Note: As I started to write this, I wanted to discuss access to health care and address the question, “What’s stopping you from getting help?”  But then it evolved into something so much more.  I don’t want to assume anything is stopping you.  I do however believe that there are factors limiting the success an individual can achieve from the current model in society.

Here in the United States, and perhaps across the world, we are all still reeling from the fallout of the most recent school shooting to have taken place where 26 lives were lost.  Our hearts are devastated that 20 children, ages 6-7 were gunned down in apparent cold blood.  20 families are grieving the loss of a life taken far too early.  And we cannot forget the 6 adults whose lives were also taken in attempts to save children and more lives.

Most of what I have seen as a result of this tragedy is:

1. Compassion
2. Debate

The initial reaction from most people, was that of absolute horror, shock, and terror of seeing 20 young children and 6 adults murdered in cold blood.  This incident has raised many questions and likely will for quite some time.

But fortunately, there has been an overwhelming sense of compassion.

However, along with this compassion is the need to lash out at who is to blame.

And as the shock wears off, people now turn to who or what is to blame:

• Is this about gun control?
• Is this about politics?
• Is it about mental health?
• Is it something else?

In an effort to better understand and make sense of such a tragedy, it is only human nature that we start looking for answers.  We want to feel safe, and when a tragedy of this level occurs, we don’t feel safe.

We scramble to try and understand.

I have seen a lot of fingers being pointed at who is to blame.  Front and center, and perhaps the biggest issue I hear right now, is about gun control.  As a society, this issue has become politicized.

This has been turned into a debate for both parties to rally behind and ask for tougher restrictions or laws, or perhaps the loosening of some laws or restrictions.

But for me, this isn’t about gun control.  And it’s certainly NOT about politics.

Soon after the political debate about gun control was brought up, we heard rumblings that the killer may have had mental health issues.  And within my community, being a mental health professional, I am now hearing about the debate on access to health care.  There is even debate about the stigma associated with mental health illness or diagnosis.

It’s NOT About Politics And Gun Control…  It’s About Something Bigger

Do we honestly believe this incident wouldn’t have happened if there were tighter gun control laws?

Or perhaps if the shooter had better or more appropriate access to health care?

Wait a darn second…  Do we even know if the killer had mental health problems?  Do we know anything about his treatment at this point

The truth is, we don’t know much about the shooter.  Most information that I have seen and heard has been speculative at best.

And yes, our justice system and the investigators involved will eventually uncover more clues and find answers.

In the meantime however, we need to address the real issue as I see it.

That issue is deeply rooted within the framework of our society.

As parents, we can only do our best in raising our children.  We can offer support, guidance, values, morals, beliefs, and more…  But ultimately, we cannot impact decision making of another individual.  In my talks with families all over the world, I have seen many who do all the right things, and yet tragedy still strikes.

The one thing I take away from this incident, is that we are sincerely lacking compassion in this world.

A moment ago I mentioned that most people’s initial reaction is compassion.  It’s a wonderful thing when we as a society our united, and offer compassion, support, connection, and more to our brothers and sisters in this world.

We saw it after 9/11.  We saw it again after the Easrthquake in Japan, and we most recently saw it in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

But that typically fades very quickly and we return to the status quo.

We forget about how vulnerable and fragile life is.

After a certain mourning period, and it differs from situation to situation, we fall back into old habits and are drawn towards the pressures and demands of life.

Society Is Hurting

We live at a time when the demands and expectations of one another are at an all time high.  In many cases, two parents are out of the home working to support a family, and in many cases these families are doing enough just to get by.

If you are not familiar with the teachings of Abraham Maslow, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, I would encourage you to sit down and Google his name.

Maslow theorized that we have varying levels of basic needs.  And without fulfilling the most basic needs, we cannot fulfill or attain mastery over higher levels of needs.

