The controversy of ADHD and ADD, and how to treat it has been a major issue over the last ten years. As more and more children were being diagnosed and medicated, many doctors and parents became concerned and rightfully so. There were way too many kids being put on medication way too easily. But now we are beginning to see a back lash where parents refuse to consider medication for ADD, and again, it only hurts the kids involved. As an experienced teacher, it has become fairly easy to discern when a student is simply undisciplined and when he or she truly has an issue with ADD. Its the latter that has me the most concerned as a teacher. Being a parent myself, I can definitely understand the reluctance to put a child on medication, but when all events with your child indicates that this may be the answer; then its time to face it and work with your doctor to help your child.

The first thing I want to make entirely clear is that I AM NOT A DR. I am simply putting my own observations out there and hopefully it will help someone. When a child truly has an issue with ADD they have no control over their actions, and much of the time are remorseful when they are impulsive or can't get work done because they can't focus long enough to do it. As opposed to the student who is lacking in structure at home which results in bad behavior, the ADD child usually has a pretty structured home environment and still struggles. This is when its time to explore more medical options. Why is it that parents don't hesitate to give their children medication when it comes to an ear infection or a sore throat, but won't listen to anyone when it comes to an issue like ADD? I have seen great success when the parent works closely with their doctor and the teachers to make sure there are no adverse side effects happening. With the medication students are able to function in school academically and socially; which in turn raises their self esteem. They finally can experience success, which is HUGE! Of course, this takes some work.

You have to be observant, willing to keep up with Dr. appointments and be consistent with your discipline. However, the benefits far outweigh the work that is involved, especially if it means bringing some peace to your home and your child's school situation. That being said, when a parent refuses to consider the option and won't listen to their Dr and the child's teacher, sadly the child is the one who suffers. A true ADD child will not benefit from being yelled at and told to "control" themselves. They can't. And if your child's teachers are telling you that it is not an academic issue and that they truly believe the child is trying; its time to take heed. My children are both under the age of 5, so I haven't had the formal school experience with my own yet. However, being on the other side as a teacher, I can really empathize with both the children and the parents. Its awful to watch your child struggle and feel like there is nothing you can do. Or ever worse, the horrible guilt we as mothers put upon ourselves. But you have to realize it is not your fault-it is nothing that you did. Just like if your child gets a case of strep throat it is not your fault; the same goes if your child is diagnosed with ADD. What is the fault of the parent is when you ignore it and allow your child to flounder.

We have to find the balance. We can't go the other way and refuse to treat the problem, just the same, we can't go over board and "just give the kid medicine." Parents need to work with Doctors, teachers, counselors-anyone they can get reliable information from and make informed decisions when it comes to the issue of ADD. What I do know for sure is that ignoring the problem won't make it go away. And worst of all, the one who is harmed the most is the child and that is exactly the situation we should all strive to avoid.