Researchers find genetic link for ADHD.
Read an article today that said that some researchers in the UK have found a genetic link to ADHD. While they cannot say for sure to what extent the disorder is caused by genetic vs. environmental factors this is still great progress! One step closer to removing the ADHD-related ignorance & discrimination!
#118
Remember that praise works better to motivate people w/ADHD to do the right thing than coming down hard with punishment & threats. Science has proven that ADHD is not caused by deficiency of character or morals, or poor parenting but that is a neurological disorder, like autism, or depression or OCD. Now go say something nice to that ADHDer in your life!
#117
Larry says,
ADHDers are well suited for keeping pace with our DSL high speed society. Ben gets more done in a day than any non-ADHDer I know. HE’s like the energizer bunny. His energy can be contagious & often ignites me to greater productivity. His high quantity of work is matched by high quality. Ben does need to be encouraged to focus on prioritizing & completion. Once again, that’s when I show up.
#116
Larry says,
ADHDers are entrepreneurs at heart. They ooze resourcefulness and creativity. Ben not only sees most everything with his physical eyes, he also sees possibilities in his mind’s eye that most people never consider. I love nearly all of his ideas but sometimes he experiences a brain overload. His mind becomes a tangled web of ideas. That’s where I come into the picture. 🙂
#115
Larry says,
People with ADHD notice and hear just about everything that’s being done or said around them. They seem to have an internal sensor that is attentive to sights and sounds that those of us without ADHD do not have. Ben is more sensitive to detail, rarely gets lost, sees the funny in places & situations I normally miss, observes beauty in the obscure, and can be entertained by walking around Wal-mart.
#114
Larry says,
Just like the grocery store tabloid, people with ADHD have “curious minds that want to know”. Ben is rarely satisfied with what he knows about any given subject. He loves knowledge whether it’s pertinent or trivial and anything he learns he remembers. Those with ADHD also have an insatiable hunger for having fun. Ben’s a big kid and would just as soon play all day if he could. Our travels are an adventure.
#113
This week I thought I’d let Larry (my traveling buddy aka The Old Guy) do the Thought for the Day. Larry doesn’t have ADHD, but he gets to observe me up-close & personal + he’s worked with kids his whole life (as a pastor, counselor and teacher). I think he has some great stuff to share!
Larry says:
People with ADHD display a heart that is sensitive and generous to the needs of others. I saw this often in the students I used to teach who struggled with ADHD. They were the peacemakers, the ones most willing to share, and those students who consistently expressed compassion. That’s Ben; he hurts when others hurt and he loves to share his resources with those who are struggling.
#111
I get a lot of questions from parents of kids about whether or not, the child should be medicated. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each child (or adult) has to be evaluated individually & thoughtfully. Usually, it is a matter of trial & error. Finding a knowledgeable Doctor is crucial. If you have any doubt that your Doctor is less than an expert, find someone else.
Here is a helpful article from ADDitude Mag that helps sort through some of the considerations when you are contemplating meds vs. no meds for yourself, your child or your spouse.
#110
People with ADHD tend to get stressed out easily & this often leads to a mental/emotional shut/melt-down. One of the best ways to prevent this cycle is by having direction. If you have ADHD, ask your spouse/parent/teacher to help you prioritize. If you’re the spouse/parent/teacher, know the warning sighs & be prepared to step in with a plan.
Assuming that the ADHDer is open to being directed and has someone to “oversee” them, it all comes down to timing. People w/ADHD can go from 0-99 on the frustration scale very quickly and if you’re not paying attention to the cues, you’ll miss the window to steer them clear of a shut/melt-down. Not surprisingly recovering from the rapid downward spiral and getting back on track is much harder than preventing it in the first place.
#109
My wife’s in London for the week & she LOVES it over there. (Getting worried she might not come back!) While she’s gone, I’ve been reminded how important it is to have a supportive spouse who gets ADHD & has the patience for it. Communication is key. What you say is as important as how you say it. Timing is crucial too.
One of the most important things to remember about any conversation is that sometimes what is said by one person and what is heard by the other person, can be completely two different things. Always clarify and never assume that your words have been received the way that you wanted them to come out. It’s better to spend an extra five minutes being redundant, than two hours fighting about the misunderstanding later.
#108
The first step in coping with ADHD is accepting that you have it. I meet many adults who recognize themselves in my story, yet are hesitant to get diagnosed. I can understand the fear of a positive diagnosis, that confirmation of “yes, you have this thing!”, but when it comes to ADHD, the diagnosis can actually bring relief, clarity & a variety of options to help get life back on track. Have you been putting off your diagnosis? If so, why?
#107
How’s that homework coming along guys? Staying on top of it? I remember when I was in school, I couldn’t do my homework unless I had the music turned way up. My mom thought I was crazy. Now I know that I was trying to create a “mild distraction” so that I could give my attention to my work. Having a routine was important too. What’s your best set-up for getting homework done?
#106
I admit, I was bit too pessimistic yesterday. Although it seems like a lot of media outlets are spouting negativity in regards to ADHD, there are also lots of great, things going on. Importantly, remember that ADHD & other disorders of executive & sensory functions are better known & understood now than ever before. Keep reading and researching. The answers are out there!!
#105
It’s ADHD Awareness week and the only articles that I have seen in the press this whole month have been negative. Over-diagnosis, misdiagnosis, over-medication, bad parenting, lazy teachers…wow! Not a single glimmer of hope on the ADHD horizon! Now I know why I stopped following traditional media in the first place!! So. Anyone has anything positive to share? You know I do! 🙂