The most basic needs we have are physiological (breathing, water, air, sleep, etc…) followed by safety (security, employment, family, etc…), then followed up by Love / Belonging, Esteem, and then Self-Actualization (morality, creativity, acceptance of facts, etc…).

Here is our problem!

We live at a time when we focus so much more on higher levels that we have all but forgotten that our basic needs are not being met.

Our children are being graded and demanded to perform based on standards and tests that simply do NOT measure future success, potential, or actual learning.

Our lack of compassion is now focused inwardly on results, data, and statistics.

And in turn, our children are often seen (as a group) as statistics.

We cater to the “normal” and we cast aside and struggle to support those that are not within two standard deviations of the average.  (I’m talking about the normal curve).

We as a society have failed by our constant need to label and dismiss that which we don’t understand or have been unable to help right away.

We are failing children and families affected by differences because we do not support them.  We establish controversies and set out to attack or prove someone else wrong.  We point fingers, distribute labels, and create undue pressures and challenges before really understanding the diagnosis, disease, illness, or condition itself.

We have failed, and will continue to fail because so many people lack compassion and rush to judgment before ever leading with kindness, compassion, understanding, and a desire to walk in someone else’s shoes.

As a mental health professional, advocate, and different person myself, the issue here for me isn’t so much about blame, labels, treatment, and least of all gun control.

The issue is about a larger societal problem where we have forgotten about the innocence of childhood.  We have forgotten what it’s like to be different and need help.  We have moved past leading with compassion and understanding to take focus on productivity and a “what have you done for me now” attitude.

At schools, children face ridicule for things far less than mental illness.  Our children get picked on for not fitting in.  They get bullied for dressing differently or acting differently.

And truth be told, I don’t think we know how to handle differences because at the core, we are a society that must categorize people into buckets.

Call it what you want…  I am an ADHD advocate and behavioral specialist.  I see life through a certain lens.  I take this stance because I see parallels in how we treat children with a diagnosis comparatively to how we address all differences.

We label it.  We look for answers.  We point fingers.

But that solves nothing.

Differences are what make our world and our society so unique.

People with differences are often simply misunderstood.

Children with ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar, and other conditions and diagnoses or NOT bad people.

They are misunderstood children who need compassion and understanding.

They, WE, need community who is willing to stand behind us and support us, AND NOT MOCK US (or our children)!

I felt compelled to write this post because one of the main issues surfacing now is “access to health care” and the “stigma” associated with a mental health diagnosis.

Stigma is a HUGE problem.

And to me, it’s rooted in our societal need to point out that which we feel is broken and needs to be fixed.

It’s truly sad, and I weep for this viewpoint that our children, our most precious resources, are seen as broken and in need of being fixed.

Listen, I don’t claim to have all the answers or solutions to life’s problems.  I am just one man who believes that a little more compassion, understanding, and acceptance could go a very long way.

What happened in Newtown, CT this past Friday is an absolute tragedy.  It’s downright disgusting, and my heart aches for the families who lost children so early on in their lives. In no way is this article written as a defense for the shooters actions.  Notice, I have not mentioned him by name because I do NOT want the spotlight on him in any way at all.  What he did was a despicable crime.

Click On The Video Below:

It’s one of the bedrock principles in my book, Help Your Child [With ADHD] Succeed

It’s also one of the very first discussion points I have when meeting with new clients.

Now fortunately, it doesn’t come up all that often where I need to be concerned about it, but I like to plan.

I like to let people know what they can expect.

If we were to meet in my office, part of my introduction would be, “If you don’t want to be here, the door is open.  I won’t force you to stay.  It’s not a good use of your time or mine.  If you feel the need to call me names, while I think it’s unnecessary and rude, you are entitled to express yourself and I will respect that.  What I will NOT tolerate is any safety concerns.  If at any time you get angry or upset, the door is open.  I just ask you keep your hands to yourself and we will get along just fine.”

I learned this early on in my training.

Safety comes first, above all else!

