Breaking the Myths Surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The disease Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be familiar to most people, but only a few are knowledgeable about its causes. Nevertheless, it is also essential to at least try to understand the medical explanations behind irregular behaviors so that proper cure and prevention can be administered. Unfortunately, most people's notions about ADHD are entangled with various myths and misconceptions that consequently produce a stigma against patients with this psychological deficit.

For that reason, children struggling from this attention and hyperactivity problem have been tagged as troublemakers and spoiled brats, while adult patients are deemed sluggish and not smart. Most people assume that ADHD is not even a medically accepted disorder or that it does not exist at all. So instead of having a concrete support system from their respective communities, individuals with ADHD tend to be detached or isolated.

That scenario is not helpful at all since feeling ostracized and misjudged can worsen their condition. Hence, the best way to deal with the issue is to first fix some of the incorrect perceptions that people have against this behavioral disorder. For example, some believe that ADHD is just a way for drug companies and psychologists to make more money.

However; the truth is that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exists and has been upsetting thousands of children worldwide. If not sorted out immediately, this can be a lifelong burden that individuals and their families have to withstand. Thankfully, there are several residential treatment centers today that can help treat not only the ADHD per se, but also the emotional wounds that other members of society have induced on the patients themselves.

Apart from offering shelter, these establishments also have a fully equipped residential treatment facility that can give the treatment needs of teens with ADHD. This demystifies yet another belief which claims that children who have ADHD are over-diagnosed and over-medicated. Some people think that the illness has become an excuse for all misbehaving youths; however, professional psychologists can confirm that they have valid methods of diagnosing and treating ADHD.

ADHD In Teenagers - Is Your Teen In Need Of ADHD Drugs, Or Are They Feeding Their Addiction?

It would be foolhardy for me, or anyone one else for that matter, to deny the fact that ADHD in teenagers is a growing problem, not only in the United States, but all over the world. After all, statistics don't lie, and if recent statistics are anything to go by, the number of teens living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has increased tenfold in recent years. The question which many researchers are asking is why.

Some experts believe it's because we have more reliable and more robust ADHD screening procedures in place these days, and that because more people are familiar with the signs and symptoms of the disorder, more cases are being brought to the attention of health care providers.

On the other hand, a lot of people are arguing that many doctors aren't adequately experienced in this field, and are therefore likely to misdiagnose ADHD. In a perfect world, a psychiatrist or pediatrician lacking experience in this field would refer their patient to a different doctor, but as we all know, we don't live in a perfect world.



Many specialists in this field, including many people working in government agencies such as the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believe that many of the cases involving ADHD in teenagers aren't legitimate cases and that many teens are actually faking the disorder. As many have pointed out, it's very easy for a teen to go online in order to familiarize themselves with ADHD symptoms, and then fake those symptoms for the sole purpose of obtaining the prescription drugs which are routinely used for treating ADHD.

Let's take a look at one possible scenario. Your teenage son spends a lot of his time hanging out with all his college pals, some of which might already be taking ADHD stimulant drugs, either legally or illegally. At some point, you son is offered some of these tablets. Maybe he takes them so he can stay awake longer than usual because he wants to study for an important exam. Maybe he's been invited to a party, and wants to stay awake all night just like his friends do.

Because these amphetamine-like ADHD drugs are so addictive, your son soon has a habit over which he has no control. He now has to rely on friends to keep him supplied, but because these drugs are a Class ll Controlled Substance, acquiring them without a prescription could land him in prison. Rather than risk his freedom, he goes online and does some research regarding ADHD symptoms, and before long, he's behaving just as any other ADHD teen behaves. As a parent, you're concerned so you take him to doctor for screening. Not having much experience, the doctor decides your son does indeed have ADHD, and duly prescribes ADHD stimulant drugs.

So, as a parent, how do know if your child really does have ADHD, or if they're simply faking it? In the vast majority of cases, ADHD drugs will produce very noticeable results, and they'll do so almost immediately. Hyperactivity and impulsivity will be gone, and the ADHD child will no longer have difficulty paying attention. If on the other hand a teen is faking the condition, the drugs will almost always result in hyperactivity, rather than quell it. In a nutshell, the drugs have the exact opposite effect on those who don't have ADHD.

How Does Special Education Advocacy Help You With IEP And 504 Plan?

Advocating best interests in an educational process for your child, who has a disability, can be challenging. Schools are sometimes short on resources, which can make them alter, add or even deny any educational service to your child, often without any prior written notice. Parents have to know what is covered in their rights to demand the best for their child from school districts.

Negotiating the best educational plan often can not be done alone. You need to be aware of constantly modified procedures and guidelines to build a strong case for you. You might need professionals by your side to handle this expertly and deliver you the paramount solution without you having to worry.

What is the difference between an IEP and 504 Plan?

The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a program to ensure that a kid with any disability is provided the required resources as per his or her needs. The student receives specialized education services free of any charges in the public school. IEP is periodically reviewed to ensure the fulfillment of educational objectives.

Under the 504 Plan, students with disabilities receive any required accommodation for continuing with their education successfully. It is not like an IEP which is a requirement for students with special education needs. Students needing a 504 Plan are suffering from an impairment which impacts learning. However, they receive general education and do not need any specially designed instructions.

How does an educational advocacy firm help you?

A special educational advocate represents the family and student and is someone who speaks/writes on their behalf or in their defense. The educational advocate will assist you in obtaining the required accommodations for your child to have a successful educational program. For instance, the child might be allowed some flexibility with their assignments, if, under a 504 Plan.

Special education advocates will make sure the child has all the educational facilities required. For a child's specific needs, they will suggest you suitable special education programs or services. Advocates assist parents in getting proper accommodations for the child so he can adequately take part in school activities and educational programs.

You can get a free initial consultation from an educational advocacy firm. The firm will need documentation in the form of report cards, assessment reports and any psycho-educational report. It will help you present your case in IEP meeting at school and place any requests.