ADHD or something else? Everyone needs to watch this video

Amanda - posted on 01/29/2011

Some learning centers will test a child at no cost if asked or there may be scholarships available. Or if you qualify for state funded insurance they will cover it. You might have explored this already but maybe these options can help.

Michelle - posted on 01/29/2011

Crystal,
I agree with you, I did not find them to be hyper, but there is always the diagnoses of ADD, without the hyperactivity. Being misdiagnosed with ADHD when a child has dyslexia....I think that can happen because I believe my son has a learning disability and anxieties but instead of seeing the whole picture, they see ADHD. Now, as for getting him properly diagnosed, we have tried, many times, without success. I am unable to get him tested for a learning diasability without paying someone $100 to test him. The school refuses to test him. His therapist says the school should do it. The school says a learning center will do it, for a cost. So I research on my own and find what I think will help him. I know my son best, and having someone tell me it is one thing, knowing clear well it is not, is frustrating. (I also have a daughter who has ADHD, so I know the differences).

Michelle - posted on 01/29/2011

Amy,
Just because I shared a news story does not mean I trust EVERY thing the news states. Just because I posted this link does not mean it is for you or your child. There are some people who have found this link to be helpful. You have not. So, since you do not agree with my OPINIONS, does not mean you must continue to bash me. It is my OPINION that most, not all, children with ADHD has difficulty with learning. ADHD contributes to the inability to concentrate, thus, inhabiting their ability to effectivley learn. That is a fact. Some facts you may not agree with, and that's okay. But to say the link was posted as a misrepresentation of facts is incorrect. It is a fact that the news covered this story. It is a fact that millions of children are misdiagnosed. Millions of children from all over the world, not just in one area of the United States.
Your opinon is just that, an opinion. Not fact.
My opinion is just an opinion, not fact.
Everyone is allowed an opinion. And by the way, you did not "hurt my feelings" one bit. I am not a sensitive person who thinks someone else's opinons are wrong, or they are making a "blanket statement", or even that someone else's opinon "hurts my feelings."
I have an education and background in psychology and mental health illnesses. I know the difference between fact and opinion.

Maryka - posted on 01/29/2011

@Jackie Holloway. It is indeed a myth that children with ADHD struggle with maths and reading. You know what? There are even children who don't have ADHD, dyslexia, ADD ext, who struggle with maths and reading.

You say: "you are just one of the lucky ones that has a child that does not have to suffer even more because they cannot keep up with their peers in and out of the classroom. :)"

I can't see where I've said in my post that he doesn't struggle to keep up with his class mates? But you know what? The work that he missed in the class, I will do with him at home. I will teach him his words and maths until he knows it. I can very easily turn around, through my hands in the air, and say "my child has ADHD, he has difficulty learning, so I will just leave it at that". But I don't do that. I know with lots of love and patience, he will learn all his work. It's not only hard work for him, but for myself as well. And unfortunately, in the process of learning, learning, learning, I miss our spending time with my daughter.

But at the end of the day, it pays off. It great when he comes home from school and tells me "Mommy, I got 10/10 of my maths test today". And that happens most Fridays. The joy on his face cannot be described. And that is when I know, all the struggle in the week was worth it, every minute of it. And the same goes for his spelling tests. And it's great when his teacher tells me how he amazes her with how good he is doing in his schoolwork.

I never said it was easy for me. In fact, it is the other way around.

PS. Sorry for taking so long to post this. My internet has been off to a couple of days, just got back on today.

Amy - posted on 01/27/2011

Sorry, Michelle. When you post information that is factually incorrect, it doesn't matter what your "opinion is." I'm sorry I hurt your feelings, that wasn't my intention. I honestly thought you had different intentions, and my thoughts regarding your intentions were clearly wrong. However... some of the information you provided was factually wrong. Important information that we should all have right. I don't go around trying to look "more right". I do, however, understand that it is our responsibility to "market" facts about ADHD to the community at large, and that by declaring "most children with ADHD to have other issues" when it is not true, is ... not okay. You trusted inaccurate sources. It doesn't mean I think you are bad or wrong... it just means that your sources are wrong, and as a community, we need to stop citing news media, and look for the original sources of real, scientific studies. That is all. There's no opinioin about it. You can have the opinion that the world is flat... but it isn't. That's all.

