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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... When ADHD is Not Alone As a primarily childhood disorder, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can take its toll on a family and the child affected by ADHD. However, despite the fact that ADHD is seen in 3 to 5 percent of all children, it is sometimes not the only disorder present. Learning disabilities are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD. Statistics show that about 20 to 30 percent of children with ADHD also have a learning disability like dyslexia, spelling difficulties, or arithemetic disorders. The diagnosis of ADHD along with the learning disability can ensure that the school offer services so that the children are able to learn more effectively. Tourette syndrome is not found in a great number of children with ADHD, but it does sometimes accompany the disorder. Tourette's is often exhibited by tics, twitches, repetitive mannerisms, and maybe even outbursts of words. Like ADHD, it can often be controlled via medication. Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is found in 30 to 50 percent of children with ADHD, mostly boys. Children with ODD show signs of being belligerent, defiant, and having tantrums. They often will not obey directives and become very argumentative. Another common disorder found in conjuction with ADHD is Conduct Disorder. The symptoms of a conduct disorder are more serious than ODD, as these children often show patterns of antisocial behavior. They lie, steal, and often get into trouble with authority figures. They may even become violent and harm other people or animals. The prevelance of a conduct disorder in children with ADHD is between 20 and 40 percent. Due to the seriousness of the diagnosis, it is important that these children get immediate help. Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar disorders are also found in combination with ADHD....