OT. LONG. ADHD (was: Some of us might want to read this)

[Guest guest]

This is funny.

 

I sent that around because I wanted to draw

people's attention to a great sci-fi story on

the topic of genetically engineered seeds.

Did anyone get that far?

The link is at the bottom of the post.

 

The ADHD research is just how I happened to

come upon Thom's site where the GM story lives.

 

Anyhow......This seems to have really struck

a cord.

 

I am pulling together the resources I have

found on this topic and that I wish I had had

earlier. It is growing into a little series on

auto-responder, adhd

 

It does not pretend to be complete and some

of you may already know everything in it.

Others may find some helpful links.

 

The introduction deals specifically with the

question if there IS such a thing.

 

I use the term because it is quicker to type

then " kids-who-have- trouble-focusing-and

probably-have-allergies-and-are-hyper-

sensitive-and-tend-to-have-temper-tantrums etc. "

 

The intro says this:

 

Let's get one question out of the way first.

 

ADHD, is it real?

 

People can get awfully riled up about whether ADD/ADHD is

a real neurological condition or not.

 

Parents who have a severely ADHD child get pretty tired

of listening to advice from people who don't have a clue

what they are going through.*

 

The argument goes more or less like this.

This is simplified and exaggerated to make it clear, OK?

 

ADHD=disease, Pro:

 

" ADD is a disease, like Diabetes.

The treatment for ADD is Ritalin or other medication

just like the treatment for Diabetes is Insulin.

Get the kid medicated already! "

 

This attitude is often taken by schools. Scary.

Especially since ADHD is often " diagnosed " on very

flimsy grounds.

 

ADHD=Disease, Anti:

 

" ADHD is a label that was invented by the evil psychiatric

establishment in order to sell drugs.

ADHD is just the result of all or any of the following:

 

*allergies

*toxins in the environment

*nutritional deficiencies

*learning disabilities

*lack of sleep

*video games and TV

*bad parents/teachers "

 

This attitude is often taken by well-meaning friends and

relatives who know of some other kids who became little

angels after getting more EFAs, or enough zinc, or an earlier

bed time, or whatever.

 

Fortunately solving the question really does not matter for

people who are looking for natural answers.

 

Let us for a moment assume that ADHD is real.

 

Many if not most children with this label suffer from

allergies, digestive challenges, nutritional deficiencies,

and learning disabilities.

They also function best in an environment that is both

loving and well-organized and structured.

 

We can use natural ways to meet their needs and improve their functioning.

For some kids all ADHD symptoms go away when their allergies

are treated and/or when the right teaching method is found.

 

We might say those kids suffered from " False ADHD " .

They had ADHD symptoms but no actual neurological damage.

 

Other kids need more.

 

They may still have special needs even after their

allergies are under control, they have a good diet,

sleep well, and are receiving the right teaching method

in the right environment.

 

We might say these kids have " True ADHD " .

 

Stimulant medication may be helpful for some of those kids,

especially after all else has been tried.

 

But even a child on Ritalin will be happier and healthier

if his allergies are treated, he is well-nourished, and the

right teaching methods are used.

 

A well-nourished child may need smaller doses of medication

and is likely to suffer fewer side effects.

 

My personal take on the matter is that ADHD exists

but is totally over-diagnosed.

 

 

Ien in the Kootenays

****************************

" Intelligence is like legs.

Too many and you trip yourself up "

~Terry Pratchett

Meet my medium intelligent face

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