I fully understand that all of our children are different. My brother had dyslexia and ADHD. My son is gifted (particularly with reading... he's pretty average with Math) and has ADHD. There may or may not be any number of other issues with all of our kids. But "most" of our kids don't have learning disabilities because they have ADHD. It's a misconception... that's all I'm trying to say. It's great that you are aware of all of your child's issues. That's important. But the blanket declatory statement... not so cool. That's all.

Michelle - posted on 01/27/2011

Amy,
I am quoting a poster that said "And while there may be comorbidities and even misdiagnoses in the ADHD population, titling a post "everyone needs to watch this because I know you're doing it wrong"... again, is unhelpful."
Read the title again. I never said that. Please watch what you read. When I type, I type exactly what I mean to say. I am not here to argue. Only to share stories and some helpful advice to others. This story may or may not be intended for you. If it's not, GREAT! If it is, GREAT, you ahve another tool. I am not here to argue opinions. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has their own story, everyone has their own lives. Just because we have a child or children with ADHD, does not mean these children act the same or have the same problems. Every child is different, just as us. Please learn to accept others as they are - different. You may have a different opinion as everyone else, it doesn't make you wrong. I may have a different opinion than anyone else, that doesn't make me wrong. What's wrong with this picture, if you read all the posts is some people bash or cut down other people's opinions. This is not okay, not in the real world and neither online.
I didn't ask you or anyone else why you are on this site. I didn't bash what you said or question your beliefs or tell you that what you state was a 'misrepresentation of the facts.' It may or may not be my opinion of you, but I do not have to go around bashing or cutting others down to make myself look 'more right' than anyone else. I am sharing information for others to determine it is for them or not. Plain and simple.
I can understand that you have been through a lot with your son and his psyciatrist. I have been through a lot myself. Putting yourself on a board such as this opens one up for criticism but it should be healthy and respectful critisicsm not telling me I am wrong for having my own opinion. And yes, I felt that you were disrespectful to me in a few postings. But I don't expect or need an apology from you, Amy. All I would expect from you is to think twice before posting that others' opinions are wrong. Fact: They are different, not wrong.

Jacqui - posted on 01/26/2011

wow, lol thats a lot to digest at this time of the morning...(it's only 07.30 here in Malta!) my son leaves for school at 06.50 - they start very early here 07.45 but then also finish early 14.20. will go through it with a nice cup of coffee but thanks - more info to hopefully become better prepared.

@ Maryka, it is not a myth - my son has ADHD and reading as well as math difficulties - it's just NOT ALL CHILDREN WITH ADHD. you are just one of the lucky ones that has a child that does not have to suffer even more because they cannot keep up with their peers in and out of the classroom. :)

Amy - posted on 01/26/2011

" Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume 39, Issue 4, April 2000, Pages 485-494
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
doi:10.1097/00004583-200004000-00018 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI
Copyright © 2000 The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Published by Elsevier Inc.
Permissions & Reprints

ARTICLES
Phonological Processing, Not Inhibitory Control, Differentiates ADHD and Reading Disability
KAREN L. PURVIS PH.D.a and ROSEMARY TANNOCK PH.D., a,

a Dr. Purvis is a postdoctoral fellow and Dr. Tannock is Senior Scientist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto

Accepted 7 October 1999. Available online 22 December 2009.

ABSTRACT
Objective
To test for the distinctiveness of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading disability (RD) and the independence of the cognitive domains, inhibition and phonological processing, which are proposed as central to ADHD and RD, respectively, using a classic double dissociation design.

Method
A 2 (ADHD versus no ADHD) × 2 (RD versus no RD) model was used to examine the cognitive profile of 4 groups of children, aged 7 to 11 years. Two measures of inhibitory control and 3 phonological processing measures were used.

