A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
APRIL 30, 2003
LAZY ....
Below is a copy of the criteria used to diagnose ADHD. Read it carefully.
"The following DSM-IV-TR general criteria must be met
in order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made:
(bold - highlighted portions by BJ Madewell)
- The person must display "a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least 6 months to a degree that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development."
- "Some hyperactive-impulsive, or inattentive symptoms that cause impairment must have been present before age 7 years."
- "Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings" (e.g., at school, work, and at home).
- "There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning."
- "The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another diagnosis (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder)."
Do you see the word LAZY included?
NO!
Children are not lazy, in my opinion. Adults accuse them of laziness due to misunderstanding the child's problems. ADD/ADD/LD students are NOT LAZY either. The diagnosis for an LD child is determined by comparing the potential (IQ) with performance (academics). If there is a large enough discrepancy, a diagnosis of LD can be considered.
A quick search for synonyms for lazy produced some interesting words: lounge, loaf, tired, wearied. Delving further produces these words: fatigued, worn down, bedraggled, disgusted, fed-up, bored, worn-out.
I am hopeful some of the above words found on my handy-dandy FRANKLIN WORDMASTER will be accepted by educators, parents, psychologists, psychiatrists, and ADDers to better describe an ADDer's actions than the word LAZY.
Think of a newborn child. Have you ever seen a "lazy" baby that is healthy? A "lazy" child would not learn to roll over, pick up items, talk, or even learn to walk. The amount of effort taken to learn new skills for a newborn is profound. It is imperative that those living and working with ADDers and LDers understand that new learning is VERY DIFFICULT for those diagnosed with such difficulties. At times, they many APPEAR to be lazy but their behavior is probably due to other causes such as inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.
This newsletter stems from my recent marathon IEP meetings I wrote about recently. I heard the statement "He's just lazy" too many times. Additionally, over the years, I have received numerous emails from teachers, parents, and yes, even administrators, who use this inaccurate word in describing children with learning difficulties.
Admittedly, many students struggling with learning appear lazy. However, if you could read their thoughts you might hear one or more of the following:
 |
I
don't understand. I can't do this. If I ask the teacher for help,
she'll say I'm just being lazy. |
|
I
wonder what I'm supposed to do next. If I ask the teacher, he'll say I'm
just being lazy. |
|
This
is really hard. If I ask the teacher, she'll say I'm just being lazy and I
should pay attention better. |
|
I didn't know this stuff last time and still don't get it. I'm not going to appear stupid again, so I just won't do the work. The teacher will probably say I'm lazy but that's better than being called stupid. |
|
This
stuff is so boring. Why do I have to do this? I just won't. The teacher
will say I'm lazy but I don't care. I don't see why we have to do this
junk anyways. |
|
I'm so tired. My parents had the TV on full blast last night and I couldn't get to sleep. This morning I didn't have time to eat breakfast. I just need to rest a minute.... |
|
OK.... I'm gonna get my work done this time. Let's see, I'll concentrate real hard. What was that noise? Ha ha ha. The kid next to me just dropped his pencil. I remember the time ...... |
Again I emphatically state
Children with ADD/ADHD or LD are NOT lazy.
If you disagree with me, I welcome your comments.
Please email me mailto:addchoices@aol.com.
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Make an effort to avoid calling people LAZY
who have ADD/ADHD or learning difficulties.
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken AND GIVEN during my 33+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
