Volume 1, Issue 14 June 19th, 2008 Published every Thursday morning and distributed to subscribers for one of our programs. To change your e-mail preferences, please see the link at the bottom of this e-mail. Sign me up for this ezine. - A Note From Rory: You Are Invited! - Feature Article: "School's Out For Summer...Should Medications Get A Break Too?" - News & Announcements: ADHD Coaching / Ask Dr. Cerulli Please add "Info@thetruthbehindadhd" to your whitelist or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

A Note From Rory Dear Reader, I am exhausted this morning.  Last night I attended a very small conference where Dr. Cerulli spoke about ADHD to a group of local pediatricians.  Wow!  Despite having the opportunity to work with and alongside Dr. Cerulli, I am still blown away by the amount of information she has to share about the topic. When we met before the presentation yesterday, she suggested that it would be about 45 minutes of her talking and then approximately 15 minutes of Q&A. Long story short, the talk ended going longer.  And I am really pleased to say that we captured it on audio and will be releasing it to you very soon.  We are discussing how we might be able to also make the transcripts available (and I am pleading with her to release the PowerPoint slides too)! And before I forget - our first "Ask Dr. Cerulli" teleseminar call has been scheduled for next Wednesday night, June 25th at 7:30 PM EDT.  We have a lot of great questions come in.  Because it is our first event, I want to extend an offer to everyone to attend - without having to sign up and without asking a question: Call in: 1-218-936-1600 Access Code: 777547 I really hope you will join us for an exciting event! Rory Stern, PsyD http://www.theADHDparentsmovie.com PS - For those of you wondering "who is Dr. Stern," I have decided to get a bit more personal.

Featured Article School's Out For Summer... Should Medications Take A Break Too? By, Dr. Rory Stern As we head into summer, and children are getting a break from school,  a lot of parents are already asking one question.  It has been asked a few different ways, but regardless, parents want to know: "Can I take my child off of medication for the summer?" Those of you who have been with for any period of time already know that I tend to ask more questions and get more information before I ever answer a question.  I promise you, it's not to frustrate you!  As someone whose life is affected by ADHD - you know that there is more to who you are and more to who your child is - than meets the eye. ADHD is not one size fits all. I repeat - ADHD is NOT one size fits all!  And because ADHD is different, and because children are constantly in a state of flux, development, and naturally energetic and impulsive, there is a lot we need to consider. As a matter of fact, this very topic was addressed last night by Dr. Cerulli.  In her presentation, she addressed the different types of medications and how they affect the body.  She shared knowledge about the different types of medications and how they work - what specific purpose they use.  Needless to say, I was blown away at finally getting an in-depth explanation of how these medications work and what effect they can have. Don't despair - those of you who think I might now be saying "medications are the only answer."  You'll never hear that out of me.  I will always tell you that medications are only one proposed method of treatment, and that it is not necessarily the best way.  That's up to you. Coming full circle, and finally addressing the question, here is what I'd like for you to consider: What we know about ADHD: 1.  There are different types, and these types appear differently in each child who experiences symptoms. 2.  To truly be ADHD - it has to be present and affect the individual in all situations of life (and not just in school OR work OR at home. What we know about medications as a result: Because ADHD occurs across situations, if someone needs medications to be more productive at school - then they really should need the medication to function in other areas of life. What this means to you: If your child benefits from medications and you believe summer is a good time to make changes, there are some questions I would like you to consider. 1.  What is the purpose of stopping medications? 2.  Why is the overall goal?  (To stay off medication or to take a break)? 3.  What types of supports & structures are in place for such a move? 4.  Have you discussed this with your child's prescribing physician or psychiatrist? 5.  Have you had a discussion with your child about it? 6.  Have you had a discussion with your family about this decision? There is no clear cut answer.  Do I think taking a break over the summer is a reasonable thought?  Yes. At the same time I need to say that taking a break must be something you DO NOT do by yourself...  It should not be something you do without first thinking it through and having a long, well thought out discussion with the professionals and support network in your life. Coming off of medication can be a HUGE step for many parents and in many families.  It can mean so many different things.  And while I support decisions (on an individual, case-by-case basis), I strongly encourage and insist that each and every one of my personal clients discuss this question at length with a medical doctor or medical professional who specializes in medication and ADHD.

News & Events ADHD Coaching Thank you to everyone who has already expressed interest in ADHD coaching.  It is been a real treat connecting with you personally and hearing about your story (and ultimately deciding whether or not coaching is right for you or your family).  I still have a few slots open. In addition, not only will be available over the phone but I have arranged for office space to see patients locally who require a little more attention or in-person contact.  That also means the capability to connect with people internationally has increased thanks to technology with audio and video-conferencing. To schedule a f.r.e.e consultation, please send me a note here. 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 Ask Dr. Theresa Cerulli I am very pleased to announce a new partnership arrangement with Dr. Theresa Cerulli.  For those of you attending the ADHD Strategy Series - you will likely know her from the opening call to the series.  If you missed the call or have not registered, Dr. Cerulli is the former medical director of the Hallowell center, and she is the co-founder of ADD Health and Wellness, a hoslitic clinic focusing on integrative treatment of ADHD. You can visit Dr. Cerulli, and ask her any question you have on ADHD.  Each month, we will select several questions and answer them on a LIVE 60-70 minute teleseminar.  And yes - we will have all the phone issues worked out ahead of time. To ask Dr. Cerulli a question, you may visit http://www.askdrcerulli.com As always, you are still more than welcome and encouraged to contact me directly if you have questions, comments, or feedback about your children, this newsletter, or all things ADHD. Send in your quetions here...  Just be sure to use "Question" in your subject line.

Who Is Dr. Rory Stern? It's time I changed this section up.  Enough about the "professional face" of Rory Stern... Dr. Stern is a father, husband, son, "former therapist", ADHD coach, and information provider..  He works from home while caring for his two young children (3 y/o daughter Dylan and 9 month old son Gavin).  His blog, The Truth Behind ADHD, is really an expression of a message he once delivered to children and parents while working as a psychotherapist. Having left the workforce to care for my two children, I still feel the burning desire to share my message with others.  I am passionate about supporting children and their parents, and making sure that the right information gets to the people who need it the most.  In terms of ADHD, I became active in the community because too many of my patients and their families did not have enough information.  And often times, the information they were getting was as absent as the support and understanding they received from colleagues, friends, and professionals. Dr. Stern's message is just as much about education and advocacy, as it is about understanding ADHD.  I do what I do because I want to change all that.  It is my intent to make sure that parents and children all over the world realize that while ADHD is real, it is also a label and a name to characterize certain traits and qualities that can do so much good in a time when there is so much bad. I don't want to see another child simply be misunderstood, mislabeled, misdirected, and mistreated.

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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