Never stand in the way of your patient / client, and certainly don’t block the exits.

When Your Child Gets Physical

Every now and again, I am asked about ADHD and anger.  Sometimes, the conversation turns to physical behavior.

For me, any physical behavior where a child puts their hands on someone else, everything stops.  There is no more important issue than everyone’s safety.

If you face this situation, I will tell you flat out that you need to contact your child’s doctor, therapist, other support personnel, or even the police if need be.

I do NOT take safety issues lightly.

If your child is getting physical with you, or a sibling, the world immediately stops.

You remove your child from the situation and let them know that this type of behavior is unacceptable and will NOT be tolerated.

I cannot stress this enough.

Being physical to the point of hurting someone is NOT something I allow in my office, and it’s a priority one issue when working with families.

The best advice I can offer you is:

1. Stop the situation the safest way possible.
2. Separate the parties involved.
3. Let the offending person know this behavior is NOT and will NOT be tolerated under any circumstances.
4. If the violence continues, call the police.

End of story.  I do NOT take matters of physical harm lightly and neither should you.

Are You Looking For Help?  Don’t Know Where To Start?

Get Started Today With An Approach That Has Helped Thousands Of Parents Of Children With ADHD

Today I am excited to announce that I have a guest post on one of my favorite ADD / ADHD blogs, ADDerWorld.com.

I encourage you to check it out, and read the entire post.

There are many challenges facing an individual, and families for that matter, struggling with ADHD.

One of the biggest challenges is how you look at ADHD…

YES, I’m talking about your mindset and whether you see ADD / ADHD as a deficit, disorder, illness, gift, or way of life.

The very choice you make on how you NAME it, more or less dictates how you manage it and how you live with it.

Read The Entire Post Now…

Earlier this morning our Facebook page, Help Your ADHD Child, Maria asked, “Can anyone tell me if two year [old] kids can be diagnosed
with ADHD?

This raises a very important question, that for me also touches upon a recent trend in diagnosing children with ADHD.

It also leads to a number of questions that I have:

• How early can you diagnose ADHD?
• At what age can you begin to see symptoms?
• Should you diagnose ADHD before a certain age?

Here are the facts, ADHD is defined as a neurological, or sometimes a neurobehavioral, condition characterized by the symptoms of
hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Typically, ADHD is said to affect anywhere from 4-10% of school aged children.  And for a long time, it was believed that ADHD really was a childhood condition.  Today, we know that ADHD never really goes away and it impacts adults over the course of their life.

But… the trend that concerns me is this recent development, or at least more publicly talked about position of diagnosing children as early as age 2, and certainly before age 7.

The diagnostic criteria for ADHD, clearly laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), suggests that symptoms of ADHD must be present before age 7.

But does that mean we diagnose at age 7?

Can we accurately identify and diagnose ADHD before age 7?

My answer is very simple…NO!

I am NOT okay with making an ADHD diagnosis before the age of 7.

Can we do it?  YES

But that doesn’t mean we should.

Should we diagnose ADHD at age 2 or 3?

In my humble opinion, absolutely no way!

Of course there are always exceptions to every rule.  There will be instances, on a case by case basis, where a diagnosis can be considered.

But still, from what I have learned about ADHD and seen in my patients, you’re playing with fire making a diagnosis of exclusion at that young of an age.

At age 2, a child is still developing.  There is too much happening, at such a rapid pace, that there is just very little way to get an accurate
portrayal of a child this young.

Heck, I don’t even like making this diagnosis around the age of 5 or 6, when a colleague of mine (who I trust with my life) says that we can do it, but that doesn’t mean we should.

Listen, the cold hard facts are that, yes, you can tell at a very early age something is going on with your child.  In a lot of cases, mother’s intuition tells us that something is wrong.

I have heard countless anecdotes and reviewed scores of clinical histories where Mom even knew during her pregnancy that a child was a little hyperactive.

