These two keys:

1. Medication
2. Schools that are “in the know”

All in all, this is a very interesting read and perspective on the difficulties many children and parents face when trying to manage and overcome the challenges presented by ADHD.

The article is heavy on research findings and statistics, reporting that 84 percents of parents turn to medication at one point or another.  I don’t know about you, but that seems very high given the great controversy reported by so many parents who are against using medication.  But that’s just my thought, and reaction.

At the same time, I definitely agree that medications are an important part of comprehensive treatment, but only when necessary and fully explored (not just for the sake of medicating).

What I liked most was the balanced discussion of just how important it is to be working with schools who are flexible and prepared to support these children in their unique learning styles.  That’s a huge factor!  It’s an awful lot to put the pressure on these children, and I think it even goes so far to suggest that they are the ones who must adapt to the world…rather than teaching them the value of choice, flexibility, and most importantly, fit.

What do you think?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the article after you get a chance to read it all.

But we got stuck…  My colleague asked me “At what point do you educate people on the diagnosis and the importance of HAVING the diagnosis?”

“……………………………”  Suddenly things got very quiet.

Most of you know by now how I feel about a diagnosis…  I won’t mix words here…but for me it’s sorta “nice to know” information.  At least that’s how I will start a conversation or how I REALLY feel about the diagnosis (and most diagnoses in general).

But this comment or difference in approach split the conversation.  We quickly kept dancing around the issue.

How important is it to have that diagnosis?  I mean…to really have it?!?!?!

We both agreed that there are two very distinct groups of people (more I’m sure in reality)…

1. People who have life changing “a-ha” moment when they find clarity from the diagnosis.
2. People who really don’t get all that excited or care…  They just keep moving on with life.

Now these are general characterizations for a reason…  I honestly know that deep down inside there are many different reactions to getting a diagnosis, or even the suggestion of an ADHD diagnosis.

But the question today is really about….  How important is to have that diagnosis versus understanding your differences and what that really means?

Can you have one without the other?

This is a very loaded question for me.  At the end of the day, I don’t much care what the diagnosis is…  At least if we are talking about ADHD.  I am more interested in helping people understand their differences and HOW those differences create challenges than I am nit-picking whether it’s ADHD or not.

BUT!!!!  At the same time…it is clearly important to me because otherwise I wouldn’t insist that people see specialists to get their diagnosis.

So WHY then is this so difficult?

Well…we know how complex ADHD is to diagnose properly.  There are co-morbid conditions that complicate a diagnosis, and there are many other factors that influence our behavior and how we are affected by life.

Plus there is the difference I experienced in my own childhood….  Being identified as “gifted and talented” and how my differences were encouraged and NOT seen as weaknesses.  Just from that experience alone I am convinced that differences are just that….  DIFFERENCES!!!!  They are NOT good or bad until you use them…  And how you decide to use them…

PLUS…there is just so much more to consider.  We need to look at the underlying cause of the behavior.  Is it really ADHD or is it the child?

And I think that’s where we got stuck.  Because I always encourage people to see a specialist to get diagnosed.  I think it’s critically important that we have an accurate diagnosis, or at least a clear picture.  BUT…I still want to know…

How important is that you have the diagnosis?  Is it more or less important to have the diagnosis versus understanding your individual, and unique challenges?

Let me know.  Clearly both are important to me…BUT I am a little stuck and am leaning more towards the side of being aware of your differences more than anything else.

The timing of this post is rather ironic because my wife and I were just out walking this morning — talking about how everyone feels like they have the right to their opinion….  People believe this, even without any expert training or personal experience.  Nothing could be more true for ADD or ADHD.

Because there is so much popularity around this term — everyone thinks they know what ADHD is.  The problem is, most people don’t know.

Case In Point:

I’ll let this article speak for itself.

Apparently Bill Maher got into a conversation about medications in America, and his guest, Arianna Huffington, took that opportunity to comment on ADHD and how it is over-diagnosed.

You all likely know this is one of the most hot-button, controversial topics when it comes to ADHD.

Bottom line, there is a lot to it.  No matter what you believe, ADHD is very real.  The details of it, and your beliefs, are an entirely different story…important, but different nonetheless.

Bottom Line:

The reason I wanted to share this with you today is that it is yet another example of how everyone and their mother (and television guests) have an opinion about ADHD.

I want to take this moment to caution you and remind you to be very careful about who you listen to, what advice you take, and the action you put into place as a result.

Please…please…please be very careful about who you listen to and what you allow them to have you think about ADHD and it’s impact on your life.

But today, I’d like to pause for a moment to acknowledge the upcoming holiday here in the United States.  The 4th of July is probably one of the biggest celebrations for Americans around the world (and others who have followed for Independence).  While many simply take the time to celebrate a national holiday that represents our freedom from tyranny – I want to think larger than that.

