From: http://www.townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/ma20050907.shtml#

One of the toughest things about being a teacher is dealing with all the latest “syndromes” in our culture of victimization. Whenever a real problem like racism diminishes, there is always someone willing to redefine the problem to help maintain the population of “disadvantaged” Americans. This is usually followed by the invention of a new problem that actually increases the population of “disadvantaged” Americans. Consequently, victimization has become a growth industry that supplies more jobs for social workers despite their increasing irrelevance in relation to the real problems of modern society.
Often those fictional problems take the form of “disorders” like adult ADHD. I always know which of my students have been told that they suffer from adult ADHD. They are often late and sometimes leave class early to go potty, unlike most students who go potty before class begins. They blurt out the answers to my questions constantly – always without the courtesy of a raised hand. And, usually, they fall asleep in class (probably from exhaustion) after the fifteenth or twentieth interruption. Later, they are awakened by the cell phone they forgot to turn off before arriving in class.

After being diagnosed with ADHD, two things usually happen to the newly “disadvantaged” student. First, a psychologist tells the victim that he cannot pay attention nor control various impulses. Next, he is given a dosage of drugs. Neither one of these responses actually works. In fact, telling him that he cannot pay attention – rather than that he simply does not pay attention – usually reinforces the problem. The drugs don’t work because, again, the disorder is fictional.

But, fortunately, I have discovered a cure for students with this so-called disorder, which I am now sharing (free of charge, mind you) with my readers. Here’s how it works.

At the beginning of the semester I lay out a few ground rules with my students. For example, they are not to bring cell phones into my class. They are also forbidden from walking into class after the lecture has started. But I don’t just tell students not to do these things. I also make them sign an agreement (on the first day of class) that they will not do these things under penalty of writing a research paper if they break the promise.

The first student to ever violate the agreement was named Chris. After he walked into my class very late one day, then interrupted it approximately fifteen times by shouting out the (usually wrong) answer to a question, then fell asleep in class, then woke up and went potty (thankfully in the restroom, not in his seat), I sent him the following letter:

Chris: Your research paper this semester will take the form of an interview of either:

a) A teacher, or b) A psychologist.

If you choose "A," you will be asked to conduct an interview on how the teacher’s job is made more difficult when students 1) come to class late 2) sleep in class 3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand, and 4) get up and walk out in the middle of a lecture to go to the restroom.

If you choose "B," you will be asked to conduct an interview on the causes of the following behaviors: 1) coming to class late 2) sleeping in class 3) interrupting the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand, and 4) getting up and walking out in the middle of a lecture to go to the restroom.

Whether you choose "A" or "B," the paper must be, at present, one page long. It is due with your final exam. Between now and then, one more page will be added to the length of the paper, each time you 1) come to class late 2) sleep in class 3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand or 4) walk out of class during the lecture to go to the restroom.

If a medical condition is responsible for any of these behaviors, reasonable allowances will be made.

Dr. Mike S. Adams

Of course, Chris did write back to say that a medical condition – adult ADHD -was responsible for his behavior. But I quickly informed him that his condition was a fiction and that the behavior was fully under his control. Thus, the assignment stood.

Chris made the choice to cooperate. And, wouldn’t you know it, every one of the disruptive behaviors he exhibited disappeared the very next class period. Of course, he made that choice simply because it was easier than writing a 600 page research paper to cover the projected pace of about 600 interruptions he had set during the first few classes.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, sociologists, and social workers around the world will surely be angry with this present column – largely because it provides a rather simple solution to a rather simple problem. They will no doubt also be angry over my seemingly calloused attitude towards those who suffer from adult ADHD. But I choose not to pay attention to them – remember, paying attention is a choice for adults – until they answer a few simple questions. For example:

Why did my solution work so immediately and so effectively after, presumably, years of therapy and drug prescriptions failed?
Will you continue to use the term “irresistible impulse” to describe what is obviously merely an impulse not resisted?
Are you at all concerned that other fictional disorders will be exposed by other equally simple experiments?
How can one be a part of a helping profession, if he does not, first and foremost, help people to help themselves?
And, finally, what will happen if you ever win your war upon free will? Will you protect people from the prospect of failure? Or will you deprive people of the prospect of success?

Mike S. Adams (www.DrAdams.org (http://www.dradams.org/)) will speak at Ohio University in Athens, OH, on October 5th. After the speech, he will answer the questions of those who raise their hands.

How to solve a problem by ignoring it....

If he was only ignoring it that would be one thing. This guy is making things worse for students.

Wow - it really takes a lot to make me angry. Reading that article just infuriated me!

After being diagnosed with ADHD, two things usually happen to the newly “disadvantaged” student. First, a psychologist tells the victim that he cannot pay attention nor control various impulses. Next, he is given a dosage of drugs. Neither one of these responses actually works. In fact, telling him that he cannot pay attention – rather than that he simply does not pay attention – usually reinforces the problem. The drugs don’t work because, again, the disorder is fictional.

His argument breaks down at the start. I was never diagnosed with AD/HD, yet I was a lazy git who couldn't pay attention in class. I "chose" not to without any diagnosis to help me out.

Many adults with AD/HD were never diagnosed as children.

It is an argument built on flawed premises.

That this guy teaches at a university isn't surprising. At all. I've had profs say more or less the same things to me. To a certain extent, I don't disagree. And he brings up an interesting point right at the end of his column.

Here it is: You can't use your diagnosis as an excuse. You have the power, especially once diagnosed/treated, to deal with the propensities brought on by ADHD and make yourself fit into this weird weird world a little better.

Basically, ADHD doesn't make you a victim, so stop acting like one.

Here it is: You can't use your diagnosis as an excuse. You have the power, especially once diagnosed/treated, to deal with the propensities brought on by ADHD and make yourself fit into this weird weird world a little better.

Basically, ADHD doesn't make you a victim, so stop acting like one.

I disagree. ADHD isn't an "excuse" but at least, it's an explanation. Most adders don't act like a victim but simple want to be understood. Most of us are fighing very hard and are doing our very best but it doesn't means that we don't need some help. Also, adhd can’t be heal like a simple flu and “treatment” is rarely a final solution.<O:p</O:p

1) come to class late
2) sleep in class
3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand or 4) walk out of class during the lecture to go to the restroom.

Any college age student who is desperate enough to use ADHD as a reason for consistently behaving this way, isn't mature enough to attend college unless they are on a modified program which won't grant a diploma or degree.

In all actuality, I would write this man a paper. An extremely lengthy one pertaining to the idiocy of his argument.

I'm sure that many college professors get excuses for one not being able to complete work, be on time, etc. Being outraged is perfectly acceptable, especially if a professor does his best to provide a course/learning environment adequate for all students. I think his solution is rather inappropriate, though.

