May 22nd, 2008 Volume 1, Issue 10 A Note From Rory Dear Reader, What a week it has been!  I have had the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people.  This is perhaps  the most enjoyable part of the work I do...  Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and connecting on a personal level.  You can't beat that! If you haven't done so already, I would love for you to send me an e-mail and let me know about yourself, your family, and your situation.  It's what I live for...  After all, it's all about connection, support, and having fun together. And that's a little of what we are talking about in the ADHD Strategy Series.  If you have missed the calls, or are not yet signed up - there is still time left.  I would love to have you join us.  The calls have been loaded with information and support.  And there is so much more to come! For those of you in the US - enjoy a great, long Memorial Day weekend.  Of course I wish the same to our International readers as well - enjoy the weekend.  I hope you have a chance to do whatever it is you have been hoping to accomplish all week long. As for me - I am taking a step back from work and looking forward to the NCAA Lacrosse National Championship games. Until next week... Rory Stern, PsyD http://www.theADHDparentsmovie.com

Featured Article One Boy Takes The Weekend Off A Case Study - Part II By, Dr. Rory Stern Continued from Part I... What Is Really Going On With This Boy? Thank you so much to everyone who wrote in with their ideas and questions about this particular case.  I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and additional questions that should be considered. What our readers suggested: A gifted boy who was not being challenged Medication that might not be working A boy who does not conform to teacher demands Lacking motivation And much, much more... My Thoughts On Jim: When I first met this young boy, I was immediately taken by his presence in the room.  He was not at all defensive, and in fact connected immediately.  I carefully watched the interaction between Jim and his "Mom" - and noted a little bit of tension.  It wasn't anything remarkable or out of the ordinary - but just an interaction to be aware of and pay attention to. Of greater note was the complicated family history.  In most cases, I like to consider family interaction and the impact that environment (aka. external forces) have upon behavior and a general level of adapting to what is "expected."  Knowing that this boy was living in a home where his biological mother was more like a "sister" - spoke greatlty to me.  This is far from what we would expect in a parent-child relationship - and the implications of this can be tremendous. While considering the family history, I am also watching a boy who "allegedly has ADHD" sit very still and very well behaved in my office.  While ADHD does not always suggest a child is bouncing off the walls, there is usually some level of fidgeting or hyperactivity to note.  There was almost none in this case.  Could he have been on his best behavior?  Possibly...  But I watch for that too. Furthermore, Jim's "Mom" stated that he only takes his medications Monday through Friday during the school day. **It was once believed that children with ADHD only need to be medicated during the school day.  However we now know better, and children who truly have ADHD and benefit from medication will need this medication consistently.  ADHD is not turned on or off by a light switch.  If in fact this boy has ADHD, it would be present across situations, time, and experiences.  And what I mean by this - he would really need medication every day of the week. In this case, it appeared that Jim's problems were not related to ADHD - but more so to underlying problems or concerns.  He didn't like school!  He wasn't interested in doing his work!  He could do it - he could do it well - he just wasn't passionate about it.  He wasn't motivated to do it... From what I saw, he was a very bright, intelligent boy who had a remarkable memory and an outstanding ability to be creative and engaged in activities where he was most passionate. What's The Outcome? Unfortunately, I can't tell you one way or another about whether Jim has or had ADHD.  From what I saw, he was not struggling with ADHD.  My interactions with him revealed a child who was quite capable and was not being challenged, motivated, or stimulated enough.  He appeared to be more a product of his environment and circumstances than a child who was struggling with a biological disorder like ADHD. How do we fix that? There is no clear answer.  In therapy, I cannot push my agenda.  Instead, therapy is a place where Jim gets to do what he wants (within reason), to say what he wants, and to be in an environment where he is not pressured at all. Only time will allow for him to open up and be comfortable with addressing these "issues." On the other hand, a different explanation and approach to therapy could make the most difference.  A child like Jim seems to believe that therapy is a place to "talk" about your feelings.  This is a common belief about traditional therapy, but times have changed.  At the same time, the concpet of coaching could be introduced so that Jim understands the intent and focus of our time together.  Instead of "talking" about feelings - we could be working together to create strategies to help him be more connected and motivated in school. Remember - not everyone does well in school.  Not everyone is intended to like school.  And in fact, many successful people didn't do well in school. The bottom line? It appeared that with everything going on, I was just one piece of an incomplete puzzle.  I was one member of a team that was missing.  Jim had very little support in his world - no tutor, no advocate, no coach, and no one person he could rely on (outside of his parents).  It all starts at home - but we can't do it alone (nor should we be expected to)!

News & Events Announcing the ADHD Strategy Series! It's NOT too late to sign up.  Our speakers are really getting personal here and providing information and strategies that you can begin using immediately.  We are talking strategies here...  Real strategies from real advocates in the ADHD community that will help you start to experience a difference in your child's life, your life, and in your family's life - starting today! Real strategies, real people, real solutions... Your Own Support Community ADHD Support Network - Join our growing community of parents and advocates looking for an additional circle of support and resources.  This is a forum that was created for our registered guest at the ADHD Strategy Series.  If you haven't joined this group - I would welcome you to come find out what we are up to.

Questions Do you have questions? If you are struggling to get the answers you need...  the answers that will make a difference for your family and your child(ren), then wait no more!  As a valued reader and subscriber, you can contact me and ask the questions you need answers for. If I don't know the answer, I will find someone who does know it, and we'll learn together. Send in your quetions here...  Just be sure to use "Question" in your subject line.

About The Truth The Truth Behind ADHD is managed by Dr. Rory Stern. Dr. Stern is an advocate, therapist, coach, and speaker on parenting children with ADHD. In managing "The Truth" and this newsletter, he offers a unique style of providing parents of children with ADHD both information and insight into what their child is experiencing. In addition, he connects with parents on a level that allows them to understand their own struggles along with how their children are struggling. His main goal is to provide parents with the support, encouragement, and resources to take action now - so they can start to experience change in their child's life, as well as in their own. Read more about The Truth...

Disclaimers The material contained within this newsletter and any additional mailings are only for educational and informational purposes. The Truth Behind ADHD does not guarantee or provide any warranty for the information presented. You should continue to make any and all medical and mental health decisions with your licensed medical professionals. The Truth Behind ADHD cannot make any specific diagnosis or recommended individualized treatment plans in this capacity.

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