I find that many people (myself included at times) take for granted the meaning of freedom and independence that was fought for over 200 years ago.  Back then it was a matter of gaining our independence from rule from afar – including unfair taxation and policy from our leaders across the ocean.

Regardless of what you believe, even your political affairs, the fight for freedom and true independence is still raging on and on everyday.  Today I want to encourage you to look at your life, and think about what it means to truly be free.

In my life, I want to be free from expectations that I find to be unrealistic and difficult to meet.  Many of my clients share that a diagnosis of ADHD can be very liberating.  Yet, after this diagnosis, their fight continues.

• The fight to be understood…
• The fight to be accepted…
• The fight to "fit in"
• The fight to be free from stress
• And so much more…

If you’ve been with me for any great period of time, then you know that I firmly believe the constraints and expectations of societies across the world are often unfair and even unrealistic.  In my own life, I was encouraged to pursue an advanced degree.  It was the "right" thing to do, yet for several years I struggled with that decision.  And certainly the choice to be a stay-at-home Dad, sacrificing my career for kids, was a huge factor in continued struggle and feeling as if life was out of control… As if I had made the wrong choice.

Just about 4 years ago, my daughter was born and being a father changed my entire perspective on life.  Suddenly, what mattered most was not my grades (in graduate school), the comments and feedback from professors, supervisors, and colleagues, but rather how my kids saw me and the impact I had upon them.  And in turn, the impact they have had on me…

Today I celebrate a different kind of freedom.  I am excited to be free from a world of expectations that don’t meet or match my interests or desires.  While those expectations continue to exist, I have found my path to what freedom means to me.

I hope today, and every day (no matter where you are), that you will seek out true freedom in your life and for your family.

It’s not always easy, and there will be people who tell you that it is not possible.  But that’s what our forefathers here in the US were told when fighting the larger, more victorious British army.

Yes — times have changed, but you can choose to fight and get what you feel you deserve.  That is the true meaning of Independence and Freedom for me.

I hope you’ll take a moment to share with me what freedom and independence means to you, and how you will pursue it in your own life.

According to Wikipedia, comorbid conditions refer to “the presence of more than one diagnosis occurring in an individual at the same time.”

In ADHD, it is very common for an individual to meet the criteria for both ADHD and one of the following conditions:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder

Now, things get a little tricky (or complicated as I like to call it) because, these “co-existing” conditions can often mask one another as well as account for or even cause one condition to look like the other.

That’s why it is so important for people to see a specialist who understands the complexities of ADHD in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Now, if this isn’t already complicated enough, figuring out the right diagnosis can be even more difficult (especially in children) because the following list of conditions share many of the same symptoms as ADHD:

• Bipolar Disorder
• ADHD
• Depression
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Non-Verbal Learning Disability
• Giftedness
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Normal Child Development

The list goes on and on, but the truth of the matter is that the major symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are more common than people realize.  They are only indicators that something is going on…  They are indicators that someone needs support.

Bottom Line?

Honestly, this information really just scratches the surface to understanding ADHD, co-existing conditions, and the many complications that can mimic symptoms of ADHD.  We haven’t even addressed the fact that some of these conditions can cause someone (who does NOT have ADHD) to appear as if they do have ADHD.

Not to mention, these complications can also mask the fact that someone struggling with anxiety (per se) might actually have ADHD.

What You Can Do?

When trying to figure out what is really going on with your child or a loved one, focus more on the specific challenges or struggles that an individual faces at the moment.  What is getting in their way?  Or causing problems?

Once you start with that, the right professionals can help you get to the underlying cause or contributing factors.

Comments?  Questions?

I’d like you to join me for the next ADHD Family Teleseminar.  Each Sunday night get in-depth on topics just like this.  To sign up and get your questions answered, just visit http://www.ADHDFamilyTeleseminars.com

Too Many People Sit On The Fence

A mentor of mine really pushes people to make a commitment, Yes I am interested or No, I am not.  Either way, he just wants to be involved with people who can make a decision and NOT sit on the fence.

>>>>That’s what today’s post is about!<<<<

There are a lot of debates amongst society, and within the ADHD community, about ADHD as a diagnosis

• Gift versus Curse
• Whole Vs. Part
• Medication Vs. Alternatives
• Doctors Vs. Parents
• Diagnosis Vs. Condition
• And I’m Sure Many More…

Where you stand on these debates doesn’t so much matter to me, as long as you are passionate about your side of the argument.

Let me clarify that…  My personal view is to approach differences in people, and to help them get the supports, resources, tools, and strategies to be successful in life.  I don’t believe ADHD is a gift nor do I believe it is a curse. Instead, I actually believe that is a part of who the person is – and with the right supports, tools, resources, etc… a person with ADHD can be just as successful as anyone else.

