Hot topic of the week: " Why doesn't my child's teacher 'get it?' " "Why doesn't she understand how ADHD really impacts my child - that he is not lazy, unmotivated, nor intentionally manipulative?" I know this opens up a whole set of emotions for many parents out there, so before I go any further, I must clarify two important issues.

First, teachers are individuals, each with their own background, knowledge, and experience. While unfortunately, many parents and children have had negative experiences with some teachers, there are also many teachers who have, through their compassion, knowledge and methods, opened the door to learning and personal growth in ways that have been life changing. Most teachers go into their profession with the intention of enlightening the lives of the children they touch.

Which leads me to the second issue. Most teachers, especially general education teachers, are not specifically taught about how to recognize ADHD, or how to teach and support children with ADHD. They may receive a general overview of the symptoms, but they are not given extensive education about the many issues involved in supporting a child with ADHD.

It is this second issue that creates the greatest concern and potentially devastating impact on children. Here are some of the concerns it raises:[Read more...]  

"You always sit with Jonny while he does his homework, why won't you play with me?" "How come I can't have Dana come over after school to play just because Sam has homework to do?" "Mommy, get Henry out of my room, NOW"

If you have a more than one child, you know that sometimes managing your time between children can be a challenge. When one of those children has special needs, the balancing act can be even greater. The time spent on doctors appointments, various therapies, gathering resources, becoming knowledgeable about your child's unique needs and treatments, not to mention managing often challenging behaviors, can be way beyond time spent caring for a typical child.

Let's shift focus for a moment on the experience of the "other child", the sibling of the child with special needs. What goes on in the life of this child during all this time? In the early years, often this child accompanies mom and sibling to various appointments and therapies, waiting in the waiting room while Jonny is interacting with another adult, doing things that from a child's perspective look like play - rolling on big balls, blowing bubbles, playing games. In the end, Jonny comes out with some sort of sticker or small toy, and maybe one for Sara who sat coloring to pass the time.