There are misconceptions about ADHD. The first one is that it's just a behavioral issue than can be "fixed" by discipline. I can't begin to tell you how untrue that is. My son was diagnosed with ADHD last April. He's disciplined on a regular basis. He's the kind of kid that doesn't need to be spanked. He sensitive enough that generally a firm talking to or losing privileges gets the message across just fine. I'm not against spanking, if it works. It needs to be considered on an individual basis. It doesn't work for every child. I can tell you with all certainty, ADHD will not be cured by "an ass whoopin".
The second misconception is that every parent is in a hurry to "drug" their child to make their lives easier. This is not the case. I'm not against medicating a child, if it works. My son was put on a non-stimulant last year. Things went great for about a month. His symptoms had subsided. I was amazed by the change. Until my child became something that wasn't him. He had horrible, violent fits. He hit, screamed, punched, kicked. He reacted to little things in an explosive violent manner. It was devastating. It broke my heart. We went back to the doctor's. We decided medication was not giving us desired results. Stimulant's were out of the question. We started a vitamin regiment. It consists of Omega's 3,6 & 9, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin D. It's working great. He still struggles but, thankfully his IEP support team is amazing. I love his teacher's, principal, and resource aids. They've done wonders for him. It's so good for him. Plus, there's no horrible side effects.
I know there are educators that push for medication. It doesn't have to be done. I think parent's are often pushed into positions they don't really want to be in. I think the most effective tool we can give our children is the ability to deal with their disorder. God made them special, he gave us the load to carry because, he knew we could. Who am I to pass the buck to someone else? My child will grow up understanding his strengths and weaknesses and know how to cope with his disorder. Would he learn that if he were "drugged"? Absolutely not. I'm proud of him, I watch him struggle but, I get to see his face light up when "he gets it". It's a fantastic thing. He was fearfully and wonderfully made. I thank God for him everyday. He brings such joy to everyone. He's just a likable kid. You can't help it. His vibrant personality just sucks you in.
So, please, before you judge my child or any child & parent coping with ADHD, don't assume it's all because they don't get an "ass whooping" or that it would fix it. If you don't have a child with a disorder or disability, you don't know.
That "cartoon" made me angry, too. Gavin doesn't do well with traditional discipline, as you said. It breaks his spirit and he doesn't need to get to that level. Talking to him works. Taking away a prized toy works. Besides that, the cartoon isn't funny. People are know-it-alls when it comes to other peoples' children. Sticking their nose where it doesn't belong, and then getting insulted when they're put in their place. Gavin's "treatment" is working for him, without getting a butt-whooping.
ReplyDeleteI think what got me most is, not even a day later, something was posted by the same person about a "special needs" person in their life. It just doesn't make sense.
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