But that doesn’t guarantee anything.

We just are not able to accurately and consistently predict that a child will have ADHD based on these facts, anecdotes, and intuitions.

Plus, let’s not rule out some other very important facts:

• ADHD is a diagnosis of exclusion
• ADHD symptoms are common to many other condition sand illnesses
• Children at an early age are rapidly developing

So What’s A Mom To Do?

If you think something is off with your child, by all means, consult a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist.

Please be sure you see a specialist who understands ADHD and childhood development.

If a doctor recommends medicating your child at this age (before age 5), please put up some red flags and give this a great deal of thought.  And defintiely get a second opinion.

Yes, medication can help.  I am NOT opposed to it.  However, I am opposed to the unnecessary medicating of our children, particularly at such an early age.

Like it or not, ADHD medication is actually not supposed to be the first recommended treatment option.

But it happens all too often.

Resources To Consider From This Post:

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria
: Be sure you are familiar with the diagnostic criteria. Review them online. Print out a copy to take with you.

ADHD Myths Presentation (Sign up in the top right corner of this site): Find out the Top 10 (12 actually) Most Misunderstood Facts Of ADHD

Help Your ADHD Child: Get a copy of the exact blueprint I use when working with my individual patients and clients. This book is a must have for all parents (see the reviews and judge for yourself).

Yesterday on the Help Your ADHD Child Facebook page, a very frustrated mother posted that the teacher’s at her daughter’s school were suggesting a medication evaluation.

I don’t know if I read into things too much, but it came across that the school was politely trying to hint that this child needs an increase in her ADHD medications.

Perhaps it was the tone I gave to the e-mail, and my natural instinct to respond with compassion and support.

Any way you cut it, I re-posted her question so all of our “fans” would see this question and have a chance to offer their thoughts.

Mind you, I’m married to a teacher, so of course I asked for her thoughts on the matter as well.  It seemed a little out of sorts, and beyond the scope of practice, for a teacher to suggest a medication re-evaluation.

It’s of course certainly okay…even harmless…to inquisitvely ask how the ADHD medications are working at home…

But it’s certainly NOT acceptable or allowed (by any means) for a teacher to imply a child needs a higher dose of medications.

The Response

Responses quickly poured in.  Many, if not all, were very supportive and compassionate to how this Mom was feeling.  Some even offered suggestions about how to interact with the schools to facilitate a productive discussion to help this child.

All in all I thought it was a very productive and supportive discussion.  You could feel the passion in the posts, and it was no surprise (to me) at just how polarizing this topic was, pitting teachers against parents.

Having asked a good friend of mine (who happens to be a teacher) to review the discussion and add some thoughts, I soon after called it a night feeling good that there were balanced perspectives.

Concern

I woke up this morning to an incredible e-mail from one of our fans.  She indicated that she was a little concerned about the tone in the discussion, and the underlying negative message being sent.

She was right…

It was negative to the degree that teachers were being marked as the enemy.

And believe me…I didn’t pick up on it myself…because even I have been known to engage in some friendly teacher bashing and banter.

After all, one of the most common frustrations I hear from parents of children with ADHD is about teachers who constantly (allegedly) refuse to follow 504 plans and IEPs.

I hear about (and have personally experienced) teachers who seem unwilling to cooperate or work with students who learn differently.

BUT…I do feel it is necessary to balance these feelings about teachers, not only because I am married to a teacher, but because I honetly believe teachers are an important (invaluable) part of building a support team for any child, especially a child with ADHD.

The Sides

Teachers are in a position to see our kids in a particular environment.  They watch how our children learn, interact with others, and make sense of material that is presented to them.

In addition to instruction, teachers must also be skilled in managing a classroom of kids.

Where most of us have 2-3 kids, a teacher is often responsible for classes upwards of 20-30 students.  Imagine being in that classroom with 2-3 students who have different learning styles and challenges.