Results
The 2 RD groups (RD, ADHD+RD) were significantly impaired relative to the 2 non-RD groups (controls, ADHD) on all phonological processing measures. The 2 ADHD groups were significantly impaired on simple go-task responding relative to the non-ADHD groups and in inhibition. Contrary to predictions, an RD effect on inhibitory control was found on one inhibition measure. The comorbid group (ADHD+RD) generally exhibited the deficits of both single groups in an additive fashion.

Conclusions
These findings question the role of inhibitory control as a unique cognitive marker for ADHD and suggest true comorbidity for children with both ADHD and RD"

:) This is scientific research, which is authoritative. The research out there indicates 14%-45% of ADHD children have difficulty learning. The "actual/truth" is probably somewhere in the middle... either way, it's not "most".

"These disorders co-occur in both clinic and epidemiological samples at a rate greater than would be expected by chance, with estimates of the rates of overlap ranging from 15% to 45% (e.g., [Biederman et al., 1991], [Faraone et al., 1993] and [Semrud-Clikeman et al., 1992]). The nature of the association of ADHD and RD is unknown; however, the question frequently arises in both clinical practice and research as to whether one disorder is primary or the other secondary in children in whom the disorders co-occur."

Some believe that the ADHD behaviors exhibited by children with reading difficulties are secondary to the reading difficulties... that the kids behave poorly because they aren't performing. This is theory, however, and not fact. But it is something interesting to consider.
The article I quoted has been cited 1050 times by other researchers. It is highly authoritative. Feel free to google the title, etc. You'll have the most luck finding it through your library, especially a university library.

Regarding the "overdiagnosis", you might want to check out this article... again, you'll have better luck at a university library. http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2654/co...


"Objective: According to the DSM-IV TR, approximately 3 to 7% of school-age children meet the criteria for ADHD. However, there is a common conception that ADHD is overdiagnosed. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the evidence for and against overdiagnosis. Method: Recent prevalence studies and research on factors affecting diagnostic accuracy were reviewed. For ADHD to be overdiagnosed, the rate of false positives (i.e., children inappropriately diagnosed with ADHD) must substantially exceed the number of false negatives (children with ADHD who are not identified or diagnosed). Results and Conclusion: Based on the review of prevalence studies and research on the diagnostic process, there does not appear to be sufficient justification for the conclusion that ADHD is systematically overdiagnosed. Yet, this conclusion is generally not reflected in public perceptions or media coverage of ADHD. Potential explanations for the persistence of the belief in the overdiagnosis of ADHD are offered. (J. of Att. Dis. 2007; 11(2) 106-113) "

It is vital for this community to have the FACTS. We are our children's best advocates! We are the face of ADHD to the rest of the world. We can't sit idly by and allow this misinformation. Trusting the news channels for accurate information is like writing a research paper based off of wikipedia. It's going to be full of errors. The news is less interested in fact and all interested in ratings. They are opinion. Scientific research is fact.

I apologize if I've been gruff about this, I've had a hard time with my son's school "psychologist" lately, and this is a very sore topic for me. But please please know that the news and other media sources might be a good start, but they are at least as likely to contain massive errors as they are to be accurate.

Sorry this is so so so obnoxiously long. I hope my sources are helpful.

Jacqui - posted on 01/26/2011

Amy,
My son does have major reading and maths difficulties with meltdowns at school and homework time our of frustration and was diagnosed with ADHD and borderline dyslexia last October, so forgive me, but i AM NOT missing any facts!!! I have fostered 2 children and both suffered with severe ADHD and one with severe Dyslexia, so I know what it means to have children on the go 24/7, and be so frustrated that they break things, throw stuff about the room as they FEEL STUPID and you have to try to make them see that they are as bright as the next child and worth loving and.... you get the picture. I just think that it is worth looking deeper into. What harm will it do? I want the best for my son (he is also fostered but soon to be adopted by the way and also now the only child in the house), As I am sure everybody here does and if that means I am willing to look deeper into an alternative (even to find that this is not applicable to my son) then that's what i will do. as for the title.... ADHD or something else? Everyone needs to watch this video where are you reading "everyone needs to watch this because I know you're doing it wrong" maybe we are reading different titles or maybe you are just taking this way too personally - just my opinion :0)

Amy - posted on 01/26/2011

Jackqie, I think what the OP (and perhaps you)??? are missing here is the difference between opinion and fact. It is NOT a fact that most ADHD children have reading and learning disabilities. It is inappropriate to state differently and call it "opinion." There is no room for opinion in epedemiology. It's either scientific or it is not.

