Article Details

The joys of having ADD/ADHD children

From the perspective of an eternal optimist (who has an overly hyperactive child) I want you to consider some of the positive traits associated with people, including children, who have ADD or ADHD:

Enthusiastic and lively – They’re so much fun to be with because life is a box of chocolates to them. They are curious and tenacious with lively personalities. Try to see through the exasperation you feel from their excessive energy to treasure their enthusiasm for everything life has to offer.
Spontaneity– Learn to be more spontaneous with them and you will enjoy life more!
Flexibility – They consider a lot of options at once and are more often open to different ideas.
Creativity – An ADD/ADHD child can be marvelously creative and imaginative. Their ability to daydream and think of multiple thoughts at once provides more experiences for creative expression and problem solving. Many times they notice what others don’t see most likely because they are easily distracted.
Energy, drive, and tenacity – When you motivate them, they work or play hard and strive to succeed.
Gifted - Many children with ADD/ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted.

Written By: Marieta Stevens
Date Posted: 11/17/2008
Number of Views: 184

Comments

Drakututs Says:

11/28/2008 11:50:07 AM

Hi there. I am glad to sea that people out there do see that ADD and ADHD can be positive. There is nothing wrong with kids that have it. I remember my parents going total crazed trying to find out what was "wrong" me. AT age 11 I was suicidal. But was saved by my loving and caring parents I was also put onto Ritalin. I believe this is a good drug if used properly i.e. under constant observation by trained professional and also the substitution of sugar pills to see how the child is coping from time to time.

I am now a contributing fully functional member of the society after sever people in the Know said I would never amount to anything.

Avalon Says:

11/19/2008 12:17:48 PM

Thank you for the comments above and yes, what you have said is 110% true. My son was diagnosed but not as ADD or ADHD, they never managed to pin down what Liam is but suffice to say; he is a gift to us.
After 18 months of trying alternative medicines; making sure that all food was preservative and tartrazine free; no preservatives in his lunchmeats; only whole wheat and brown bread; having him on Gaba and IQ etc; I had to admit that he needed to go onto medication. I think it was more the stubborn streak in me and unfortunately the stigma attached the Ritalin that made me dig my heels in.
All I can say is that those that preach out there must first walk a mile in a parent's shoes; someone who has taken every other route before going the traditional one. Altenatives might work for some of the kids, a percentage, but not for everyone, as no two are the same.
Liam is now in Concertia every day; he takes one in the morning which basically helps him concentrate during the school morning and in class. He no longer has the behavioral problems of being fidgety and not listening (the occasional lapse does happen but Liam is a free spirited child) and the tablets normally wear off at about 13h00 and he does not then turn into a little monster either – lol.
Someone once unkindly said that kids on Ritalin/Concertia are like morons and they are all doped up and look ‘retarded’ (this was the unkind word they used). I held my tongue because they obviously have listened to others and their stories.
One cannot even tell that Liam is on it, he certainly does not have any ‘look’ about him.
He is extremely gifted not only intellectually but I see a budding artist as well; and as you say in the article above; Liam is all of those points.
So, thank you for this; it will be laminated and put on our fridge and other focal points around our house to remind us of our gift in Liam.
Brightest Blessings light and love