No…I am not defending them or letting them off the hook.  Part of this job, as teacher, is to learn how to support and reach children with different learning styles.  After all, we don’t all learn the same.

Parents are charged with the duty of raising their children…and by definition, we parents typically get pretty emotional and protective of our children.

We want the best for them.  It is often hard to accept differences, and sometimes…maybe sometimes…there is a bit of taking responsibility for these differences.

As a parent of a child with ADHD, it’s NOT uncommon to feel alone…and up against a battle with everyone you meet.  After all, most people don’t understand ADD / ADHD.  It’s a fact.  We just have to accept it.

To Succeed

No matter the situation, this fan who wrote me made a good point.  She remarked, “Do you think people take the time to put themselves in the other person’s shoes (i.e., the teacher) to see what they are up against?

I couldn’t help but nod along as I read this question.

She’s right.  To fully understand a person’s individual situation, and struggles, we have to put our differences (and biases) aside, and see things in their shoes.

The best advice I can offer is to build a large support staff or network with as many people in your child’s corner as possible.  Turn frustrated teachers into allies, by nurturing relationships and letting them know just how far you will go to get your child the help he (or she) NEEDS to succeed.

NOT DESERVES, BUT NEEDS!

Now, as I mentioned earlier, I am no stranger to come down pretty hard on teachers, doctors, therapists, and other professionals working with these children.  I do so because I am pretty fed up and frustrated with all the ignorance of how these kids get treated.  But, please know, the best and most direct path to supporting your childis to find a way to work with these individuals and not against them.

In my role as a child and family advocate for those facing the challenges of ADHD, I am asked a lot of different questions.  Sometimes, these questions get very detailed and very specific.  And that’s a good thing.  Because the more information and details I get, the more tailored a response I can provide.

Yet at the same time, most of my answers can often be summed up with one word.

ADVOCACY!

Question: Will My Child Ever Get Better?

Simple answer, YES, advocate!

Detailed answer: What is better?  What does better look like?  How do you want your child to be?  More importantly, does your child have a clue about how he (or she) wants to be?

Question: Will my child change on his medication?  Will he lose his unique talents, spirit, creativity, etc…?

Simple answer: Advocate

Detailed answer:  It all depends on you, and your goals for treatment.  ADVOCATE!  If you decide to treat ADHD with medication, you need to ask yourself an important question: What are my goals for treatment?  What will I consider a successful outcome to be?

I know there are some who argue that an ADHD diagnosis = ADHD medication for treatment.  Some even compare the idea of being diabetic to the need for insulin, and the need for glasses if you have difficulty with eyesight.

Ok…decent argument.  I get it.

But, some diabetics choose to watch their blood sugar level with diet and exercise.  Some people refuse to get glasses and instead wear contact lenses (same principle…), some opt for elective surgery, while still others learn different ways to compensate (be in holding the book further away…sitting closer or further from the computer screen, and still others, opting for BIG PRINT BOOKS).

That’s a matter of personal choice…  And quite possibly a debate for another post, at another time.

Now, before we get too distracted and off topic, let’s re-center ourselves.  Let’s FOCUS!

Question: Will my child have to be on medication for the rest of his (or her) life?

Simple answer: Advocate!

Detailed answer: It all depends, again, on your goals for treatment and the outcomes you want for your child.  Not many doctors discuss this.  So…you have to advocate.  You have to take the lead and be your child’s best defense, offense, and referee.

Aren’t getting the answers you want…? Ask the question a different way.  OR…ask someone the question.

Not getting the support you want…?  Find the right people.  Ditch the bad.  Go over their head.

We can go round and round with the advice I can offer, and the detailed step-by-step instructions I can lay out for your treatment plan.

But the bottom line is, you’ve got to be on board.  You’ve go to have a plan.  You’ve got to agree with how I see thing.  And if you don’t, you have to be able to STAND UP and advocate for what you want.

