I read "Parenting children with ADHD" by Vincent Monastra last night. I am very impressed with the down-to-earth language and clear ideas that he presents in this book. I am not a medical professional and often get lost in the first paragraph of medical descriptions of ADD, ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
After struggling with a local school system's ignorance and unwillingness to question archaic teaching methods, I appreciate the way that Vincent compares ADHD to other medical impairments.
If a child has a visual impairment, and needs accommodations in the classroom, would you expect a school administrator or teacher to say any of the following?
1. The parents need to go for parent training - the social worker will call you to schedule an appointment.
2. By the end of 5th grade, this child needs to be able to take down notes from the board and must learn to function at the same level as peers, irrespective of the impairment. (Substitute your own "must" here. "Must be able to sit still in class" or "Must be able to write five paragraph essays".)
3. The child just needs to try harder.
4. The impairment will go away as we promote the child through the grades without addressing the situation.
No parent should tolerate these comments if a child has a visual impairment or hearing impairment (although I expect that some school administrators that I have met will offer these comments).
Similarly, a child with ADHD or any other impairment should be accommodated. Vincent does a good job of comparing ADHD to other visual and hearing impairments which gives parent another tool to educate people who are not familiar with the current research on ADHD.
I advise parents who engage the school system for accommodations should start off by getting a child advocate. I will give you the name of a great child advocate in Connecticut, if you ask me. I suggest that you do not try to negotiate with your school district without a child advocate. Your school district has a different agenda to yours, so be warned.
Vincent also does a good job of describing current medication. How it works, the percentage of time that it doesn't work and similar details. I found it very enlightening and helpful.
I recommend this book to all parents who are raising kids with ADHD, ADD or a Learning Disability, especially if you are considering medication.
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- Danielle SauvéReviewed in Canada on August 10, 2013
Excellent information and approach
