The Wacky World of ADHD

Anyone who has had, or has been a child in the last 25 years is familiar with ADD and/or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder).

Well, gather round the campfire folks, because you are about to hear from the KING! Brothers and sisters, I am talking about Patient Zero: The innovator of inattention, the captain of distraction, the inaugural interrupter, pioneer of the frenzy frontier, the… oh, it just got sunny outside. “Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain”. That’s a good song by Bobby Hebb, but it has been covered by many artists including a disco version by Boney M. Remember them? “Ra-Ra-Rasputin”. Fun song to dance to at parties. Just remembered I have to find a cheap flight to New York for my cousin’s wedding next month. Anyway, where was I?

Welcome to a glimpse inside the mind of someone with A.D.D.

I once knew a guy. Let’s call him… me! I was diagnosed before the mental health community had coined the phrase “Attention Deficit Disorder. This was back when it was still referred to in clinical terms like (if I can recall the comments on my report cards); Lazy, ill-behaved, disorganized, hyper-active, undisciplined, and overly talkative.

Incidentally, all true except for “lazy”. There was no limit to the time and energy I could devote to a project that held my interest. I don’t like to play the “blame game” but I submit to you that perhaps my parents and/or teachers may in fact have been the lazy ones. (Okay, maybe I do like to play the blame game. Sue me.)

Now, I don’t want to brag but if this were a competition, some might consider me the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of ADD. In other words, not quite the MOST notable of all-time, but elite at every level, even with various teammates, plus extra points for longevity. First, they assigned the acronym ADD, but when they added the H, I made the cut, and decades later when they added the A (for Adult) AADHD, I was still battling for supremacy with the best of them. (No autographs, please.)

So what is this mysterious disorder plaguing children in epidemic proportions? Modern sources define ADHD as a neuro-cognitive or neuro-developmental disorder characterized by; inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Check, check, aaand… check! Researchers have recently determined ADHD to be hereditary, graciously donated by at least one parent who probably won’t admit it’s them (I added that last part myself).

ADHD has been the topic of much debate over the years regarding whether it qualifies as a true disorder, or if over-indulgent “pedestal” parents have been using it as an excuse for their child’s imperfections. But from my perspective, those are the wrong questions. The real question should be how to deal with it.

In 1980, I was prescribed Ritaline, which I took for only a few days. I observed no effects and it certainly did not reduce my hyper-activity, but then, no one could slow Kareem in his prime either. Just saying.

Anyway, one day my uncle saw the bottle at our home and schooled my parents on the nature of the drug. We discontinued use and returned to the old-fashioned remedies of authority figures spouting clichés like: “Buckle down, Pay attention, Make an effort, Concentrate, Where’d you get that Playboy magazine? Stay out of my drawers!” and helpful tips like that.

At least now, everyone seems sympathetic to the plight of the afflicted. I made it through high school, college, and various majors at University where I sometimes struggled and other times thrived, but endured countless humiliations along the way. Because nobody cared. Boo-hoo!

So far be it from me to lecture you about giving your child a drug that might help them, but you may want to explore alternatives before subjecting them to powerful chemicals at the height of their psychological development.

First, get off your high horse. We have evolved enough to know that a child is not abnormal simply because they do not excel in areas you think they should. ADHD kids can also “hyperfocus” on tasks they find interesting or rewarding. So if your kid likes music but you’re upset that they’re not good at math, why not nurture their strengths and build their confidence instead of forcing them to struggle endlessly on something that makes them feel inferior and depleted. I am not suggesting you withdraw them from general studies. I am simply recommending giving equal importance to things for which they may have greater aptitude. It may even boost their confidence and inject additional energy into the subjects they find mundane.

Clinics like ACE (Advanced Cognitive Enhancements) in Toronto boast advanced technologies that can assess the patient, and help them to understand their limitations and in some cases, their power. After all, knowing is half the battle (Well, maybe not half). Challenges can be faced, and manifestations reduced or resolved so as to improve their day-to-day lives and let’s face it, the lives of those around them. Because we of impaired attention and hyperactive frustration can be a pain in the proverbial tuches to deal with, both personally and professionally.

Not me, of course. I’m a delight. All I am saying is that a little understanding goes a long way. So go out and hug an ADHD kid today. But be careful, some of them bite.

I’m kidding. Maybe. Please consult a mental health professional.