A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
GOOD DAY!
FEBRUARY 10, 2003
Picture this ... an ADDer named Fred* has adapted well to his disorder and for the most part, functions well in day to day situations.
THEN for no apparent reason Fred* has a horrible, awful, dreadful day.
Late to work/school.
Can't find the car keys/book bag.
Forgets lunch money/checkbook.
Arrives at work/school without the needed report due today.
Gets called to the office of the boss/principal for "being late again".
Additionally, Fred* finds it impossible to get to work, difficult to understand why everyone is so upset and ends up getting reprimanded/suspended for insubordination.
If the above horrific day actually happened to a "Fred" you know, would you as a boss, principal, teacher, or parent or fully expect Fred to have the exact same difficulties the next day? Of course not. You would expect the next day to be an improvement or at least exemplifying different difficulties attributable to ADD/ADHD. You would not expect Fred to continue with all the difficulties encountered. You'd understand that the ADD/ADHD had kicked in full tilt for some unknown reason on that particular day.
WHY
THEN do we expect an ADDer to repeat those superb, exceptional,
excellent, terrific, great, banner, days that also "pop up"
infrequently? The typical ADDer will experience a day with a minimum of
ADD/ADHD difficulties occasionally.
I've heard statements like those below repeated many times.
"I know he can do it, he did it yesterday."
"He's just lazy - he knew the answers on the practice test."
"She passes her spelling test at home every week but fails the same test at school."
"What's wrong with you? You did this perfectly yesterday!"
"Earth to Fred* ... where are you today? You read well yesterday."
Think about it ! 
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
In my opinion, an ADDer is entitled to "good days" as well as "bad days" and we non-ADDers need to understand the occurrence of such days is truly not within the control of the ADDer.
I believe it was E. Hallowell M.D. in his book Driven to Distraction that alluded to the fact that one of the "worst things" an ADDer could do would be to "have a good day" because others might then think the ADDer was having difficulty at another time "on purpose".
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When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
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BJ Madewell
