Statement: My intent in this newsletter is to express as quickly as possible my own beliefs and opinions on matters. I have no problems with people who disagree with my opinion and have even been swayed to rethink my position from time to time.
We are still taking book orders for my new book "ADHD and The Criminal Justice System" and you can get my author's discount from the AMAZON.COM price...
Patrick Hurley was recently appointed to the Professional Advisory Board of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. For more information you can go to www.add.org
Patrick also spoke on October 15, 2007 at the National Conference on Correctional Health Care
in Nashville, TN on his book. The Conference is sponsored by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), which has an impressive membership.
If you need a good planner, you might want to check out the Delta Planner
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Having gone 42 years without being diagnosed with ADHD, and now 11 years after my diagnosis, I believe it is vital for persons who suspect they have ADHD to pursue an immediate evaluation.
I have met many people who have fought the urge to find out, not wanting the label that may be attached, or dreading the thought of going on medication. Some of them, I believe, are afraid to find out something might be wrong with them, or even worse, their child.
Why is it so important to find out? First of all, the years of growing up and struggling with school issues, friendships, social problems and emotional issues have a compounding affect on one's life. The knowledge that we are more intelligent than we are able to show to others, being embarrassed in school after being called on in class and not knowing the question asked, or knowing the answer and not being called on. Being the source of classroom disruption without really intending to be. Saying things that come into our head as soon as the thought occurs, without realizing how appropriate it might be.
Many kids and some adults with ADHD find themselves in trouble, or being lectured by someone in authority, actually having a uncontrollable nervous smirk or smile come over their faces. This is quickly viewed as thinking the serious matter being discussed is funny, you are deemed a smart aleck, or seen as being disrespectful, or just not caring. We often hear the phrase "WIPE THAT SMILE OFF YOUR FACE". Even though we are listening, and maybe even scared to death, this dreaded involuntary reaction appears from nowhere to further exasperate our problems. Since I know that many people have told me about this type of problem, I would be interested in any responses from you if this sounds familiar to you.
As we grow older, we may adapt skills to improve things, or help us out. Some others become rebellious, or develop conduct or attitude disorders. They commonly question authority, due to a long history of seeming inability to please others. Many develop a public persona of being happy-go-lucky, when in reality, they suffer from self loathing. They may act superior to others, when in fact when they are alone, they are depressed and even suicidal. Many of them have actually been diagnosed with co-morbid disorders such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. They often struggle with picking up on subtle social cues, speak out of turn, interrupt others. They often are the victims of bullies, or perceive themselves as victims, they may be the butt of jokes, the subject of rumors, left out of the socially popular groups or even total outcasts.
So if you are sitting on the sidelines, wondering about you or a loved one, I would strongly urge you to pursue a diagnosis. There are so many intangibles in our lives that might be improved with proper treatment, it is foolish to wait any longer.
I would appreciate any feedback you may have on this newsletter or helpful suggestions.
Thanks and talk to you next month.
Patrick Hurley
addcorridorcoach@aol.com
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