I've been treating ADHD for over 30 years in people of all ages, so I have seen firsthand how devastating it can be.

Recently I received an "open letter to Ned Hallowell" in which the author took me to task for stating that ADHD is not a disorder but rather a trait. She then went on to explain how much pain and suffering ADHD has caused her, and she criticized me for implying that she did not have a disorder (which I most certainly did not mean to do). She said that while ADHD may not have disabled me, it was certainly disabling her.

Her letter reflects a widespread misunderstanding of my position. Let me take a moment to clarify where I stand.

Whenever I say that ADHD is a trait, I immediately go on to state that it can indeed be a disorder, and that it can ruin a life. It would be absurd to claim that ADHD cannot be a crippling, chronic, lifelong disability.

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Executive Function Coaching:

• Organization
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Summer is an Excellent Time for Neurpsychological Evaluations and Memory Training!

Upcoming Programs:

MA, Cape Cod Institute
Unwrapping the Gifts: A Strength-Based Approach to ADHD Across the Life Span

Charlotte, NC, Christ Episcopal Church

London, UK ADDSpark Workshops Dr. Hallowell's workshop features his Strength based approached.

Q: For students with ADHD heading off to college for the first time in the fall, do you have suggestions for keeping prescription stimulant medications secure in the dorm setting?
 
A: For parents, it is a good idea to have a conversation with your teen before they head off to college in order to talk about this issue.  Encourage your son or daughter to tell friends who ask to share their medications that these meds can be dangerous when used casually, rather than under a doctor's care, and are off limits.  (Though they work very effectively to treat ADHD, they are controlled substances for a reason!)  Encourage your child to not share information about meds, including their location.
 
Only keep one month's supply. If your student is concerned that other students may "help themselves", keep a one or two week supply in dorm, the rest at the health center.  (And set an alarm or reminder to go get the next two week's supply before they are due to run out!)
 
Keep medications in a drawer, out of sight. To remind oneself to take them, put an empty daily pill box in with your toiletries or on the dresser where it will remind you each day.
- Melissa Orlov 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and frequently continues into adolescence and adulthood.

Although so many individuals with ADHD are bright, creative, and dynamic and have tremendous gifts, ADHD can greatly interfere with educational, occupational, economic and social functioning. Fortunately, there are many effective approaches to managing, facing and embracing ADHD and helping individuals achieve greater balance in their lives.

If you suspect that your child has ADHD there are several simple and straightforward steps to take to get things started.

 

Do

�  Get informed
�  Find a provider with whom you and your child connect
�  Consider all treatment options
�  Find the right treatment for your child
�  Be optimistic

 

Don't

�  Panic
�  Feel stuck with the first provider you meet
�  Immediately rule out treatment options
�  Believe that one size fits all
�  Give up

The weather will soon be turning cooler and those long, lazy days of lounging poolside or spending every waking moment with best friends while away at summer camp are quickly coming to an end. But with every end, comes a new beginning and an opportunity for change. Back to school time brings bright possibilities and the chance for a clean slate to introduce new organizational strategies into your home.

 

Organization doesn't just happen and children with ADHD need scaffolding and support to help organize themselves and their environments. Each family will have their own way of setting up certain systems and it is important to communicate as a family so that the systems are clear to all family members. The first day of school is no time for drastic changes in household schedules. Hold a family meeting 2-3 weeks prior to the first day back at school and discuss expectations, consequences, and brainstorm ideas to help each day flow more smoothly.

10 Practical Tips for Managing Adult ADHD - Adult ADHD can be managed, but it does take consistency and planning. Read Dr. Hallowell's ten suggestions at katiecouric.com.