Now this approach upsets some people, and at the same time, it hits home for other people.

That’s What We’re Talking About

We will all have different opinions about ADHD.  That’s just life when it comes to a condition that is hotly contested, debated, and largely quite misunderstood.

For me, I’ll engage in conversation and debate with anyone about ADHD as a condition so long as they are informed and provide support to people, rather than striking them down.

Beyond that, we can agree to disagree.

And That’s What I Want For You

People who are successful in life, and in managing their challenges are very passionate or at least strongly opinionated about their perspective on things.

So if you are struggling to figure out how ADHD is impacting yourself, your child, a spouse, loved one, or friend — I’m going to ask you to find a side and get involved.

There’s nothing more dangerous than sitting on the fence and going back and forth.  It just leads to confusion, blaming, and negativity all around…

What Do You Believe?

I want to hear from you!  Please let me know where you stand on the great debates of ADHD.  Tell me what really gets you passionate about living with ADHD, struggling with ADHD, or supporting someone with ADHD.

Even if I don’t agree with you, show me your passion and I’ll respect what you have to say!

PS. – Will you join me for the next ADHD Family Teleseminar?  This Sunday we will be talking about ADHD Co-existing Conditions And Complications!

I wanted to make sure that people were getting the right information from the right people.

It had been my experience through graduate school and while training to become a psychologist (which I stepped away from*) that most people did NOT understand ADHD or what it took to parent a child with ADHD.  Like most people, there are a good number of professionals who only understand ADHD as it is characterized by it’s major symptoms:

• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Inattention

Unfortunately however, these “major symptoms” are only the tip of the iceberg.  To really understand ADHD, you have to dig down so much deeper and understand a lot more about ADHD – as a condition and as a way of life.

It also helps if you have an understanding of human dynamics, child development, biology, relationships, and more…  This is NOT an area where just anyone with an opinion should be walking in and giving advice — at least not to parents of children with ADHD.

Who Do You Believe?

During my training (and even today as a coach), I hear from lots of families that they won’t go back to a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist because of how they were treated.  It’s very unfortunate!

But — it happens.  And I need you to know that it happens.  While people have good intentions, that is NOT enough.  You deserve better, and you deserve to know exactly how to find a competent individual to support you, your family, your child, or loved one affected by ADHD.

I am here today to hopefully empower you to want more and to expect more from the people who will support you! There are a lot of people with opinions out there about ADHD and how to manage it and support someone who might be struggling with ADHD.

Friends / family / loved ones / strangers / parents / parents of children with ADHD…  You name it — someone has an agenda.  Even me!  I’ll be the first to admit that.  But hopefully you know that my agenda is to get the right information out to the people who need it the most.  It’s NOT to bash people or hold people back.

Be Cautious As Your Proceed

Each and every day, I come across people sharing information about ADHD who truly don’t get it.  Oh believe me, they think they get it…and they’ll do their best to convince you that they get it.  Please be careful!!

It’s a struggle, and it really hurts when I see good families and good people following advice that is completely inaccurate or unfounded!

This is the problem with the Internet and people being able to share information to anyone who is willing to listen.

Follow These Few Steps, And You’ll Do Ok!

1. What is the person’s background?
2. How long have they been involved in the ADHD community?
3. What do they believe about ADHD?
4. How do they help people with ADHD?
5. Do they have any formal training?

**Most of all – do the answers to these questions match your needs, interests, and expectations.  If they don’t, then you’ve got to keep looking.  I won’t proclaim to be the right person for everyone, and if I’m not, let me help you find someone who will match what you are looking for.

There are absolutely good people out there to help you, but there are also people out there who try and try and try….and they do mean well….but I have found they are lacking some fundamental basics that can mean the difference between short-term relief and long-lasting relief.

If I’m Your Guy:

Because I want you to get the right information, I need to share two very important upcoming events.

#1 – ADHD Family Teleseminar

We start a free weekly teleseminar this coming Sunday, February 8th 2009 at 8 PM EST.  You can get the details here.

#2 – Ask Dr. Cerulli

Join me as I interview psychiatrist (and my friend and colleague), Dr. Theresa Cerulli.  Each month we get on the phone and answer your most pressing questions.  Details here.

The Groundhog Effect

Each year on February 2nd millions of people will gather around to see whether or not Punxatanwee Phil (aka, the groundhog) will see his shadow or not.  Should he emerge and see his shadow, it’s right back down into his home for another 6 weeks of winter.  But if there is no shadow, we have an early end to Winter…

I think it’s fair to say, most of us are looking forward to an early end of Winter…possibly putting our hopes in the fate of a groundhog.