What amazes me is that I have ADHD and I do none of the things he lists. Okay, so I blurt out on occasion, but its usually warrented. I do not fall asleep, I do the work, I make As. What a rotten man! He doesn't even take into account those of us who have such strong work ethics and pride! Thank goodness NONE of my professors are this way. Actually, I think at least 50% of my professors have ADHD themselves. Marie

BTW, I looked at that nut's website. He's just that- a nut. (I'm pretty liberal, but he's nuttier than most republicans. I like republicans, although I'm not one. I can stand back from my beliefs and judge a nut. He's a nut.) Marie

P.S. His archieved articles kept making fun of my alma mater, Appalachian State University. I think he's a really big nut.

The only thing that I can see causing a problem is constant blurting out.

Unless a student is snoring sleeping should not cause an issue. But come on if somebody is sleeping in a class than the instructor isn't too his job very well.

I have never had an instructor who has had an issue with students going to the rest room. Granted most of the classes I have taken lately have been several hours long.


Coming to class late shouldn't be an issue unless the student disrupts the classe when he/she comes in.


1) come to class late
2) sleep in class
3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand or 4) walk out of class during the lecture to go to the restroom.

Any college age student who is desperate enough to use ADHD as a reason for consistently behaving this way, isn't mature enough to attend college unless they are on a modified program which won't grant a diploma or degree.

Unless a student is snoring sleeping should not cause an issue. But come on if somebody is sleeping in a class than the instructor isn't too his job very well. This is a joke, right? :confused:

Coming to class late shouldn't be an issue unless the student disrupts the classe when he/she comes in. This would be distracting for the ADHDers in the class.

No it's not a joke. This guy's point is that students who sleep in class disrupt his teaching. It may be rude for a student to sleep in class but how does it interupt a lecture??

As a person with ADD who attended a good portion of college unmedicated I was usually more distracted by the clock, or the ceiling, or the ugly tie than instructor was wearing than students coming in to class late.

I think this guy is just a major control freak.

I'm sorry, Tara, I hadn't realized that post secondary education had become this informal and unstructured. Perhaps location or size has something to do with the standards. It is difficult for me to imagine the future CEO of a large company, thinking it was o.k. to sleep on the job.

Tara, how would an ADD Coach go about helping a college student who is having difficulty with these behaviours?

1) come to class late
2) sleep in class
3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand or 4) walk out of class during the lecture to go to the restroom.

Ya know...showing up on time sucks...I hate having to do it. But if I'm gonna pay thousands a year to take class and get my ****ing degree, I'm gonna show up on time for lecture. Or at least try. And if I'm late, I'm sure as hell not going to bother others who showed up on time by being loud and annoying when I make it to class. I had troubles with it last year, due to a 1.5 hour commute. So you know what? I moved. Now, 15 minute commute. I'm not late anymore.

Sleeping in class...I do it all the time. Generally, I find that a coffee before (or during if it's a long class) helps me stay up if I'm tired. But the best thing to do is to get enough sleep so that being tired isn't an issue. Also, boozing it up the night before a morning class isn't a good idea. I got over that after first year, it might be time for you to get over it as well.

Now, who on earth just blurts stuff out in lecture? Uh..what? No, seriously. Your role in lecture is to shut up, listen, and take notes. It isn't "audience participation day", it isn't a game show, it isn't called a LECTURE for no reason. If the prof wants your imput (and good ones will), they'll either ask for it, or you can put your hand up like everyone else.

Walking out of class to go to the bathroom has always been cool with every single one of my profs. No one wants to here "may I go to the bathroom" every five freakin' minutes. It's the standard for how things are done as far as I know.

See, basically, you need to STOP with the excuses. Your ADHD makes you a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. Sure sure, we've all been there. Some meds and some training/behaviour stuff/new ways of doing things round off the corners and make you fit into this arbitrary mold a lot better. The rest of it is up to you to deal with on a case by case basis.

Enough with the excuses. So you're ADHD...big deal. Get on with your life. Make the best of it and use your different abilities to blow people away.

Funny story: I found out about my ADHD as I was reading sources for a paper I was trying to write that was to dismiss ADHD as a "myth made up by modern medicine to control "deviant" or "abnormal" or "over-creative" behaviour". So it turns out that that isn't exactly the case....:o I figured out why I had always felt so messed up, saw my doctor, saw another doctor/psych, got diagnosed, now things are improving dramatically:)

Nonetheless, the more you use it as an excuse, the more of a problem it becomes. Adult ADHD comes with special issues, as you've gone 20, 30, 40, or more years without learning what others learn just by going through life. You've got some catch up to play, in other words. But that's no excuse to be whining and making excuses.

You may not like the way the world/society operate. I sure don't. It's boring, mundane, predictable, pedestrian, inneficient, and just plain dumb. But unfortunately, there's a lot more of "them" than there are of "us", so your best bet is to learn to adapt where you can and "deviate" where it suits you and everyone else best.

My first thought was "Dr. Adams, huh? MD or PhD?" Turns out he is a criminology professor. I'm guessing that means he has neither an MD nor a PhD in psychology. 'nuff said.

That this guy teaches at a university isn't surprising. At all. I've had profs say more or less the same things to me. To a certain extent, I don't disagree. And he brings up an interesting point right at the end of his column.

Here it is: You can't use your diagnosis as an excuse. You have the power, especially once diagnosed/treated, to deal with the propensities brought on by ADHD and make yourself fit into this weird weird world a little better.

Basically, ADHD doesn't make you a victim, so stop acting like one.

I agree with the professor on many points. However, i do believe medication works. I also believe ADD is an authentic diagnosis. On his other points, of expecting certain behaviors from all students, whether ADD or not, is very acceptable to me. However, i have this view because for the last 4 years i have been part of a group process lead by a psychologist, who simply refused to let me use my ADD as an excuse. Boy did that make me angry! She wouldnt let me blurt out, or talk in rambling ways, in fact she limited my talking, which really made me mad, afterall wasnt talking the point of group therapy!! She wouldnt let me be late! I was late a lot! Until she threatened me with expulsion. Magically i began showing up on time everytime. She eased up, so i became late again, but not nearly as late, and not nearly as often, so her experiment worked too. She taught me to talk a normal amount, at appropriate times and intervals, and finally after learning that, she let me talk more, but this took a long time for me to learn. the anger took a long time to get over too. However, she did me a world of good, that no one else would have done for me, taught me invaluable skills, simply by putting her foot down, and being steadfast in her demand that i be responsible and appropriate, and begin to show myself and others what i can do. My parents were not that steadfast, so i never learned those lessons..they gave up on me long ago. So this professor, who knows everyone will be mad at him, is actually doing each ADD student a favor, by putting his foot down and proving to them, and demanding of them, the capability of doing things right. I personally would value a professor like this more than a professor who just said, yah, yah, yah, you are ADD i feel sorry for you, so you can do everything late, walk in disorganized, interrupt the class, go to the restroom early, etc, etc, etc. What good in the academic world or real world does developing that kind of self image do for the student? I agree with the professor, as cranky and unkind as he sounds.

I'm sure there will be some hate mail coming my way!
:)

Jonathan

I agree with the professor, as cranky and unkind as he sounds.
I don't think the behavior is acceptable. I just disagree with his premise that people act that way because they think they can. It's the old "if you just tried harder" bull hockey.

