| ADHD is a term that is used and "thrown around" far | | | | diagnosis then typically can follow along like a shadow, |
| more often than I like to hear. | | | | dictating how others should treat and / or respond to |
| It seems as if every child who even displays the | | | | you or your child. |
| slightest bit of behavioral "abnormality" is suggested to | | | | Believe it or not, but there are studies that show |
| have ADHD. Whether the child is allegedly hyper, | | | | children who are identified as gifted and talented are |
| inattentive, or albeit out of control, ADHD seems to be | | | | treated as if they are, whether it is intentional or |
| where most people point the finger first. | | | | unintentional. And at the same time, children who are |
| While I understand the need to find relief, and provide | | | | identified or labeled with behavioral problems are in turn |
| support and treatment for the child, this need should | | | | treated like and responded to that diagnosis or set of |
| not supersede the importance of getting the diagnosis | | | | identified behavioral issues. |
| right, if there is one. | | | | Although it shouldn't be like this, it often ends up like this. |
| Believe it or not, but the diagnosis can be, and often | | | | It is far easier to group people together, than it is to |
| times is everything... Although it shouldn't be, it is easy | | | | give each individual the chance they deserve. |
| for the behavior to be seen as the diagnosis and the | | | | And while the diagnosis does not necessarily solve the |
| diagnosis as a label. | | | | problems, and often times is merely only suggestive of |
| Why is it so important that the diagnosis be right? | | | | the problem at hand and what treatment should follow, |
| The diagnosis suggests treatment and whether or not | | | | many people settle with the diagnosis and call it a day. |
| we think there is a need for medication. The diagnosis | | | | Don't let this happen. |
| suggests what else might be going on or how we can | | | | Fight for your child. |
| account for what we think is happening with your child. | | | | Don't let anyone label them, and most of all, fight hard |
| The diagnosis really leads to how we formulate or | | | | to ensure that your child is properly diagnosed and truly |
| think about your child's behaviors, what treatment | | | | warrants a diagnosis of ADHD. |
| recommendations should follow, and ultimately that | | | | |