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Author:
Angie Dixon

Having grown up with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I know how it feels to be labeled "lazy" when you're really just fighting ADHD and doing the best you can to fit your ADHD square peg into the round hole of life.

I remember, as an ADD child, deciding I wouldn't write my spelling words five times. I just didn't want to do it. To a kid with ADHD, that kind of work is just torture, and I quit doing it.

I remember that ADHD experience because I failed sixth grade spelling, though I went to the spelling bee as champion for my class.

I remember how painful it was when my parents, who'd never heard of ADHD, called me lazy--and meant it

I know how it feels to be the kid with ADHD.

But I accused my ADHD son of laziness recently for not doing his work at school. Even though I know about ADHD. Even though I know what it's like. I forgot.

How much harder it must be for parents who don't understand ADHD and don't know what to do about their child's learning problems.

What I want to say to all parents is this:

You know your child. You know whether he's being lazy or really struggling. You may not know why. You may not have an ADHD diagnosis to fall back on. You may not be an expert on ADHD or parenting. But you know your kid and you love him.

Remember that, and seek out people who do know and who can help.

It's frustrating and even infuriating to see a kid we know is bright not living up to his potential. But think about how frustrating it must be to the child, to know he's doing everything he knows how to do and just isn't making it.

So think about that the next time your child seems to be "slacking off," and investigate whether there might be something going on related to his ADHD, if he's been diagnosed, or whether he might have ADHD, if he hasn't, and whether you should talk to a qualified professional about your son's difficulties.

Angie Dixon is a writer and ADHD mom of an ADHD son, Jack. For a free report on helping your ADHD son, see Angie's site "That's My Son!" at http://www.Raising-the-ADHD-boy.com

| Article Keywords: ADHD News

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD News... Symptoms and Treatments of ADD Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that affects both children and adults, though it is more commonly diagnosed in children. Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as "ADD" is diagnosed in individuals who have difficulty paying attention or staying focused for long periods of time. Children with ADD often have trouble concentrating in class. Some display symptoms such as high energy, restlessness, waiting until the last minute to do assignments, having trouble concentrating on and completing assignments, and disruptive behavior. Other children are calm and seem distant. Some doodle or stare out the window while class is being taught, rather than pay attention. Children with ADD often act out socially, as well. Adults with ADD often go undiagnosed, as ADD is mainly viewed as a childhood illness. This makes it twice as difficult for adults with ADD. Most adults suffering from ADD don't realize they have the symptoms until their child is diagnosed. This diagnosis reflects their own actions and behaviors. However, there are several other adult disorders that mimic the symptoms of ADD, such as depression, anxiety disorder, manic depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to seek the help of a physician or a psychotherapist and be analyzed to ensure the proper diagnosis is made. An adult with ADD may display the same behaviors and symptoms as a child with ADD. The difference between a child with ADD and an adult with ADD is that adults are better able to cope than children. An adult suffering from ADD may experience restlessness, inability to concentrate on work or other tasks, difficulty staying organized, difficulty maintaining relationships, and compulsive behavior. An adult diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may be...