At the bottom of all of this, it boils down to your support structure.  Who are the people in your corner…?  Better yet, who do you CHOOSE to allow to be in your corner…advocating with you?

I don’t have the answer about whether or not your child will have to be on medication for the rest of his (or her life).  In this current moment, there’s no way to tell.

A good treatment plan considers the following:

Where are you now?

Where do you want to be X (days / months / years) from now?

What’s in your way?

In a lot of cases, we start off in crisis.  Medication can be a good way to get a grip on a life that seems out of control.

But you must NOT stop there.  Medication can and does work.  But it doesn’t cure ADHD.  There is NO cure for ADHD.

If you are hesitant that your child’s ADHD medications might change who your child is, then we need to evaluate what the right medication is or is NOT.

If you want ADHD medication to be a short term treatment plan, then we need to map out other strategies and treatment approaches to put in place.

It’s like setting a strong foundation.

It’s having a place to start.

It’s up to YOU where you want to go from there.

It’s NOT up to the teachers.  It’s NOT up to the doctors.

It’s NOT up to your extended family.

It’s up to YOU!  It’s to you and your spouse / partner and your child.

This is why you must advocate!  Parenting a child with ADHD is a contact sport.  And as they say in baseball, grab a glove and get in the game!  Kick a little dirt at the umpire if you’re not getting your point across.  Don’t be afraid of getting thrown out of the game…  After all, you are the parent.  You take the game outside and play street yard rules!

Join Us On Facebook

What’s in a name?

After much procrastination and telling myself I’ll start a Facebook page “someday,” I finally took action and pulled it together.  To my delight, this page has attracted just over 500 people (as of this writing), and I couldn’t be more pleased with the level of dedication and commitment these loving, caring parents have for these unique and often misunderstood children.

Earlier today, one of our “fans” who I have gotten to know asked the question, “Why do we call this group Help Your ADHD Child when it places the emphasis of ADHD on the child, rather than the focusing on the child him or herself?”

What an incredible and relevant question!

After all, there is so much in the name.  There is power in how we identify ourselves and think of ourselves.  The message needs to be clear and matter of fact.

It reminds me so very much of why I HATE the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  I cringe to know that we think of this condition as a disorder.  It suggests that these children are broken and need to be cured or fixed.

And while I understand this condition presents real challenges, and real problems when it goes unaddressed, undiagnosed, and untreated…I can’t help but think of the subtle difference a name can make.

Let’s break it apart for a second:

Attention Deficit – We now know that this is entirely inaccurate.  There is NO deficit in attention.  It’s a matter of variable attention.  You and I both know these children are more than capable of paying attention.  It’s just often a struggle to pay attention to things that are NOT interesting.

Hyperactivity – Not all children (or adults) have hyperactive symptoms.  Yet the medical community changed the term from ADD to ADHD in order to encompass the variety of symptom presentations and subtypes.

Disorder – The word I dread the most.  While I fully believe in the validity of this condition, and I support the advocacy and hard work of organizations that fight on behalf of the millions diagnosed, the word upsets me.

I don’t know about you, but I much rather focus on differences!

Your Child With ADHD Vs. Your ADHD Child

So what spurred this post and my thoughts on the subject this morning.  It’s certainly not a trivial difference.  In fact, it’s done with great intent.

If you look at the logo, [ADHD] stands out NOT because I believe your child IS ADHD, but rather to play on the unfortunate stamp and label of ADHD.  Ultimately, it’s a play on a words, and a jab at what I think is an unfortunate stamp and characterization.

Believe it or not, but there is a HUGE difference between saying “My ADHD Child” and “My Child With ADHD.”

In fact, a few years ago, I gave a talk titled, “ADHD: Is It Me Or My Child?”

Parents always ask me, Is this behavior the ADHD or is it my child?

Ahhh…the $64,000 question.

So I ask you…what do you think?  Does your child have ADHD?  Or is your child ADHD?