His premise is that people act that way because they are told they cannot control their impulses - because they are ADD. He does not buy into the idea that being ADD necessitates that people be incapable of conforming to conventional expectations. I tend to agree with him. It takes medication, and more effort, for an ADD person to do things in the expected, conventional, ie, appropriate manner. Thus, ADD is not imaginary. However, the assertion that ADD is a valid excuse for not doing things properly, is bull-hockey. ADD requires a bit of effort by the ADD person; ie responsibility, which in general means being able to meet the conventional expectations of normal behavior. Why train ADD students to not meet the expectations? I don't mind the disability office making accomodations, but making a spectacle of being ADD, by abusively being late, talking without waiting, forgetting cell phone on, etc, well, that just makes ADD look like an excuse - and in this case, if his case study is not fictional, I think he is correct. Even if the student is not aware that they are making an excuse, and they believe that they really cannot be on time, cannot stop blurting, it doesnt mean it is true, and he seems to be disproving its truth.

How will this cause a backlash in universities? I don;t know. I have to admit, accomodations are pretty nice. However, i am in graduate school now, and i am told that in grad school, they don't give many accomodations, everyone is expected TO BE AN ADULT. Oh well, i guess this is good training for the real world!

:)

Jonathan

His premise is that people act that way because they are told they cannot control their impulses - because they are ADD. Yes, and as I wrote earlier, this is a flawed premise because many people make it to adulthood without ever being told they were ADD, and yet they still behaved this way.

No it's not acceptable but it's not only because kids are using it as an excuse.

It takes medication, and more effort, for an ADD person to do things in the expected, conventional, ie, appropriate manner.
I don't even know if it takes medication to obey society's rules. Certainly many people with ADD are and were quite successful in society without medication, despite their deficiencies.

How will this cause a backlash in universities? I don;t know. I have to admit, accomodations are pretty nice. However, i am in graduate school now, and i am told that in grad school, they don't give many accomodations, everyone is expected TO BE AN ADULT. Oh well, i guess this is good training for the real world! I got no accomodations, ever. I also got a 3.96 GPA in college, without medications. I also didn't do the things this professor laments about -- well OK, I was late a few times. But usually if I was going to be late I would just blow off the lecture.

But whatever struggle I had to do these things, the fact that somebody told me I had ADD never entered the picture -- because nobody ever did.

What a relief to find out I just have a fictional disorder.

This seems to be the big thing now bashing AD/HD.
And everyone is suddenly and expert on the subject.
What a shame to see this coming from a so called educated man.
When I read things like this I always wonder what the person is getting out of that.

I wonder how many students drop this guy's classes. If I was going to be late for his class I would probably feel like not showing up at all. Everybody, ADHD or not, is late sometimes and if he lectures to a class of a couple hundred students he should expect a few people to be late every day. Maybe the city bus was running late or the toaster caught on fire as they were leaving the house. There's a million reasons why a student might be late. I agree that people shouldn't be blurting things out all the time unless that is the way the class is run. But students shouldn't feel like they can't ask legitimate questions. He should remember that he is being paid to lecture and all these students are paying big bucks to be there.

I've skimmed through his website. This guy likes to stir up controversy. He wouldn't have written this article (or another one he has about ADHD) if it wasn't going to make people angry.

A grown man, allegedly college educated who refers to the reproductive organ of the mail anatomy as a "hoo-hoo dilly" has got to be suffering from some type of "disorder" either real or imaginery.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams/ma20050824.shtml

Sometimes the most vehement and vociferous of attacks against a particular issue such as "imaginery" disorders or sexual issues such as homosexuality are from those who are familiar with them on an intimate basis.

It would seem to me from a cursory look at "DR" McAdams articles that he may be suffering from some transgender issues as well as "imaginary" or real Adult AD/HD. He appears to be bothered by his "hoo-hoo dilly" as well as a marked inability to pay attention to such issues as reality and common sense.

I believe he would benefit from a sex change operation and pharmaceutical intervention.

Somebody is just trying to get a talk show!

Yes being direct and to the point with me usually gets through to me the best.

Do ADDer's go to the bathroom more often then norm's? He never state how long his lectures are...if he's going 3 hours plus, yep i'd need a bathroom break.

He does make the point that wether or not you have ADHD you still need to to take responsibility for your actions. Then it's just irresponsible rambling.

Has anyone responded directly to him yet?

On a personal level I found the article offensive. Because, I work very hard to accept all responsibility not only for my actions but my re-actions as well. But, then I also found it quite humorous as he described a fellow ADD'er who does not even try to accept any responsibility for his actions.

He is constantly late to class, though he lives in the dormatory not two blocks from where our class takes place. I travel 2 hours and leave with enough time that I arrive 30-45 minutes early and that is after stopping for supper. You can plan ahead so you will arrive on time.

He talks during lecture whether people want to talk to him or not. If nobody sits by him, he literally talks on his cell phone (NO I am not kidding in any shape or form). He complained after our last exam that he flunked because of a humming sound that kept distracting him and yes his cell phone vibrating on his desk non-stop was distracting. There to me wasn't any valid reason for him to flunk his test (he is perfectly capable of being quiet at least for the 20 minutes it took our instructor to tell us EXACTLY what we were going to be tested on), he could have read the sheet she handed out telling us EXACTLY what we were going to be tested on, he can turn his cell OFF during class so it doesn't distract him by vibrating off his desk every two minutes during his test. He can stop telling everyone how much money his parents sent him this week and start thinking about those of us who have to work extra hours just to pay for the honor of taking this class. Come on this isn't ADD, its just plain rudeness.

It is one of the reasons we make our kids responsible for their actions and re-actions. They don't have to do all the work assigned due to their IEP though they do it. They do have special accomodations available to them we don't use them. We have to learn how to function within society because society isn't going to learn how to function around our needs anytime soon. That sadly is just life.

Ok now ya'll can rip me to shreds. :faint:

That this guy teaches at a university isn't surprising. At all. I've had profs say more or less the same things to me. To a certain extent, I don't disagree. And he brings up an interesting point right at the end of his column.

Here it is: You can't use your diagnosis as an excuse. You have the power, especially once diagnosed/treated, to deal with the propensities brought on by ADHD and make yourself fit into this weird weird world a little better.

Basically, ADHD doesn't make you a victim, so stop acting like one.
Totally agree!!

I went to Catholic school until I was 17 ... ADD did not exist there. I'd get punished all the time because I wouldn't behave correctly. To this day, I behave correctly!! Even if I'm a little awkward and offbeat, I understand social restraint and courtesy, and it's helped me so much!

Hey,

"Those who can't DO, teach
and those who can't teach, teach gym class."

Everyone is entitled to their opinion...even university professors. Just because someone is well educated doesn't mean they can't have STUPID opinions. :D

I mean, if that was against the law or something....all of Congress would be in jail right now! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :faint:

His writings and Ideas put forth are clearly opinionated and in no way meet scholarly criteria, and as such are truly irrelevant. He clearly writes not to influence or impart knowledge but to tell his target audience what they want to here.

