks that require a high amount of mental effort and organization, such as school projects
* Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies
* Excessive distractibility
* Forgetfulness
* Procrastination, inability to begin an activity
* Difficulties completing household chores
Adults
* Often making careless mistakes when having to work on uninteresting or difficult projects
* Often having difficulty keeping attention during work
* Often having difficulty concentrating on conversations
* Having trouble finishing projects that have already been started
* Often having difficulty organizing for the completion of tasks
* Avoiding or delaying in starting projects that require a lot of thought
* Often misplacing or having difficulty finding things at home or at work
* Often distracted by activity or noise
* Often having problems remembering appointments or obligations
You may actually know someone like this at work/school/neighborhood. The "absent-minded professor" that you know.
Also, medication, used correctly, in conjunction with strict self (and parental) discipline is not always the demon that it is portrayed to be. It is just another tool in the arsenal. To call arbitrarily call (all) parents of these children lazy, IS lazy in and of itself. I beseech those of you who don't know EXACTLY what ADD/ADHD is or the different manifestations of it, to find out what it REALLY is before making judgment. Without delving deeply into it, I'll refer you to a previous post of mine with regard to a lack of DHA and other vital nutrients in the diets of our children during their developmental years. As far as the autism, Aspergers, etc. are concerned, maybe it is partially OUR fault since the links between certain types of these diseases and vaccinations/mercury levels are becoming clearer. You may do the search as I am not inclined to do ALL the work for you.
Yes, it is often misdiagnosed, often over-medicated, and for the majority, mis-understood. Yes, A LOT of parents ARE lazy, and do not discipline their children enough. I would wager that half of these "diagnoses" could be "cured" by a (gross) reduction in the sugar consumption of our children. I firmly endorse sparing the rod spoils the child. Sometimes a relatively harmless dose of pain can teach volumes more than mere words can convey. Like "Don't touch the stove, honey. It's HOT!" a hundred times over and over sometimes doesn't mean as much as actually touching the stove. Once that one time slips through, and the child actually manages to touch the stove, the meaning of HOT is clearly and undeniably understood. The stout belt is certainly under-used in our society but, on the other hand, you cant use it to "Beat some sense" into a child, either. Use wisdom and judgment when doling out corporal punishment.
For those of you who think you or your children may have ADD/ADHD, by all means, exercise caution and get second opinions. But.... Please don't let them suffer from a condition that you off-handedly claim as BS. It is a crying shame and the truth that most kids (and adults) that honestly DO suffer from ADD/ADHD are usually above average intelligence but are branded as dumb, lazy, etc. I know that my kids have had (Wechsler) IQ tests and scored an IQ(s) of 137 and 139, but they will forget something as simple as their lunch box on a routine basis. This exceeds the "average" of 90-109 so I know that they are not "dumb". In fact, there many members of MENSA that have it. It would be a crime not to feed the minds of children like this, or help them to cope with it. There are not many things worse than wasted potential or intellect, because of ignorance of or refusal to admit a problem. I also was diagnosed with it (10 or so years ago). It explained A LOT. I know that I don't want MY kids to suffer like I did in school. At least I am better equipped to handle it than my folks were. Yes, we all take medication for it. But, I also fortify that with a better diet, and discipline.
As for me, I have been diagnosed with it, as have my children. Medication helps, but it IS and SHOULD NOT be the only tool used to combat it. It takes effort on the parents part, and a measure of self-discipline which can be learned. Eliminating ambiguity is a huge, but simple example. Always put your keys/wallet/work papers in the same place, every time, etc. There are many support groups out there such as CHADD that will help you become more educated and understanding.
So, before anyone dismisses the whole "ADD thing" out-of-hand, please learn more about it.
End of rant/public service announcement