I want to hear it…

My thought is very simple.  Children have the condition we call ADHD.  They ARE NOT and SHOULD NOT be defined by it, characterized by it, or looked at as ADHD.

No…quite to the contrary, your child has a condition we call ADHD.  Deep down inside…at the very core of he or she, we will find the true child.  We will see the unique talents and strengths that rise above the condition of ADHD.

As Adam pointed out in his comment, ADHD does NOT define who your child is.  ADHD simply is a piece of who they are.

And I couldn’t say it any better myself.  Your child’s diagnosis of ADHD is merely but a piece of the puzzle.  Your living, breathing, fire-crackin’ child has a whole lot of other stuff goin on that makes him or her the special bundle you have before you!

Tim Tebow seems to be all the rage in the news today. From his message of faith to perserverance to there is much we can learn. Now I’ll admit, I don’t watch the news much. I’ve heard rumblings of Tim Tebow and “Tebowing” but I don’t fall too much into the hype and at one point, I’ll admit I had had enough of this “miracle” man and his story of being a great athelete we should all look up to.

But this past Saturday morning, the news was on in the background and I heard a little about his story. It caught my attention and it made me realize, Tim Tebow can teach us a lot about ADHD.

If I understand things correctly, Tim Tebow thrived at the University of Florida, winning two National Championships and the coveted Heismann Trophy.

He was a sports hero, and since moving to Florida, I have learned this state is very loyal to their athletes and to their football teams. Tebow is both.

So what does Tim Tebow have to do with ADHD?

Well…everything and nothing. It all depends on where you choose to stand, and how you choose to look at things.

After a great career in college, NFL scouts, coaches, and commentators didn’t believe this young man had what it would take to thrive in the NFL. I heard something about his passing style and how it didn’t fit.

Then I heard Tebow talk about his faith… His perserverance… The influence from his parents… His values to try his best.

That’s when I realized Tim Tebow has everything to do with ADHD.

Here’s a man who thrives in the right environment. We know this to be true about individuals with ADHD. Put them in the right environment, allow them to do something they are passionate about, and build a team of support around them… WATCH OUT! A person with ADHD can thrive, succeed, and dominate.

Does Tim Tebow have ADHD? Heck if I know. And if that’s the message you are getting, I am NOT doing a good job explaining why he matters.

It’s NOT about his brain. It’s NOT about his “inability.” It’s NOT about his ability.

Tim Tebow and the ADHD connection is all about an individual thriving under the right circumstances.

Tim Tebow doesn’t let the critics change who he is. He doesn’t allow people to take him (the sqaure peg) and force him through the round hole.

Tim Tebow’s Miracle Comeback

On the news, there was even talk about his marketing potential. How could the business world capitalize on the celebrity of Tim Tebow to sell more products…

One marketing and branding expert said, Tim Tebow needs to stick to brands that fit who he is. He needs to find companies that match his personal beliefs and morals.

Sounds a lot like this branding expert is suggesting Tim Tebow not sell out!

Well…we need to teach our children (and their teachers, and other professionals) that we shouldn’t ask our children to sell themselves out.

Children with ADHD need to be lifted up for who they are, accepted for who they are not. And believed in just the same.

For every child in the right environment can and will flourish. The challenge is often finding that environment, and having enough people believe in them to lift them and help them thrive.

Can you do that for your child?

When I first came across this video on Facebook today, I was watching it because a friend asked a question.  Little did I know that what Ken Robinson would be speaking about would have me jumping up and down, on the edge of my seat, and cheering for more.

This is simply brilliant.

It starts off about the economy and our education system.  Ok…I was curious.  But then at the 4:30 mark, my ears perked up as I heard Ken Robinson speak about ADHD and the epiedmic, or rather the “NOT  an epidemic” of ADHD.

That’s when things got REALLY good, and I knew I would have to share this with you.

This is NOT about politics.

