ADHD Is Real (James W. Forgan, Ph.D., and Mary Anne Richey)

At times you still may wonder, or have to convince a skeptical family member, whether or not ADHD is a fad or made-up disorder. Rest assured, ADHD is not a diagnosis contrived by parents or professionals looking for an excuse for a child’s behavior.

As a parent, the key to explaining ADHD to others is to first thoroughly understand it yourself. Professionals and laypeople use different words to explain ADHD. In his book, Dr. Larry Silver’s Advice to Parents on ADHD, Dr. Larry Silver (1999) described ADHD as a “neurologically based disorder” (p. 3). The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (2010) noted that “ADHD is a condition that can make it hard for a person to sit still, control behavior, and pay attention” (para. 4). The core symptoms of ADHD are developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In line with this, the National Resource Center on ADHD (2008) defined ADHD as “a condition affecting children and adults that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and over activity” (para. 1). Russell Barkley, an eminent researcher in the field of ADHD, added that

Taking Charge of ADHD (James W. Forgan, Ph.D., and Mary Anne Richey)

We often advise parents not to worry so much about the label but to focus on proactive steps they can take to help their son. To raise a successful son with ADHD, you must start doing things differently from the day you find out your son has ADHD. 

Recognize That ADHD Is a Disability 

Even though your son may look fine on the outside, his mind is wired very differently. Taking a “disability perspective” provides understanding. You are taking a great step by reading this book and teaching yourself more about ADHD. Increasing your knowledge about ADHD is key to raising a successful son.

Therapy series : Oral Motor Excercises 3

Tongue base

1. Click your tongue on the roof of your mouth
2. Stick your tongue out, then pull your tongue back in until it reaches the back of your throat
3. Say the syllable .ka.
4. Say the syllable .ga.
5. Say the syllable .ag.
6. Swallow very hard

Source : Clarian Health Partners, Inc., 1998