ADHD is Very Real and Wildly Overdiagnosed!
Yes! And Yes!
I have worked with more children than I can count over the past 34 years and ADHD has affected my life personally and professionally in profound and lasting ways. I have watched children struggle through self-doubt, frustration, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and worse, all the direct result of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Consequently, I believe it is real. In fact, I have absolutely no doubt ADHD is real. That being said, I believe ADHD is wildly overdiagnosed…and the trend is growing exponentially.
What do you do if you think your child has ADHD?
If you think your child has ADHD you should, by all means, have him or her tested. And right away! Then, if the tests suggest a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), get a second opinion before beginning treatment.
Let me say that again:
GET A SECOND OPINION BEFORE BEGINNING TREATMENT!
Do not take the word of just one medical practitioner, particularly when it comes to a diagnosis that will label your child, and perhaps for the rest of his or her life.
Become Your Child’s Advocate and a Student of the Disorder
Once the diagnosis is verified, become a student of the “disorder.” Find out everything you can about it and seek out experts. That being said, be very careful in assessing the qualifications of the “experts.” Seek out the very best treatment and support, in and out of the classroom. Once again, you must become your child’s most vocal advocate…because the squeaky wheel really does get the grease. And there is only so much grease to go around!
The public and private schools, both sectarian and parochial, are completely overwhelmed by the demands placed upon them by children in need of special assistance. If you do not stay on top of your child’s medical and educational needs, they will fall through the cracks. The guidance counselors, teachers, and teaching assistants are, for the most part, wonderful and committed. They are also completely overwhelmed, and there is little relief in sight. Consequently, you must take control if you hope to see your child grow through a diagnosis of ADHD (more on this later this week).
Once again, ADHD is very real. However, in my opinion, ADHD is also wildly overdiagnosed. Take care, be proactive, and be very vocal!
All the best to you and please don’t hesitate to contact Westside Tutoring & Testing Services if you have any questions. If you have comments, leave them below. And please share this with a friend or relative you know who may know someone with ADHD.
Have an amazing day!
Professor John P. J. “Jack” Zajaros, Sr.
Westside Tutoring & Testing Services
Serving the Children of NE Ohio Since 1980!
1596 Westwood Ave.
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-712-7004 (office)
NOTE: I am not a medical practitioner. My opinions are my own and are based close to 4 decades of working with children diagnosed with ADHD. I have seen the very best and the worst possible outcomes and I know it is real. That being said, ADHD can be mastered and you or your son or daughter can have a happy, healthy, productive, and successful life in spite of a diagnosis of ADHD. For more information or a free, in-home consultation and assessment call 216-712-7004.
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