Perhaps I'm oversensitive to the matter right now, but the fact remains that making false statements under the guise of "opinion" is entirely unhelpful.

And while there may be comorbidities and even misdiagnoses in the ADHD population, titling a post "everyone needs to watch this because I know you're doing it wrong"... again, is unhelpful.

This thing is stressful enough without someone coming in to a support group to very strongly "suggest" parents and their LICENSED practitioners have made grave errors under the guise of "opinion."

While I appreciate that the information was actually helpful to some, I don't appreciate the misleading "information" nor the tone it was presented in.

Sorry, not cutting slack here. I think the OP was way out of line. And that's my opinion. :)

Beth - posted on 01/26/2011

Hint Michelle:
Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean they don't respect you.

Michelle - posted on 01/26/2011

Amy Walker,
My goal to post this was to help parents out there who honestly believe their child does NOT have ADHD or ADD or whatever else the child may have been diagnosed with.
I joined this board because my son was diagnosed with ADHD. I do not beleive he does. I have many years dealing with a variety of mental health issues, from bipolar, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ODD, and ADHD, among others. I do not have any of these disorders but have close family members who do, as well as my husband. I have life experience with these issues. I know the routine - ask questions, research, ask more questions, talk to professionals, etc. I got it. I am also in my second year of college, studying to be a psychologist who works with mental illness.
I posted the link to give information to others. This does not mean in anyway that EVERY child is misdiagnosed or even the majority are.
Just a hint: When replying to others' posts, this one and future one's you reply to, it makes a huge difference on the tone you are trying to convey to others. Words matter, whether in face-to-face situations or online. If someone does not agree, there is no reason to bash the person or imply that the person shouldn't be in the group. That is not for you or any single person to judge. As it says for every post "powered by RESPECT not thumps"

Maryka - posted on 01/26/2011

I have to agree 100% with Amy Walker. It is a myth that children with ADHD struggle with maths and reading.

My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was almost 5, although we have know for more than 3 years before that that he had ADHD, but he was to young to be diagnosed with it.

My son is absolutely brilliant in both maths and reading. In fact, he is one of the best children in class when it comes to maths.

Don't go with what you see on TV or what your hear from people (who don't know the facts). The doctors who diagnose the kids with ADHD, ADD, ext, know what they are doing. The don't just "decide" to put a child in a certain "group".

Ask your doctor questions when you are not happy about something, it is your right to do so. Whenever I take my son to the ADHD clinic, I ask them 101 questions each time, and they have no problem to answer the questions, or to discuss them.

Michelle, until you make peace with it that your boy has ADHD, you will always look for something else. Talk to your doctor about your worries. And trust them. They won't do anything that is not in the best interest of your child. Good luck to you and you family.

Amanda - posted on 01/26/2011

I think in all diagnosis' as serious and life altering as these ,a second or third opinion is neccessary. I also know that if I could find a more definate way to help my ( year old ADHD son I would be all over it. The constant trying something new to help my son ,either with his diet, medication, exersize, sleep...( I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about) and then when they finally start making some headway and feeling what success at school feels like. They grow and hormones change and you are at square one again. Although there are exceptions to every rule, Doctors want to do what's best ( to thier knowledge) for our children. Keeping an ear out for other options is always good . For both parents and our doctors. And if you're like me they are on speed dial filtering all my questions and motherly guilt. I have several, some for homeopathic, some for occupational therapy,some for plain old western medicine. So thank you for posting another possibility but unfortunately for me and my son, it does not apply. Just keep swimming,just keep swimming...

Crystal - posted on 01/26/2011

While I agree that there are many kids that may be misdiagnosed, or underdiagnosed, I do think it's odd that anyone who's dyslexic could be misdiagnosed with ADHD. I could see them being misdiagnosed with ADD, but it's the Hyperactivity part that is odd to me. Neither of the kids on the video seemed to have any hyperactive tendencies what-so-ever, so I definitely would have questioned the ADHD dx as well.