I don't believe he is worth acknowledging, as his arguments are too silly to be bothered with. I do think it is important also question the creditability of the university he teaches at and where he studied at. Consider this when you think about the fact he was awarded; Faculty Member of the Year award (issued by the Office of the Dean of Students) for the second time in 2000.

Look at his bio http://www.townhall.com/opinion/contributors/mikeadams.html it will seem he is indecisive in that he is always jumping from one thing to another especially regarding doctrines. Considering his inconsistencies regarding the doctrines he pursues. I can't help think if you applied Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to him that he may be struggling at the esteem level. He appears to be trying to develop both his own respect and the respect of his peers. Thus it could be argued that these needs are likely too overwhelming for him to truly have any significant intellectual contribution beyond regurgitation of other people’s ideas.

Tara, how would an ADD Coach go about helping a college student who is having difficulty with these behaviours?

1) come to class late
2) sleep in class
3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand or 4) walk out of class during the lecture to go to the restroom.
I want to know this, too.

Well I have ADD, and I didn't find the article offensive at all. The guy is an idiot who probably likes to hear himself talk. Plenty of those exist in this world -- hello, Tom Cruise? Anyone being diagnosed with and treated for ADD is better off just blowing it off as BS. Who's going to know that you have ADD, unless you tell them? Unless you have "I HAVE ADD" tattooed across your forehead, it's your little secret -- yours and yours alone. I don't see what the big deal is. If you are diagnosed as having ADD, your primary goal should be to improve yourself by figuring out how you can work around your difficulties by doing the required things to get by. Being on time, etc., etc. Cell phones? Leave your phone at home or in your car. Sleeping? Get enough sleep the night before. Easier said than done, I know, but like I've said many times before: life is not a walk in the park. Accept it. And deal with it. Seriously, if some of you would stop whining about how you are so misunderstood and how nobody understands your ADD, and actually consider what can be done to help solve the problem, maybe, just maybe, things could improve. Why are you reading articles such as this one, anyway? Was it helpful to you? Did it provide you any insight? No, it just made your blood boil. Stay away from stuff that you know will make your blood boil. But because you've read through this article already, the only advice I can give is to consider the source. He's probably even more messed up than most of us (when I say "us" I am including myself lol). Look at Tom Cruise, he doesn't believe in ADD or depression or most other things that affect the mind, and he was diagnosed with a mental illness. Something to think about.

Well, since this argument has been reserected, I'll just put in my 2cents as a college instructor.

First, my students are TRAINED to blurt out things in class. Yes, it's called a "lecture", but people are not programmed to sit passively and listen for hours on end. As a teacher, I'm aware of the importance of involving students in the lecture by making them think about the material, not just spewing my thoughts at them. If they just want info, they can read the book.

Second, nobody has addressed in this thread one important point -- this professor may be a jerk with his own opinion, which is not against the law, but he is breaking the law by first saying a medical condition would be considered, then negating a valid disability.

Now, I do not use ADHD as an excuse and I don't accept it in my students. I do, however, expect to provide REASONABLE accomodations for their disabilities (ADHD included). Universities actually thrive on diversity of opinions, but this guy is pushing it a little too far.

And, about a good lecturer keeping everyone awake..... Someone who is either sleep deprived or ADHD cannot be wooed into alertness by "interesting" lectures. I know that I had terrible problems with fatigue in classes that were VERY interesting and well-taught. It was simply that the material was the kind that I had difficulty processing. The dopamine wasn't available.

His comments about getting up to use the bathroom and coming in late and blurting out things in class are NOT just ADHD issues. I think there's a very sad trend going on in higher education these days with respect to classroom behavior. Manners and promptness just aren't as valued as they once were.

I bet he made the whole scenario up. It looks to me like he is mediocre academic looking for a pundit gig. After all, jumping on the backlash bandwagon is a lot easier than publishing materials subject to rigorous peer review examining the validity of his findings.

I read this because it came into my google news because it was related to ADD. I'm not psychic so I didn't know it would "make my blood boil" until I actually read it. I think this article was valuable since it opened people's eyes up to the fact that there are intructors like this who are breaking the law.

I don't think we can really compare this guy to Tom Cruise. People pay Tom Cruise to entertain them. This guy is being paid to educate students. These students are paying for a service and not receiving it. If I don't want to deal with Tom Cruise I may missed out seeing movie I am interested in.

As a person with ADD I want to do more than just "get by". I want to thrive and learn. If I am trying hard but because my brain wiring and the environment that I am in aren't a good match I am going to advocate for myself.






Well I have ADD, and I didn't find the article offensive at all. The guy is an idiot who probably likes to hear himself talk. Plenty of those exist in this world -- hello, Tom Cruise? Anyone being diagnosed with and treated for ADD is better off just blowing it off as BS. Who's going to know that you have ADD, unless you tell them? Unless you have "I HAVE ADD" tattooed across your forehead, it's your little secret -- yours and yours alone. I don't see what the big deal is. If you are diagnosed as having ADD, your primary goal should be to improve yourself by figuring out how you can work around your difficulties by doing the required things to get by. Being on time, etc., etc. Cell phones? Leave your phone at home or in your car. Sleeping? Get enough sleep the night before. Easier said than done, I know, but like I've said many times before: life is not a walk in the park. Accept it. And deal with it. Seriously, if some of you would stop whining about how you are so misunderstood and how nobody understands your ADD, and actually consider what can be done to help solve the problem, maybe, just maybe, things could improve. Why are you reading articles such as this one, anyway? Was it helpful to you? Did it provide you any insight? No, it just made your blood boil. Stay away from stuff that you know will make your blood boil. But because you've read through this article already, the only advice I can give is to consider the source. He's probably even more messed up than most of us (when I say "us" I am including myself lol). Look at Tom Cruise, he doesn't believe in ADD or depression or most other things that affect the mind, and he was diagnosed with a mental illness. Something to think about.

A diagnosis is not an excuse - with that, I agree.

However, where did he get his MD from, and where did he complete his residency in psychiatry or neurology? If he is not a psychiatrist or a neurologist, he has no right to tell anyone that a condition their doctor diagnosed is "fictional".

The guy is a pompous jerk, which happens to be a character flaw in my book. Tardiness and blurting out answers may be inappropriate behaviors, but they're nothing more than that. And I'd rather deal with inappropriate behavior than character flaws any day of the week.

Sounds like the student was cured by "humiliation."

Hmmm.

Well, we have no right to judge this man...that's my opinion---he clearly gives his strategy when dealing w/such problems. I know he said a few things that set off alarms in your heads--"I can't believe he said that!" That alarm. And, "What nerve!" I'm right.



Anyway, it just sounds like some of you have actually become the bad guys=my opinion. This was not supposed to be an item of such hot debate, I think.

I agree w/him. ADD is a fictional disorder in the context of what he said.