ADHD And The Groundhog

We know that whether or not the groundhog actually sees his shadow, there is very little connection about when or if Winter will actually end.  But each year, approximately 20,000 – 40,000 people gather in Punxatawnee, Pennsylvania for a chance to take part in this tradition.

On this groundhog day, I can’t help but think of the belief that perhaps ADHD will just miraculously get better with a magic little pill, with age… or some other quick fix.

Yes, I am capitalizing on the day to talk about ADHD and the fact that life and nature must run their natural course.  With the assistance of medication, ADHD symptoms can improve, but we also know that many can persist.

At the same time, regardless of medication or not, many parents want change to come quickly and perhaps as early as overnight.  But we know, like the groundhog, the end of Winter just takes time…  There is no way to speed it up, not even as badly as we would like.

The same holds true for ADHD.  There is no quick fix, and lasting change takes time and commitment – but most of all – it just takes time!

Tell Us What You Think!

Have a different perspective? We love to hear from our readers. Let us know what you think about this post by leaving a comment below.

PS – Have you gotten your ADHD Essentials Audio Kit yet? Sign Up Today, it’s FREE

It’s The Same In Australia

According to a recent article about ADHD being under-diagnosed in Australia, the same issues or conspiracies exist down under as well.

• People suggest it’s being over-diagnosed
• It’s a “modern” condition / disease
• There’s no biological test to diagnose ADHD
• “We all have a little ADHD some of the time”
• And on and on it goes…

What’s different about this article is that it provides support for people who face similar challenges across the world.  I’ll say, for the record, that ADHD does NOT always have to be a problem.  In fact, the more and more I learn about ADHD — the more I am convinced that it is NOT always a disorder, deficit, or weakness.

There are plenty of people with ADHD who are incredibly happy and successful with what they have achieved in life.  In fact, there are plenty of people living with ADHD who are more happy and successful than your average, ordinary person.

Let’s Look At Depression

This article makes a great point that we don’t dispute the existence of depression, yet there is also “no biological test” to confirm it.  The author also points out that depression absolutely exists on a continuum or spectrum just like ADHD.

Therefore, like depression, ADHD symptoms do exist in many of us, BUT what separates ADHD from “behaviors” is the defining characteristic of ADHD creating “significant impairment” in someone’s life.

No Matter What You Believe…

No matter what you believe about ADHD, one thing is certain:  People are struggling with something that is very real in their lives.  You might deny it’s ADHD…  You might want to call it “bad parenting…” or a child who just needs to exercise.

While I totally disagree with you, let’s at least accept that there are children (and adults) who are struggling with very real challenges.

Tell Us What You Think!

Have a different perspective? We love to hear from our readers. Let us know what you think about this post by leaving a comment below.

PS – Have you gotten your ADHD Essentials Audio Kit yet? Sign Up Today, it’s FREE

It begins with the opening line, “Drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause children to have hallucinations even when taken as directed…”  Startling, isn’t it? Let me just comment that this is an attention grabbing headline.  And it should be….  right?

But does it also cause unnecessary fear and panic in the community?  Who is this article really for?  Is this meant for the general public?  Is it meant for professionals?  And if it is meant for the general public — what is the purpose?

In some ways this continues the debate of news for the public good versus news for ratings.

In my opinion…this is dangerous news that gets leaked to the public without adequate follow-up or information to help people know what is really going on.

There’s Always Something More…

Shortly after seeing this article, a colleague of mine in the ADHD community e-mailed me to say that this might actually account for undiagnosed Bi-polar Disorder in children who have been inaccurately diagnosed with ADHD.

Sidebar: ADHD and Bipolar Disorder share many similar symptoms and can be misdiagnosed for one another without careful attention to detail.

The Real Take Aways!

1. Accurate diagnosis is everything
2. Medication is NOT always the answer (and it does not always come without side effects)
3. Consult with competent professionals
4. Focus on behaviors – labels can be dangerous
5. Diagnosis is an art

This article really drives home why it is so important to connect with knowledgeable, trained professionals.  There are a lot of people who feel they are experts in ADHD either because they have raised a child with ADHD themselves, or have overcome their own ADHD symptoms and challenges.

I wholeheartedly believe these people have the best intentions, but intentions aren’t enough when it comes to get the right information to support your child, your family, a loved one, or yourself.

Lastly, the article also characterizes, “ADHD is marked by restlessness, impulsiveness, inattention, and distractability that can interfere with a child’s ability to pay attention in school and maintain social relationships.”

**This is yet another misrepresentation, over-generalization, and simplification of a complex condition that we know as ADHD.

• Who doesn’t this describe?

These symptoms are NOT exclusive to ADHD.  There could be….  and often times is more going on.

Have a different perspective? We love to hear from our readers. Let us know what you think about this post by leaving a comment below.

PS – Have you gotten your ADHD Essentials Audio Kit yet? Sign Up Today, it’s FREE