So the other day I read this article HERE
According to my medically confirmed, ADHD husband, this article is spot on.
You know what? Sometimes we hear all these cases of ADHD, and we wonder...can they all be true? Can they all be real?
Well, I don't know if they ALL are... I only know my experience, and my family's experience.
I only know I have a child that exhibits all the classic signs, just like his dad did.
I only know my husband is still sometimes judged differently because he reacts to things different.
I know my son sometimes has huge struggles that other kids just don't struggle with. While it's not an excuse, he still has to learn to behave, it IS a reason.
I do know that people will look at an autistic child, and consider that child's condition a legitimate 'reason' for his different behavior. But if I were to say my child is hyperactive, or ADHD, I'd be looked at like I'm just trying to get him out of trouble.
I don't want to get him out of trouble, I do want people to understand him, though.
The article I linked to above is a fun read, right? It's also a true read.
ADHD isn't something to be scared of. It's something to be understood. When you realize that a kid like this is being bombarded with all this information, and he can't filter it, and add to that the fact that he has to fidget in order to concentrate, you've got a handful. You've got a child that doesn't respond well in the typical classroom situation. You've got an adult that has to move, and isn't being disrespectful or rude when he can't. You've got someone that struggles to concentrate on any one thing usually - but at other times can't drag his attention away from one thing that has captured his focus.
Look, I'm not asking for anyone to be excused. People need to stand up and take responsibility for their actions, not blame a condition for them. But some people have different things to overcome. And isn't it part of being human to try to understand each other?
So the next time some child can't sit still in your classroom, try having him stand up - not out of punishment, but out of coping. Give that kid a job - give him a responsibility that will get him moving...give him a chance.
Most of all, give him understanding.
Isn't that what you want when you're struggling?
Isn't that what we all want?
According to my medically confirmed, ADHD husband, this article is spot on.
You know what? Sometimes we hear all these cases of ADHD, and we wonder...can they all be true? Can they all be real?
Well, I don't know if they ALL are... I only know my experience, and my family's experience.
I only know I have a child that exhibits all the classic signs, just like his dad did.
I only know my husband is still sometimes judged differently because he reacts to things different.
I know my son sometimes has huge struggles that other kids just don't struggle with. While it's not an excuse, he still has to learn to behave, it IS a reason.
I do know that people will look at an autistic child, and consider that child's condition a legitimate 'reason' for his different behavior. But if I were to say my child is hyperactive, or ADHD, I'd be looked at like I'm just trying to get him out of trouble.
I don't want to get him out of trouble, I do want people to understand him, though.
The article I linked to above is a fun read, right? It's also a true read.
ADHD isn't something to be scared of. It's something to be understood. When you realize that a kid like this is being bombarded with all this information, and he can't filter it, and add to that the fact that he has to fidget in order to concentrate, you've got a handful. You've got a child that doesn't respond well in the typical classroom situation. You've got an adult that has to move, and isn't being disrespectful or rude when he can't. You've got someone that struggles to concentrate on any one thing usually - but at other times can't drag his attention away from one thing that has captured his focus.
Look, I'm not asking for anyone to be excused. People need to stand up and take responsibility for their actions, not blame a condition for them. But some people have different things to overcome. And isn't it part of being human to try to understand each other?
So the next time some child can't sit still in your classroom, try having him stand up - not out of punishment, but out of coping. Give that kid a job - give him a responsibility that will get him moving...give him a chance.
Most of all, give him understanding.
Isn't that what you want when you're struggling?
Isn't that what we all want?
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