Coming from my own personal experiences----some people do act this way---I was recently sentenced to in-school-suspenision. I was to sit in this room w/all the bad kids for the entire day for 3 days--and they were talking about not being able to work at all b/c they didn't take their medication for their ADD. So while I was trying to learn all the lessons from my classes on my own, they were talking and arguing w/each other a/b nonsense-I felt like gagging myself, this is real life!? WTF! People really do act this way! Maybe they do need someone like that professor--? I dunno, but I really do hope someone can bring them up to speed.

Not once have I ever even brought up my ADD-the only time was when someone blamed her ADD on not being able to get this song out of her head, or something like that while she was trying to take the test. This supposedly prevented her from finishing the test--So I said that I too have ADD. I added, you have to develop some type of coping technique. It is possible to rid yourself of such distractions. She said, I think I need to get on meds again-I agreed that that could be a possibility, and I agreed that it would help her ability to focus more often.

But some people-they make the wrong decisions, and that's entirely their mistake-not their parents, if you know what I mean. The things that the professor pointed out were not really related to ADD at all-more like immaturity.

I agree w/him. ADD is a fictional disorder in the context of what he said.
... The things that the professor pointed out were not really related to ADD at all-more like immaturity.
There is a big difference between saying the behaviors are not ADD-related and saying that AD/HD does not exist.

Ya know...one of the biggest problems I see here, is that of judging others. People make assumptions about other people and their problems, based on their own experiences with somewhat similar problems.

This may work at times but it also leads to incredibly biased thinking and mean spirited methods of "dealing" with the problems of others. I'm not just taking about this teacher..but of many folks in society.

Well, we have no right to judge this man...that's my opinion---he clearly gives his strategy when dealing w/such problems. I know he said a few things that set off alarms in your heads--"I can't believe he said that!" That alarm. And, "What nerve!" I'm right.
I have every right to judge this man. He has openly admited in a public forum to breaking the law. He was doing a lot more than just venting his frustrations about his ignorance to AD/HD. He is the one who made the choice to post such an arrogant article.

It's just like when I openly voice my opinions which I know may not be popular. Because I have made the choice to do so I have opened myself up to being judged. Right, wrong or indifferent people do have the right to judge me on such actions.

I'm sure that this professor has some students who are abusing the system. But, there are far too many people who never get the help they need because they are ashamed or scared.

You can agree all you want to.

The reality is that:

1)ADHD is not only real, it is the most widely researched childhood disorder on earth;

2) ADHD is recognized as a medical condition/disorder by:

a) the American Medical Association;

b)the American Psychiatric Association;

c)the American Academy of Pediatrics;

d)the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry;

e)the American Psychological Association and;

f)the World Health Organization.

3) ADHD is also recognized as a developmental disability and, as such, is covered under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA);


3) The Journal Article "International Consensus 2002," is THE SINGLE MOST DEFINITIVE ARTICLE DOCUMENTING THE EXISTENCE OF ADHD AS A REAL DISORDER AND IS SIGNED OFF ON BY OVER 80 OF THE WORLD'S LEADING SCIENTISTS :

a) that article also contains the accepted standard of practice definition of what constitutes a disorder (any disorder).ADHD more than meets the criteria.

b)it's available for viewing at www.russellbarkley.org


On top of all that, this man HAS NO EXPERTISE IN ADHD WHATSOEVER.

As a "responsible " professional educator for the state of North Carolina, which is where I received my graduate training in Clinical Psych , it is absolutely inappropriate & unethical to step outside his area of expertise and start lecturing on ADHD.

HE ISN'T QUALIFIED.

Futhermore, as a state employee, he is obligated to provide due process accomodations to students in his classes with documented disabilities;including ADHD.

I have serious reservations that those students would be accorded such, even though the legislation(s) in question are federal civil rights laws.

The bottom line is that what he's saying isn't true.


P.S.

I sent this man a polite and professional e-mail documenting all of the above and more; with my e-mail address attached.

That was approx 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard back.

One of the things I said was "It would be nice if everything could be reduced to it's lowest common denominator, however, that's not rational."

As of the Summer of 2003 there were already over 6k's worth of scientific studies/journal articles, professional papers, chapters in books, etc., on ADHD.

For someone with a PhD, to be so crass and callous about a subject he's never bothered to research, is quite a testament to his professionalism, or lack there of.

I worked in corrections for 6 1/2 yrs, which gives me some anecdotal credibility, but you don't see me pontificating on Criminal Justice.

What he's doing is harmful and inappropriate.

One of the toughest things about being a teacher is dealing with all the latest "syndromes" in our culture of victimization. Whenever a real problem like racism diminishes, there is always someone willing to redefine the problem to help maintain the population of "disadvantaged" Americans. This is usually followed by the invention of a new problem that actually increases the population of "disadvantaged" Americans. Consequently, victimization has become a growth industry that supplies more jobs for social workers despite their increasing irrelevance in relation to the real problems of modern society.
Often those fictional problems take the form of "disorders" like adult ADHD. I always know which of my students have been told that they suffer from adult ADHD. They are often late and sometimes leave class early to go potty, unlike most students who go potty before class begins. They blurt out the answers to my questions constantly – always without the courtesy of a raised hand. And, usually, they fall asleep in class (probably from exhaustion) after the fifteenth or twentieth interruption. Later, they are awakened by the cell phone they forgot to turn off before arriving in class.


How would you know that his low-tolerance style is having a negative impact on anyone? There is no evidence that he has done such things to anyone. That's what I got from it.

Some of you have crossed the line. Telling him that he's no good. He's the laughing stock of higher-education. I say, don't be so quick to deal judgement. He never gets rediculous and says that ADHD is a myth-a made up disorder. He is saying that AD/HD is taken out of its context by the students. It is used as an excuse for disturbing others-when that person is, by far, capable of being a considerate human being.


After being diagnosed with ADHD, two things usually happen to the newly "disadvantaged" student. First, a psychologist tells the victim that he cannot pay attention nor control various impulses. Next, he is given a dosage of drugs. Neither one of these responses actually works. In fact, telling him that he cannot pay attention – rather than that he simply does not pay attention – usually reinforces the problem. The drugs don’t work because, again, the disorder is fictional.

Again, don't take it out of context. Don't let your emotions rule over reason.

How would you know that his low-tolerance style is having a negative impact on anyone? There is no evidence that he has done such things to anyone.

Low-tolerance for classroom disturbances is NOT the issue. This is easily achieved without violating the rights of the students. He's broken the law and he's offended me. That's enough.



Some of you have crossed the line. Telling him that he's no good. He's the laughing stock of higher-education. I say, don't be so quick to deal judgement. He never gets rediculous and says that ADHD is a myth-a made up disorder.

First, I haven't read a claim on this thread that this guy is a laughing stock. In fact, his opinion isn't uncommon among teachers of high school or higher education. I don't believe anyone here has "crossed the line", whatever that line is.

Second, as a college instructor, I'm offended by this man and do NOT want his views to be viewed as representative.