This is NOT just  about the economy.

This is NOT just about our education system.

This is NOT just about ADHD.

It’s about the big picture.  This is about life and where we are headed.  This is what I have been talking about when it comes to seeing a child with ADHD for more than just the diagnosis.  This is about how we can support a child with ADHD…heck, any child…  We need to focus more on the big picture and societal shifts and trends than we do the micro of ADHD symptoms and diagnosis.

Watch this video, and let me know what you think (in the comments below):

• How did it make you feel?
• What was your gut reaction?

SpongeBob and ADHD?

Did you hear this yet?

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, suggests that kids around 4 years of age demonstrated decreased attention levels after watching only nine minutes of the favored Nickelodeon show SpongeBob Squarepants.

Two groups were tested, one watched SpongeBob Squarepants and the other watched what the journal is reporting as a “slower paced” show called Caillou…

I’m familiar with both shows.  I’m just not certain what the media outlets and / or the study is referring to as a “slower-paced” show versus the alternative of what?  A more hyperactive show – featuring an energetic, flighty SpongeBob who is all over the place?  (NOTE: Sarcasm intended here).

But seriously…this has generated quite a bit of news attention and talks children and attention issues.

Noted in the research, these children were not reported to have any identified attention problems like ADD / ADHD.  It was also a small sample size (red flag), and the show is intended for 6-11 year olds.

These are the points being argued, debated, and presented by the mainstream media, research scientists, and of course the creators and distributors of the show.  Oh, and let’s not forget that the American Academy of Pediatrics says “No television for children under two years of age,” and other groups are saying that we should focus on quality of television and NOT quantity.

Well DUH!!!
Oh the issues I want to tear apart here and rant on…

#1.  My readers know how I feel about research.  It has it’s place, but typically there are flaws and limitations that while they might get mentioned (in small print) don’t lead the newscasts or the water-cooler talk on Twitter and Facebook.  For instance, this story probably already has legs because it involves SpongeBob, television, our children, and attention questions.

The reality is, and mentioned, that this study involves a very small sample.  And worse off, it’s reportedly a sample of all middle to upper class white kids.  Where’s the diversity?  There was also no-pretest measuring intelligence or attention span.

The researchers claim, as mentioned above, there were no identified attention problems in these children.  BUT, we all know how misunderstood ADD / ADHD is.

#2  The issue of Quality vs. Quantity.  I like that this is emphasized, but seriously, are we to be surprised that children are watching more and more television at a time when life is busier and busier on parents…just to get by and survive?  Think about it…  In a lot of families, two parents are out of the house working just to go by.  Kids (older brothers and sisters) have more and more homework and even more extracurricular activities.

This now doesn’t involve or consider the current state of our society given how stressed out parents might be that they are possibly about to lose their jobs or might already out of work.

Ok…let’s not hit that panic button here quite yet.  And I might be guilty of inciting some panic by stirring the pot.

But the issue of quantity verus quality is HUGE.  Are we as parents / adults paying attention ourselves to what our kids are watching?  And what about the commercials that are targeting a certain demographic between SpongeBob aged-kids and Calliou aged kids?

Me Personally?

I’ve said my peace…  I think research nowadays makes headlines because the news likes a juicy story.  We are still struggling as a community to understand what causes ADHD, what contributes to ADHD, and to what makes an individual’s symptoms worse.

So does SpongeBob cause ADD / ADHD?  Doubtful.  And that’s NOT what the research is suggesting.  (Me either).  What is pointing out however, is that attention spans are being affected by current trends in society.  And because we do a poor job diagnosing and identifying ADD / ADHD from other conditions…we have to be more alert of what is going on.

And more than ever, we need to be stronger advocates for our children.  Information like this falling into the wrong hands can cause even more frustration, singling out, and fingers being pointed at our children (or even us as parents).

Now It’s Your Turn…

What do you think?  Let us know your reaction in the comments.