For those of you that have a child with ADD/ADHD or for those of you that are coping with these disorders yourself......do you ever feel like you are constantly trying to educate to world?? As the parent of a child with ADHD, I find it very frustrating to talk to people who have no idea what ADD/ADHD is, or if they HAVE heard of it, trying to get them to understand what the disorder is like. Unfortunately, in my own opinion, I feel that someone has to experience what it is like to live with a person with ADD/ADHD, or at least witness some of the behaviours, in order for them to understand.
As a parent of a child with ADD/ADHD, I have found that finding a support group.....something like C.H.A.D.D. or even an online group! I have joined a mailing list called ADDTALK recently, and have found a wonderful group of caring people who really understand the frustrations of this disorder!! You can find out more about the mailing list, or join it, by going to Brandi Valentine's amazing web page. This page is definitely worth a visit, even if you aren't looking for the mailing list! :))
Another wonderful list that I've joined can be found by emailing the address:
I'll be adding more to this page soon :)
Since a child spends the majority of their waking hours in a school environment, the support of teachers, principal, vice-principal and other staff, plays a key role. The best advice that I can give, is to learn as much as you can about what type of support is available from your school board, district etc. We were lucky to have Adam designated as a Special Education student, so that he can get the proper support he needs, if the situation arises. It can be a long frustrating process to have this implemented, but it is worth all of the effort.
In Canada, the Special Education status is determined by an IPRC (Identification Placement Review Comittee). The rule that our school board follows, is, if the parent(s) ask for an IPRC, it is given. In our experience, this may be something that you have to push for. We were told that Adam was to "smart" to qualify for an IPRC, but "smart" has nothing to do with deserving the right to proper support. Through the ADDtalk mailing list, I have discovered that this is an all too common problem. Qualifications vary between Canada, the U.S., and, I'm sure, other countries, but one thing is common, no matter where you live..............YOUR CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO A PROPER EDUCATION AND IF THAT INCLUDES SPECIAL SUPPORT, THEN IT SHOULD BE GIVEN. Now I may sound a little harsh with that statement, but it is something that I believe in wholeheartedly!!!!
Please check back to this page again, because I will be adding some links for education information as well as some links for support groups. :)
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