Commented on December 9, 20081:10 am
Joan wrote:
It reminds me of what Dr. Dean Edell used to say on his radio show and TV appearances. Even children purportedly suffering from this disorder are able to concentrate, sometimes for hours on end, if they are engaged in an activity that holds their interest.
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I think Edell has ADHD, doesn’t he? And I don’t think he treats it, does he?
Perhaps if he were able to focus on the literature — or even consumer articles on the subject — he’s know that what you describe is TYPICAL for ADHD. That’s why attention-deficit disorder is a misleading name. It’s more of a attention-regulation disorder.
Moreover, the level of interest required for people with ADHD to focus is often over the top. And, let’s face it, life is not always interesting. We have to pay bills, do housework, help children with homework, and all the rest.
Saying that these kids with ADHD should simply follow their interest is like saying that children should just eat candy all the time — because they like it.
This is not a foundation for a well-educated, mature, rational adult: doing only those things that are highly interesting.
Gina Pera, author
Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?
http://www.ADHDRollerCoaster.com
— Gina Pera