Thirds, please carefully re-read the original post. He repeatedly claims ADHD is false.


Often those fictional problems take the form of ?disorders? like adult ADHD..........After being diagnosed with ADHD, two things usually happen to the newly “disadvantaged” student. First, a psychologist tells the victim that he cannot pay attention nor control various impulses. Next, he is given a dosage of drugs. Neither one of these responses actually works. In fact, telling him that he cannot pay attention – rather than that he simply does not pay attention – usually reinforces the problem. The drugs don’t work because, again, the disorder is fictional. But, fortunately, I have discovered a cure for students with this so-called disorder....


He is saying that AD/HD is taken out of its context by the students. It is used as an excuse for disturbing others-when that person is, by far, capable of being a considerate human being.

Yes, he's saying that. He's also assuming that his own opinion, probably quite biased by the frustrating experience of dealing with unruly students (ineffectively, I might add), trumps a diagnosis made by someone who is qualified.

Many of the members of this board have voiced strong opinions against using ADHD as an excuse for poor behavior. Nobody here is saying that disruptions in the classroom are "okay" if one has an ADHD diagnosis. THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE.

The man publicly denies a well-established, well-evidenced disorder that's treatable and instead illegally violates the rights of students to receive accomodations. Criticism of him is fair and appropriate.

This man is presenting himself to the public via the world wide web, with his PhD (in a non ADHD related field) prominently displayed, in a manner which creates the impression that he has expertise in ADHD.

He is also promoting his speaking schedule, which again creates the impression that he is lecturing on ADHD, which again implies expertise in the field.

If this individual were licensed in my profession, he would most definately be in serious danger of losing it.

In fact, it would be a foregone conclusion.

I've said this many times before, but it obviously bares repeating : to misrepresent facts is unethical (and ignorance is no excuse).

To charge $$ for it is fraudulent.

What he's alluding to is completely off base,.

This isn't a case of oh well, I respectfully disagree.

This is black & white, knee jerk, concrete thinking, lowest common denominator, blinding flash of the obvious (I'm smarter than everyone else in the field), thinking.

In other words, this is bull**** of the first magnitude.

What amazes me is that I have ADHD and I do none of the things he lists. Okay, so I blurt out on occasion, but its usually warrented. I do not fall asleep, I do the work, I make As. What a rotten man! He doesn't even take into account those of us who have such strong work ethics and pride! Thank goodness NONE of my professors are this way. Actually, I think at least 50% of my professors have ADHD themselves. Marie A rotten man? Can you really say that? Do you have evidence that he is a "rotten man?" That article is not enough to warrant such a reaction. You've, in my opinion, done more damage than the Professor guy. You actually called him a rotten man! He never actually called people diagnosed w/ADD lazy. He means something else.

Being diagnosed does not bestow the rights to be lazy, yet some people take advantage of their label, by using it as an excuse to be lazy. It's almost as if some people just give up trying to be productive and worthwhile, b/c in their minds, they are not capable. People believe that they are handicapped-a misconception that could lead to results in the likeness of what the Professor guy was describing.

1) come to class late
2) sleep in class
3) interrupt the lecture by blurting out answers without a raised hand or 4) walk out of class during the lecture to go to the restroom.

Any college age student who is desperate enough to use ADHD as a reason for consistently behaving this way, isn't mature enough to attend college unless they are on a modified program which won't grant a diploma or degree.I completely agree, because this is a perfect example of the truth.


To mctavish23,
Oh, and now you try to educate me on the obvious. Believe me, I have plenty experience w/the obvious. I see it in everything. An accidental facade of the truth.


I can see that you guys get the impression that somehow what you do makes a difference as to how you see reality. In this case, bull****. I assure you it doesn't. I can see things, as everyone else can see things, because the fact that we are all human beings remains constant.

Nothing is ever obvious my friends. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. The very idea of obviousness is flawed. You cannot just tell someone something is obvious. To say: I've said this many times, but obviously it bares repeating, is not very logical. You believe it needs to be repeated, because you believe I don't understand what is going on. You think that I don't care about misrepresenting facts. Or I don't understand that misrepresenting facts is "looked down upon."

Obvious=Has no place in this discussion. I can't stand that word. Don't lecture me on what is obvious. Show me something that is obvious, and I'll show you something that is not.

Anyway, I see no concrete connections as to his true thoughts concerning AD/HD. Whether he believes the underlying disorder itself to be fictional has yet to be proven. I get the impression that he believes that the problems associated w/the disorder are false-not the ADD itself. He is speaking of a manifestation from the idea of having a disorder.

I'm not trying to educate you on anything.

As a licensed (clinical/child) psychologist in Minnesota,who's primary area of expertise is ADHD, I found this man to be condescending , passive-aggressive and deceptive.

My opinion is that the main issue here isn't teaching or teaching styles or techniques.

His remarks were couched in such a way that he did infer that he views ADHD as a pseudo-disorder , based on pseudo-science , that's improperly diagnosed and treated by more or less clueless clinicians.

Thats bull****.

Fictional certainly implies disbelief.

The blinding flash part wasn't directed at you.

It was in response to his attitude and belief system about ADHD.

He hasn't read a damn thing yet he wants to espouse expertise.

People like this do a real injustice to people with ADHD, because they have an arrogant attitude that can often come across in more subtle ways like facial expressions, body language, etc,. that ADHD is not real.

That helps perpetuate the myths that we all try and counter everyday.

These same types of people are doing a diservice to the ADHD community by trying to undermine the credibility of the science behind the disorder.

He has no expertise on ADHD. Zero.

As far as "obvious" goes, he wants to flaunt his ego at the mental health community by coming across as tho he has the answer.

That's the blinding flash.

John Rosemand came across the same way.

He also left town rather than debate me and 3 colleagues.

I proceeded to systematically take him apart by reading from one of the genetic studies he said didn't exist.

After that, I provided the audience references that refuted every one of his criticisms.

He was lying.

This guy is more subtle prehaps but the lie remains, as this isn't
"pseudo" anything.

This is "Im too arrogant and lazy to read any of the six thousand + references covering 103 years, becasue it wouldn't shoot me down in flames and I'd have to admit being wrong".

It would also take away all the fun he's having at our (ADHD community, clinical/research community) expense.

He wouldn't recognize a neurotransmitter if it bit him in the ***.

"Pull yourself up by the bootstraps", "Get over it" ,etc.,is the concrete thinking and attitude I'm talking about.

If it was that damn easy there'd be no documented risk factors of poor academic performance, difficulty maintaining gainful employment.,etc.

We'd have also figured this all out years ago.

Thats insulting in its level of ignorance and stupidity.

Do you (rhetorically ) think people like this can recognize a psychometrically derived significant Executive Function deficit/impairment like Initiation problems?

Of course they can't. They don't believe it exists. To them, it's nothing more than "Lazy."

ADHD is a (valid) reason and not an excuse.

These people want to degrade us by eliminating it as a real reason.

I work with ADHD children who have no power to battle prejudice except thru the efforts of their families, and the profesionals that work with them.

