| "Once you label me, you negate me"~ Soren | | | | ADD is real. |
| Kierkegaard | | | | Having ADD can be a gift. |
| I have been thinking a lot about labels, lately. | | | | There are challenges to having ADD. |
| Specifically, I have been thinking about how some | | | | We should take whatever actions are in the best |
| people perceive the diagnosis of ADD as an | | | | interest of ourselves, our partners and/or our children. |
| unwanted label, rather than a medical diagnosis which | | | | If fear of having a label is dictating the choices that we |
| warrants a treatment plan. | | | | make, then all sorts of unintended consequence may |
| With all of the external messages about ADD and its | | | | ensue. Are there people who you are not telling who |
| treatment, it understandable that people might shy | | | | could be helpful if they knew of the diagnosis? Are |
| away from embracing this diagnosis. Hearing people | | | | you encouraging affected people to use their |
| either imply or say directly that ADD is not a "real" | | | | strengths? Are you researching and making informed |
| medical condition or that kids are over medicated can | | | | decisions about the various treatment plans? A |
| be hard when you have a loved one affected by this | | | | comprehensive treatment plan may include cognitive |
| and, perhaps, is taking medication. So, it is no surprise | | | | behavioral or other therapy, coaching, medication, social |
| that some people say they do not want a label of | | | | skills training, support groups, and parenting skills training. |
| ADD or do not want their partner or child to have a | | | | ADD is part of a person, just like being near sighted or |
| label of ADD. | | | | having asthma. Please do not let it define you or a |
| Accepting a label, whatever it is, is a choice. Yes, | | | | loved one, but also do not ignore it. |
| unwanted labels can have potentially deleterious | | | | Remember labels are for cans. |
| effects on ones sense of self, if one chooses to | | | | Answer the questions below, and then make an |
| accept others' labels and definitions as conclusive. As | | | | intentional choice, one that will work for you and/or |
| a parent of a daughter with ADD and an adult with | | | | your family. |
| ADD, I know first hand how insensitive people can be, | | | | What are the gifts of ADD? |
| albeit usually unintentionally, upon learning of this | | | | What are the best ways to address the challenges? |
| information. However, I try hard to make the choice not | | | | With whom do I want to share this information? |
| to allow insensitive comments and actions to affect | | | | What do I want for me, my partner and/or my child? |
| my actions by keeping the following in mind: | | | | |