Volume 1, Issue 15 June 27th, 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: Enjoying A Little Time Off - Feature Article: Understanding Who You Are, Who Your Child Is, And How That Impacts Our Identity - News & Announcements: ADHD Coaching 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, Here it is Friday morning, and I am stiting down with a cup of coffee to put the finishing touches on this week's newsletter.  Things were more or less done yesterday, but I allowed myself to be distracted by too many things. I allowed myself to be distracted by my kids, and by my wife. My children wanted to play, and my wife wanted to spend time together as a family.  How could I resist that? And while I was a little torn, throughout the entire day, I made a decision to focus on family.  I looked at a few things that needed my attention, and made a decision: Newsletter Other Committments Family Could I have accomplished everything yesterday?  Sure!  I am certain that if I applied myself enough - I could have gotten everything finished.  But I chose not to. Anyway - I am sharing this process with you because as I think about today's 'featured article,' I really want to get across the importance of knowing oneself.  Today's article is about 'Understanding Who You Are, Who Your Child Is, And How That Impacts Our Identity." This whole article really comes from the last few days and what I have been experiencing personally.  It all started on Tuesday night when I had a rather "heated conversation" with a dear friend and colleague of mine.  Then, on Wednesday, everything became a little more apparent when I ventured out to get a fitting for a tuxedo. Rory Stern, PsyD http://www.theADHDparentsmovie.com PS - To learn more about me, and my identity - you can see what I am up to by following me here.

Featured Article Understanding Who You Are, Who Your Child Is, And How That Impacts Our Identity By, Dr. Rory Stern One of our featured speakers from the ADHD Strategy Series, David Giwerc, is a firm believer in many things (particularly when it comes to ADHD).  Of all the things David believes, and passionately shares with the world, having a strong foundation and understanding oneself are perhaps the two most important. David has mentioned before that many people go wrong when they don't understand ADHD and when they don't understand their own (or your child's) ADHD. "How do you understand your ADHD?" This might seem a little unusual, but it is the underlying answer to that question which will truly lead to success in this world.  It's one thing to understand ADHD - but it is entirely different to understand your own (or your child's) ADHD. The difference here is really all about knowing what YOU need, in what areas of life YOU excel, and in what unique ways YOU exist in the world.  And that's where we get identity! I am going to define 'identity' as how we understand and think about ourselves in the world. So - with that in mind - what is your child's identitiy? Are they a person afflicted by ADHD? Are they a person who has ADHD? Are they a person who struggles with ADHD? Are they a unique person who stands out in the world? Now, I am not talking about gifts, and I am NOT suggesting that ADHD does not exist or impact who you are, who we are, or who our children are.  Instead, it is a subtle shift in how we understand ourselves and how we identify who we are in the world. Let's be real for a moment.  We ALL have issues.  We all have areas in life where we struggle. How do you define yourself? (How does your child define him or herself?) That's the question I want to focus on! I will not be providing an answer today or a step-by-step process of how to go about resolving this issue. Instead, today is really about self-reflection and figuring out how we come to understand 'one.'  It's about how we understand ourselves, and how we help our children undrestand themselves. I'll start... I am a father, husband, dreamer, and passionate child advocate.  I have issues.  I know what I like.  I know what works for me.  And I know what doesn't work for me.  Each and every day, I try to do more of what works for me, a little less of what does not work for me - and in the meantime, I try each and every day to find new ways to succeed in my life (and that doesn't mean finacially). I don't have a label for that.  There is no diagnosis to say who I am.  Some people think I have ADHD, some people think I might be a little depressed at times, and others might think I am just plain old self-absorbed.  They could be right - but that's not how I see myself. You be the judge in your own life!  ADHD is a term - it's a diagnosis - it's a way of understanding how people think and function in the world.  But it's NOT an identity, at least it doesn't have to be and it shouldn't be.  Your child is not an ADHD child nor are they afflicted by ADHD. You (or your child) are people who stand out and do things differently in a world that expects things to happen a certain way. **Note:  This exercise assumes (and truly only works effectively) if we are grounded in reality.  The key to success and understanding oneself is to have a very real sense of the truth.  This exercise DOES NOT work if someone struggles with anti-social personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, or delusional thoughts.

News & Events ADHD Coaching In the weeks to follow, I have some exciting news to share with you about ADHD coaching.  I can't share all the details yet, but it looks as if I will have the great opportunity to collaborate with a number of specialized coaches - all of whom will be able to share an important perspective on ADHD coaching. In the meantime, I still have 1 or 2 slots available for anyone who is looking to take action right now.  There is no better time to schedule your free consultation and see how coaching can work for you! To schedule a f.r.e.e consultation, please send me a note here.

Questions Ask Dr. Theresa Cerulli Thank you to everyone who responded with such excellent questions.  Dr. Cerulli and I had a great time interacting with those of you on the call, and in answering your questions. Because of the response we received, we will be continuing this monthly format. 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? 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," says Dr. Stern. Professional Bits: Dr. Stern earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.  While studying, he also completed a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching.  He is a member of the American Psychological Association and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA). ___________________________________________________________________________ Twitter. I'm on Twitter.  Are you?  Twitter is a great way to keep in touch and follow what your friends are doing.  If you'd like to follow me and see what I am to, you can check out my Twitter profile. ___________________________________________________________________________ Facebook - You can also see what I am up to on Facebook.  But more  importantly, I'd love for you to join the ADHD Support Network - where you can connect with like-minded people.

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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