Are Kids With ADHD Being Treated Effectively?
Update: 2025-04-24
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ADHD has been considered a medical disorder, treatable with drugs like Ritalin, but New York Times Magazine writer Paul Tough says recent studies question that assumption and treatment options.
Also, Martin Johnson reviews a new tribute to Anthony Braxton, who Johnson says is one of the most polarizing figures in jazz.
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Also, Martin Johnson reviews a new tribute to Anthony Braxton, who Johnson says is one of the most polarizing figures in jazz.
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Teachers and doctors have no problem suggesting any adhd meds and especially in grade school. There’s so much more than adhd meds to deal with adhd or add. Especially in grade school meds are really pushed to keep the kids from fidgeting and not sitting still all day. Drs and teachers really need to learn how to approach children and their opinions on adhd meds.
Because I wasn't "hyperactive", I was teased by the cousins, etc. and punished by my understand ably clueless parents for being " absent minded " careless " lazy " "tardy". Meanwhile Stanford Benet said 149 IQ. Teacher strike destroyed my referral to the only Gifted/Talented (That's what they used to call it) program in the parish. I am living to my full potential now,, but it needn't have been so hard to get here if I had only been diagnosed when girls weren't considered hyperactive.
I wonder my potential as a female in the '70s undiagnosed ADD impulsive type. I'm grateful my family MD recognized it in my 30s. Meds AND systems in place (e.g.spiral keyring on my elbow loading/unloading car prevent locked keys in car, white board checklist, stickies could have changed my life alone) Diagnosed, got AAS. COTA/ age 47. Meds and behavior systems in place can coexist without all the judgement. BTW, don't need meds now but will never rule out arbitrarily without an expert opine
Also that this episode focuses only on medication is an oversimplification of what we currently know about treatment of ADHD. It takes a multi-modal approach to improve outcomes. For some people, medication is a part of that, but for others it is not. Other important things are strategies and tools for managing tasks and emotional regulation, physical exercise, nutrition, sleep, the flexibility to use unconventional strategies/accomodations at school and work.
I think one of the issues with focusing on kids is that research has to focus on what the symptoms and behavior looks from the outside. Someone may look like they aren't that impaired from the outside, but might really be struggling inside. Even when it comes to choosing the right medication. There can be a difference between what the parents and teachers feel like is the best result, vs what the kid actually feels is the best result.