ADHD Help

This weekend Elwood and I led a workshop on social skills training for ChADD in Tucson. About 40 people attended, including 17 children. My goal was to present in such a fashion that it was attractive to the children as well as to the adults. I began with a vignette with Elwood in which we discussed the importance of communication, cooperation, kindness, and conflict resolution. After that Elwood shrunk my head. I am going to try to put the head shrinking up on my page. Everybody seemed to enjoy our presentation.

I have been thinking a great deal about how to conduct attractive and productive video seminars. I think that I will alternate between sessions for the parents and special entertaining therapeutic shows for the children. I will let you know when more information is available.

My thoughts have turned to 9/11. Currently I work at Fort Huachuca, an Army post in Southeastern Arizona. Not only am I remembering 9/11 but also quite aware of the impact the attack has had on young soldiers. I sincerely hope that peace will be with us in the near future.

I just read that Michael Phelps, Olympic swimming champion, was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 9 years old. His mother reports that swimming helped to calm him down and overcome the disorder. He certainly is an example of someone diagnosed with ADHD who is succeeding amazingly well. Make sure that your children are aware of Michael and his swimming gold medals. It is important that they know that people diagnosed with ADHD can not only do well but be the best. Check out his mother’s website at: http://www.facebook.com/ADHDMoms

There are many who believe that there is a positive relationship between ADHD and creativity and ADHD and high intelligence. Unfortunately, research does not support this belief. There are brilliant people with ADHD and also retarded ones. Some are artistically or creatively gifted, and others are not. ADHD is a disorder and not an advantage. The good news is that we are becoming progressively more successful treating ADHD. With good treatment, ADHD does not need to interfere with relationships, occupational success, or overall life quality.