[email protected]

In a message dated 02/25/2002 7:09:54 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:


> >ADD and ADHD haven't been proven to be real medical conditions, only a
> >set of behaviors that adults find difficult to cope with in children.
> >It's really too bad that kids don't get to medicate the adults in their
> >lives who have difficult behaviors.
> >Now that would be some kind of fun!
>
> For the most part, I agree with you. But I know a boy who came home crying
> after being sent home yet again from the neighbour's for bad behavior. He
> told his mother that he really didn't want to act that way. He just
> couldn't help it. He is one kid who has done really well since being
> medicated. But I don't believe there are very many like him.
>

I agree. My son has a good friend who, as his mother says, "convinces the
people that don't believe in ADHD--when he's on medication." She started not
wanting to have her son medicated for many reasons, but finally, after
agreeing to try it, realized it was exactly what was best for him. Jake
discovered another side to himself. She realized that this kid had NEVER been
able to just relax with anything, even things he desperately wanted to do. He
told her that he felt much happier and asked her to let him continue.

That said, I also believe there are VERY few kids like Jake. And I bet their
moms know VERY early -- they don't have to have teachers or doctors diagnose
it.

Kathryn


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]