You'd better believe I do that and do it well.

Years ago, many people had the same attitude towards depression, as well as mental health in general.

ADHD is real. The science is real.

I'm a real-life, real -world ,ADHD specialist who just also happens to have ADHD.

I am eminently qualified to call this intrusion into my discipline bull****.

What he's alluding to or implying isn't true. He's wrong.

More importantly, his underlying motivations are not honorable.

There's also a hurtful or destructive tone attached to this and that bothers me.

Okay, I'm done with this thread.

The "Here's the Proof" thread doesnt need to be repeated.

It just needs to be remembered.

I hope you can see what I was trying to say.

Happy Holidays

The End.

I can almost appreciate what you are fighting for. He really isn't helping the ADD community. He is by no means doing them a favor. He's just trying to minimize the importance of this disorder. And by doing so, he is discrediting all the scientists and researchers, misdirecting everyone else in search for a real answer to ADD.

I don't have the experience you have. So, I would like to thank you for bringing your experience to these forums and staying true to what you have learned.

I admire your no-tolerance attitude, especially when experts, such as yourself step out of line when they should know better. The article did seem a bit amateur. The ideas weren't very well thought out, I think.

But the basic underlying principle of all this=that he claims that ADD does not exist isn't "exactly" true. It may exist in the classrooms, but he will not put up w/any bull****. He should, however, confirm that he is no expert, and that his belief system was built upon the students that are diagnosed w/ADD, the ones who neither try to help themselves nor care about disrupting those who do. In reality, this is not ADD at all. The examples listed were problems not of an ADDer, but of an ignoramus.

You express yourself so well. You stand-fast to your education. By no means are your contributions ignored.

Unlike you, I have never read a book on ADD. Nor have I done any type of formal research or debate on the subject. So I can see that my perception of the man's article would not set off alarms in my head. I'm not quite there yet, but I like to think that I am learning.

A rotten man? Can you really say that? Do you have evidence that he is a "rotten man?" That article is not enough to warrant such a reaction.
This article is one of the most offensive pieces of garbage written by a teacher that I've ever read.

I'll say it, too. He's a ROTTEN MAN. Self-righteous and arrogant. The evidence is the article itself, and that's plenty for me (the "show me" girl).


He never actually called people diagnosed w/ADD lazy. He means something else.

No, he never called us lazy. He certainly does mean something else. He means the disorder is fictional. He said it SEVERAL times in the article.
You can deny it, but his words are clear:

Chris did write back to say that a medical condition – adult ADHD -was responsible for his behavior. But I quickly informed him that his condition was a fiction and that the behavior was fully under his control.


People believe that they are handicapped-a misconception that could lead to results in the likeness of what the Professor guy was describing.

I have said this already, but I will say it again because it OBVIOUSLY needs to be repeated: Nobody on this thread has advocated using ADHD as an excuse for poor behavior. THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE.


Anyway, I see no concrete connections as to his true thoughts concerning AD/HD. Whether he believes the underlying disorder itself to be fictional has yet to be proven. I get the impression that he believes that the problems associated w/the disorder are false-not the ADD itself. He is speaking of a manifestation from the idea of having a disorder.
Should I just post the whole article again, bolding all the times he flat-out said the disorder was fictional? The main theme of the article is that ADHD DOES NOT EXIST.

The article is offensive, self-righteous, and WRONG.

Okay, so I'll make one more post.


You call it like you see and I respect that tremendously.

ty4 the feedback and kind remarks.

tc
mctavish23 (Robert)

P.S.

I don't remember if I referred him to Mel Levine's site or not, but if he really wanted to know how to reach kids with learning problems, all he has to do is drive over to Chapel Hill and take his course.

Or he could go to www.allkindsofminds.org

Nobody on this thread has advocated using ADHD as an excuse for poor behavior.
I must have misinterpreted the following statement. :confused:

As a person with ADD I want to do more than just "get by". I want to thrive and learn. If I am trying hard but because my brain wiring and the environment that I am in aren't a good match I am going to advocate for myself.

If you are diagnosed as having ADD, your primary goal should be to improve yourself by figuring out how you can work around your difficulties by doing the required things to get by. Being on time, etc., etc. Cell phones? Leave your phone at home or in your car. Sleeping? Get enough sleep the night before. Easier said than done, I know, but like I've said many times before: life is not a walk in the park. Accept it. And deal with it. (Mystic Oracle)

Originally Posted by barbyma
Nobody on this thread has advocated using ADHD as an excuse for poor behavior.


I must have misinterpreted the following statement. :confused:

Originally Posted by Tara
As a person with ADD I want to do more than just "get by". I want to thrive and learn. If I am trying hard but because my brain wiring and the environment that I am in aren't a good match I am going to advocate for myself.



One of us must have, because I don't see how advocating for one's self or asking for accomodation is poor behavior. It's not anywhere near the same thing as tardiness, inappropriate behavior in class, sleeping in class, or leaving during class.

If you are diagnosed as having ADD, your primary goal should be to improve yourself by figuring out how you can work around your difficulties by doing the required things to get by. Being on time, etc., etc. Cell phones? Leave your phone at home or in your car. Sleeping? Get enough sleep the night before. Easier said than done, I know, but like I've said many times before: life is not a walk in the park. Accept it. And deal with it. (Mystic Oracle)


Once again, I don't believe that anyone on this thread has claimed the behavior you listed here is appropriate or excusable simply because one has AD/HD. However, that does not give this guy the right to claim the disorder does not exist.

I think there's usually a noticable diff between those who try to stay awake and nod off, and those who come into class and decide to take a nap there and then.

There are students who have ADHD who may face difficulties staying awake, may have a tendency to blurt out stuff, may have difficulty arriving on time. There are also students with ADHD who decide the class isn't important enough to arive on time, blurt out stuff to be a smart***-- basically none of these behavior have to do witht he ADHD.

I think there's a difference in attitude-- there are those who nonchantly stroll in vs those who are late but want to learn anyway and so come in late rather than not at all and at least behave apologetically abt it.

There are those who need to think for the others who have ADHD etc-- does your using ADHD as an excuse for everything undermine those who have problems?
And there are teachers who need to learn that there are students with ADHD and a bad attitude. The bad attitude doesnt mean that the ADHD doesnt exist, nor that ADHD label= bad attitude.

And there are teachers who need to learn that there are students with ADHD and a bad attitude. The bad attitude doesnt mean that the ADHD doesnt exist, nor that ADHD label= bad attitude.
SO true.

Have you ever seen "As Good As It Gets"? Whenever I use clips from that film to demonstrate OCD, I have to preface it with the caveat: the fact that he's (Jack Nicholson's character) and A**H*** has nothing to do with his OCD!

. . . I don't see how advocating for one's self or asking for accomodation is poor behavior. It's not anywhere near the same thing as tardiness, inappropriate behavior in class, sleeping in class, or leaving during class. That would depend upon one's definition of advocation. What if the person defined advocating for oneself as telling the prof that you can't control tardiness or classroom behaviour because you have ADHD?