Jacqui - posted on 01/26/2011

amy i do not think that was her goal - i really think you should give her some slack. My son has been diagnosed with ADHD and borderline dyslexia, he is not on meds yet and has major issues with reading and maths and i would rather have him tested and be told no - he is def ADHD then to go on thinking what if. I have not taken this lightly and yes it is very serious you are right, but all she has done is to say that there is another option to explore that may or may not apply to your child.

every body is entitled to their opinion - you have your, i have mine and michelle has hers

Amy - posted on 01/26/2011

I'm pretty sure MOST of us on here took this diagnosis VERY seriously and asked all kinds of questions and tried all sorts of remedies before accepting the dx and medicating our children.

MOST ADHD kids do NOT have trouble with reading and math. In fact, they are in the minority. MOST ADHD children are actually remarkably bright. Boredom in class exacerbates behavior problems.

Just because something is on your TV doesn't mean it's true. That's not me being closed minded, that's me being smart. Everything needs to be critically evaluated... that includes diagnoses and "news" pieces.

Not sure why you're on this board??? Just to tell a bunch of women who struggle with parenting their dynamic children that they're doing it all wrong?

Jacqui - posted on 01/26/2011

when i went to have my son tested it was not for adhd but they insisted that he had more of the adhd symptoms and that he was borderline dyslexic which if the adhd was treated it would go away - this i find had to believe but we have agreed to keep him off meds for now and are using natural supp such as omega 3,6 the teachers have been very understanding and have reduced his work load but just from hearing the kids in the video, doing the checklist, he scored 24 which is not high but not low either. so to be on the safe side i will have hi checked out - at least this way he wil not have to take neds and may even get sorted /trained to be able to read confidently amongst others. so thanks for bringing this to our attention

Jacqui - posted on 01/26/2011

wow this make soo much sense and i have always said that i thought he had more of the dyslexia symptoms then the adhd. i will have a look into this and get my soon checked. thanks

Michelle - posted on 01/25/2011

Most children diagnosed with ADHD have trouble with reading and math...it is a statistic. It is also true that there are over 1 million children misdiagnosed. That's a fact no one can or should ignore. You may be one of many who received an accurate diagnosis for your child, and for that, I am happy for you. But there are some out there in this circle that question whether or not their child really has ADHD or not. This is why I posted this link. Not to talk statistics or argue the legistics of the story. It was a story that needed to be done, and was done. Point being, it may not effect you, but it may be relevant to others. And for those interested...they will watch it and decide for themselves if it is relevant.

Beth - posted on 01/25/2011

so simply saying that this was misleading and that there is more to ADHD than what they are saying and that not all ADHD kids even have trouble with the things they list is one sided and not open to other solutions?
point blank the piece was misleading.
and you really believe that over 1 million kids are misdiagnosed? that's 1/5 of all kids diagnosed with ADHD don't actually have it?
I do think some are but not 1/5 of them.

Michelle - posted on 01/25/2011

Of course there is much more to ADHD than that. But millions of children have been misdiagnosed with ADHD, when in fact, they do not have ADHD at all. The news piece is covering a topic that is relevant in many schools all over the United States.
My son was dignosed with ADHD, but I do not (and have) believed that he has ADHD. No one would agree with me, so I was left alone...knowing my son, and knowing ADHD because my daughter has ADD. I wanted to let others know that their child could be misdiagnosed and there are other resources available to make sure of the correct diagnoses. This may only be relevant to a few people, but if only a few people are helped because of this news story, the better.
Beth, I have been dealing with ADHD, ADD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety....the list goes on....many in my extended family and immediate family have these disorders. So I know about mental illness VERY WELL. When replying to others comments, it is important to remain open to others' situations and feelings. And also including more information than just one sentence that sounds very one-sided. Just a hint.

Beth - posted on 01/25/2011

ADHD is much more than difficulty reading or doing math, the name of this news piece is misleading.