According to the Mayo Clinic, Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. While I do wish the medical definition of ADHD was more well known in society, there are so many other things that I wish people knew about ADHD. I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder while I was in the first grade, and I have learned so much about my own condition since then, and these are the things I feel are important to share with you, the parents, peers, and educators of individuals with ADHD.

Dear Parents,

Please know that in many ways, stigma starts with you. I have been fortunate enough to have parents that taught me that I should never be ashamed of my diagnosis. Being open and honest with your child about this disorder is vital. Open lines of honest communication reduce the chances of your child feeling that they are alone in this stage of life. It may be hard if you were raised in an environment where mental health was a taboo subject, but it's time to realize that this mentality does only harm. Trust me when I tell you that ignoring your child's diagnosis will not make it go away. I know that the period of time when your child is first diagnosed can be a frightening time, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Your child is not damaged, your child is not defective, and this is by no means your fault; it is a brain disorder, not a result of parenting style. By teaching your child that there is no reason for them to be ashamed or secretive about their diagnosis, you are taking the first step in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

Please know about comorbidities. A comorbidity is a simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in an individual. Most likely, the doctor who diagnosed your child mentioned comorbidities to you, but if they did not, I urge you to ask them. When I was diagnosed with ADHD, I was given a comorbid diagnosis of anxiety, and this diagnosis is incredibly important as well. Common comorbidities of ADHD include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I include this fact not to frighten you, but to prepare you. Comorbidities are important to know because you want your child to receive the best possible treatment, and in order to do so you must treat all of their conditions.

Finally, please know that medication is not the enemy, or even the only form of treatment. Like I said before, I was lucky enough to have parents who emphasized to me that I should never be ashamed that I take medication for my condition. Medication is a valid and effective form of treatment for ADHD and is absolutely worth considering. If you decide to take the medication route of treatment for your child, it is important to be patient. There are several different types of medication to treat ADHD, and they all have their different benefits. When a person is first placed on a medication, there is a period of time where the type and dosage are adjusted in order to find the right balance. It's during this time that it is important for you and your child to be open and honest with the doctors about the effects, both negative and positive, of the medications. It may not be perfect on the first try, but when the right balance is found, great things can happen. Now, if you truly believe medication is not the right route for your child, please seek alternative treatment methods. The worst thing you can do for your child is not help them. Through behavioral therapy they can learn strategies to help them identify the things they struggle with the most and then improve the ways that they handle these situations. Giving your child the tools that they need to overcome their difficulties is the best thing you can do as a parent of a child with ADHD.

Know that you are not alone, and even though they may not express it, your child appreciates your support.

Dear Peers,

Please know that your words have meaning. I know that things like "ugh, I'm so ADHD today" may not seem that big of a deal to you, but to those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, these statements can be problematic. When you say you feel like you have ADHD today, it seemingly reduces the condition to a feeling that one may feel on one day, but not the other. This is problematic because those who have ADHD don't have the luxury of a day off from the symptoms. ADHD is a chronic condition, meaning it is long lasting and constantly reoccurring. You're distracted today, not ADHD. However, if you think that you may actually have ADHD, speak up. Ask your doctors, talk to professionals, because it's never too late to get help.

Please don't assume. Growing up with ADHD I never felt the need to keep it a secret, so my friends, family, and most of my classmates knew that I had it and that I took medication for it. Throughout my experience with ADHD, the worst assumption that has ever been made came to me in the form of the question "Did you take your meds today?". Every single person on this earth has their good days and their bad days. People who take medication are no different. My behavior on a certain day does not give you permission to ask invasive and offensive questions. If you notice your friend behaving drastically different, ask them how they're doing. A little compassion goes a long way.

Please know that every person with ADHD is different. While I am an open book, there are people who may not be. I have had my struggles with ADHD, both internally and externally, and it is because of those experiences that I am the way I am today. Everyone is at a different spot in their journey. Some are still on the road to acceptance, while others are just private people in general and don't feel the desire to talk about it. Please also know that ADHD manifests in many different ways. While the most well-known symptom of ADHD is limited attention, it's important to realize that those with ADHD may be very fidgety, disorganized, hyperactive, impulsive, talkative, forgetful, and aggressive amongst other things. Now these symptoms are not an excuse, but they are instead an explanation of why your friends and classmates may behave the way that they do.

Know that it's ok to not know everything, and that we appreciate your patience.

Dear Educators,

Please know that you most likely have a child with ADHD in your classroom, and that they truly will benefit if you are aware and prepared with a variety of teaching styles. It is very obvious that all children learn differently, and this is especially important to address when educating children with disabilities and mental illnesses. I've had great teachers and I've had some not-so-great teachers. I've noticed that something that makes a teacher great for a child with ADHD, especially in primary education, is communication. Teachers who keep an open line of communication with a child as well as the parents are the best prepared teachers. When you update a parent on the status of their child in the classroom, it can help both you and the parents address any underlying problems, as well as reinforce good behavior and strategies. For educators of college level students, you will most likely never communicate with a student's parents. This does not mean you stop all communication. If a student notifies you that they have ADHD, it will be incredibly beneficial for you to meet with them face-to-face and discuss what works for them in a classroom setting and how you can help them do the best that they can.

Please know that how you handle the symptoms of ADHD plays a large part in the education process of a child with ADHD. Sometimes a child with ADHD cannot sit still for an extended period of time, and there are ways to handle this obstacle that will not hinder their education or the learning of others. An effective strategy is giving them a delivery job. When you notice that they are getting particularly restless, give them a letter or papers to deliver to the secretary or another teacher. This quick walk allows them to stretch their legs, take a quick break and can teach them responsibility. A child with ADHD is not a hindrance in your classroom; in fact, they can be a blessing. Children with ADHD may see the world through a different set of eyes than most children, and this can bring a fresh perspective to any classroom.

Please know that while a child may not have their eyes on you, that does not mean they are not paying attention. For me, my hands need to constantly be moving, and as a result I am constantly doodling or picking at something. From a teacher's view, I may seem to be uninterested in their lesson, but in reality, I learn best that way. Every child has learned different coping skills, and if you take the time to ask them how they personally focus best, you can avoid any misunderstandings.

Know that your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we remember those who helped us get where we are today.

Sincerely,

Shannon George