Wednesday, February 21, 2007
ADD/ADHD
What is it? What do we know about it? How does it impact the classroom? Do kids grow out of it, or does it continue to impact adults? This subject is very interesting to me, since I have a daughter and grandson who are diagnosed with ADHD. I'd like to get your take on this subject now and then again after we have studied it later in the class.
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6 comments:
I'm looking forward to learning more about this. I don't have knowledge about what this is about, nor how it "came about."
Are these things that they give meds for? ~Susan
I have mixed feelings about ADD. I truely believe there are people who definitely need meds to control their problem, but I also feel strongly that there are too many children over medicated. The reason for this is many adults do not want to take the extra time to deal with the high energy of some children. I know my brother was like that when he was young and we jokingly say that if he was growing up today he'd be on Ritalin. I also read that Israel is doing a study where they are substituting excercise and activity for some of their ADD children instead of medicating with positive results. Interesting topic, Pam
Yes, Susan, these are things that meds are given for. I agree with Judy, however, that too many meds are given. Many times meds are given my Drs who are not qualified to make the diagnosis, and given to make adults more comfortable. I liked that study in Isreal, Judy. I will be interesting to see what is found. Have you also noticed that most of the ones diagnosed, or given meds, are boys? What are we doing to our boys?
Actually, I don't really believe in ADHD. I do believe that there are a few children who truely have focusing problems. I do think that ADHD is overrated and that too many kids are over medicated.
I think students need structure and well defined boundaries. I also think kids need to just get out and play.
I have many students who tell me that they are ADHD. I am troubled with the increasing numbers. We need to find the cause and treat that. Masking the symptoms with ritalin will not cure the syndrome.
Alane, what do you think is the reason so many kids are being put on ritalin? Do you think they are correctly diagnosed or are they being provided with a crutch? Actually, ADD is a diagnosable problem. However, the diagnosis is made by a psyhcologist or psychiatrist, not a pediatrician or general practictioner. I to believe that there is problem is being over diagnosed and medicated!
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