tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post6715470470832043652..comments2024-03-26T07:07:14.304-07:00Comments on Teacher Tom: Is ADHD A Fraud?Teacher Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606781724784785338noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-38540238110997934812017-07-20T20:48:10.122-07:002017-07-20T20:48:10.122-07:00I've read some research connecting ADHD to pos...I've read some research connecting ADHD to possible early trauma. As in the signs of PTSD for very young children manifest as similar symptoms of ADHD. Interesting read. My mother always say she thought ADHD was a fraud and that is just how kids are... <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-21878956934077070372017-07-20T20:03:25.970-07:002017-07-20T20:03:25.970-07:00Sorry, this is long...
Thanks for bringing up thi...Sorry, this is long...<br /><br />Thanks for bringing up this topic. Like the issue of learning disabilities ADD/ADHD has had its share of difficulty convincing the public, and some of the diagnosticians, exactly where the line in the sand is drawn. I feel it all comes down to the struggle. When does it become something that gets in the way of functioning so that learning and living isn't overly compromised. Inattentive? We are all distracted at times. Impulsivity? Lots of people have a problem with being impulsive. Commercialism plays to that weakness. Hyperactive? Aren't all kids that way? True, but not always true. When being so distracted that it is hard to read an article through to the end without starting over several times then it is a problem. When someone has so much energy that they have to move around even in a setting where that isn't appreciated, that's a problem. Impulsivity, same thing. Does this mean we have to medicate our children into docility? No.<br /><br />Speaking as a seasoned educator, what we do know is that outdoor nature-based education works better than medication for kids labeled with ADD/ADHD. Maybe they are hyper-sensory, or maybe it is related to environment, but we have to do something different for them. Few schools are equipped with ADD/ADHD science teachers that can pick up on what the children need and run with it. Not enough schools have outdoor classrooms and project based learning approaches. In other countries there are outdoor schools where the kids are outside year round - sun, rain, snow... outdoors. I am a proponent outdoor nature-based education.<br /><br />I was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities almost 2 years ago. I see it from the inside. It explained a lot to me about the way I think, I react, I behave. With this new insight I became more aware of my behaviors and I look for ways to have more control of myself without drugs. I like the way I am, with my creativity and quirks, and only want to change what doesn't work. I have always loved outdoors and see that as part of the solution. As a teacher I have a built in radar to recognize the struggle in my students. I don't want to label them but I do want to support them. Outdoor activities puts them in a place where they are deeply engaged. Its so full of all kinds of stimulus that they are rarely bored.<br /><br />I don't know if diagnoses are as important as finding a better fit. We are not all designed for school in a box. Students need to be able to see themselves and their struggles in a better light... natural light. Time to throw open the doors and teach outside the box.<br /><br />Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17234006343923470556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-60332507877255636462017-07-20T16:49:24.809-07:002017-07-20T16:49:24.809-07:00I've just finished an ever in the western subu...I've just finished an ever in the western suburbs, but stay tuned. It looks like we will be adding a Sydney event in early August!Teacher Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14606781724784785338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-23327193320079315862017-07-20T16:08:26.043-07:002017-07-20T16:08:26.043-07:00What about Sydney? I would love to come but all th...What about Sydney? I would love to come but all those places are far from Sydney and I have 2 small children. I can't travel that far. :(<br />Alliehttp://theurbanmom.netnoreply@blogger.com