That would depend upon one's definition of advocation. What if the person defined advocating for oneself as telling the prof that you can't control tardiness or classroom behaviour because you have ADHD?
Tara didn't say she advocated by telling her teachers she can't control herself, and I'm not going to jump to that conclusion -- I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

You just did.

There are real grey areas. I remember a thread, long ago, on a site where someone was complaining abt how this girl used classtime to buff her nails, read magazines while her group mambers were doing everything for a group project, and explain her behavior by glibly saying she was dyslexic or something like that. The argument was not that LD=excuse, but that some people do use it as an excuse for other stuff to the detriment of the rest who struggle. The members ont he board were in a complete uproar, saying all sorts of nasty things to the poster and immediately leapt to the defence of the girl.

I think there has to be a balance, i felt these posters were rather unobjective in assuming that because she has this, everything is a result of it, down to inexcusable behaviour and the complaining party was simply being unfair to someone less "well off" in a way. Although of course when we read these things none of us actually know each party, so we can only judge on the info presented.

Anyway abt advocacy: I think if you have ADHD you try telling hte lecturer something like: I have a tendency to do this, this this. I know its disruptive and rude, and I'm trying to do something about it. I have ADHD and I dont want to use it as an excuse and I dont know how far these things are a result of my ADHD if at all. ButWhat I do know is I do have this tendency and I want you to know that I am trying/ will try to keep it in check. (And perhaps ask the lecturer if he has any suggestions.)
I dont know how many lectuers will even take kindly to that sort of statement but its worth a shot.

I dont know how many lectuers will even take kindly to that sort of statement but its worth a shot.
I appreciate it. I've certainly had students "warn" me that they have tendencies, but usually the ones that have the forethought to do this are MUCH less disruptive than they fear.

Okay, who do I need to write to in order to stop this man from further violating the rights of his students with ADHD?

Okay, who do I need to write to in order to stop this man from further violating the rights of his students with ADHD?
Oh, I doubt he's getting away with it after publishing this garbage.

Well, I wrote the Director of Disabillities Services at his university. Hopefully, that will get a good reaction. I tried to contact ADDA but my email would not go through. The IDEA website offered a labyrinth of a directory to wind through. I've contacted some other people for advice on who to write. Let's see if we can't get something done about this!

Okay, I also just wrote the State Protection and Advocacy Agencies of North Carolina.

People don't need the doctor to tell them they can't control those impulses. They already know that...that's why they're at the doctor to begin with. As for the doctor, he's probably lucky he didn't get sued. I wonder if he tried to talk to people about their tardiness. I wonder if he tried locking the door a few times to give the cronic tardies the idea. I know that most professors I've had don't seem to care if we raise our hands or not...they're just happy that they get an answer at all. I wonder if he considered that or was even aware of such a thing. Essentially, I wonder if he tried anything but jumping straight to Nazi mode. It's just sad that people who are always on time and paying attention could potentially be assigned such a degrading paper for being a few minutes late one time in the entire semester.

Wow, thread necrophilia strikes again. But... since I wasn't here when this thread first aired, I'd just like to add my two cents worth.

Isn't it amazing that this professor has found a "cure" for a "non-existent disorder" because it worked on ONE STUDENT!?! Most research and testing involves a much bigger data base, eh?

thread necrophilia iam trying to rembers what this refuss tewo? drom

"Thread necrophilia" generally refers to threads that haven't had any new posts in several months. Then someone does a "search" and adds a new thought. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it would be better to start a new thread.

I realize this response is long for a thread. .As a person who has struggled with ADD for over 2 decades, I take Dr. Adams’ article personally. I have heard this kind of crap from family, roommates, teachers, girlfriends and people in general all my life. Prior to my diagnosis, this type of criticism made me think that I was inherently defective and morally flawed. By morally flawed, I mean the typical labels that non-ADDers apply to ADDers such as lazy, irresponsible, weird. My favorite denouncement is when someone says, “Your behavior is a choice”. This rational response is an intellectual kick to the groin of non-ADDers like Dr. Adams who despite their ability to “make the right choice” still cannot write a rational argument. Also, this piece serves as evidence that with a proper diagnosis of ADHD combined with therapy and medication an ADDer can intellectually destroy non-ADDers with their “proper character and choices”.

Before I deal with Dr. Adams, I have to state that the student’s behavior in the posted article was not acceptable for someone with ADHD in college. This may appear hypocritical; however the student was aware of his diagnosis and should have taken steps to mediate his behavior. Not taking responsibility for their own actions when they know they have ADD/HD is what gives ADDers a bad name. This irresponsibility is seized by upon by people like Dr. Adams as evidence that ADD is just an excuse. Yet, both Dr. Adams’ method of dealing with the situation and his argument are foolish.

Since Dr. Adams has difficulty presenting rational arguments, the following response is offered as an example of one. My retort is organized around the following points:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

1. I will disassemble Dr. Adams’ argument.

2. I will answer the questions posed at the end of his article.<o:p></o:p>

3. I will illustrate how Dr. Adams’ "take responsibility/self made man" philosophy is in contradiction with his personal history.

<o:p> </o:p>

Point 1---Flawed argument

Dr. Adams’ case is so flawed that any decent passing of gas blows it over. First, he presents no evidence for his case. If he believes ADD is “fictional”, then he must provide evidence for this position. Acceptable evidence would be in the form of scientific peer-reviewed studies, not blanket observations made of supposed ADDers in class. Second, the notion that medications do not help ADDers is based on the previous unsupported premise that ADD does not exist. Therefore, this second premise has to be false. Furthermore, the implications for this argument are staggering. If Dr. Adams’ argument were true then the psychiatric and pharmaceutical industries have pulled off one of the greatest con jobs in history. A few simple questions reveal the absurdity of these implications. Why would psychiatrists, in violation of the Hippocratic Oath, diagnose their patients with a condition that does not exist and then prescribe medication for the condition? Providing medications to someone who does not medically need them is both unethical and illegal. Let us assume that there was a secret program of collusion between psychiatrists and the pharmaceutical industry to sell ADD drugs. Surely, the DEA would have caught on by now that psychiatrists were prescribing hundreds of thousands of bogus prescriptions. Now let us look at the consumer side of the implications. If the medications do not work then why would ADDers continue to use medications that do not ameliorate their symptoms? Out of the several hundreds of thousands of people taking ADD drugs would not there be a very large percentage who realize their medications were not helping their symptoms? A skilled con artist can sell someone a bill of goods; however, once the promise does not materialize the mark does not go back for more. I find this complete lack of reasoning shocking for a professor.

<o:p> </o:p>

Point 2---Answers to Dr. Adams posed questions

Dr. Adams poses the question, “Why did his solution work while the drugs and therapy did not”. Embarrassment, shame, and coercion are powerful tools. The interview assignment probably made the student aware of his behavior while simultaneously shaming the student. What more than likely “cured” the ADD was that Dr. Adams provided a structure enforced by coercion for the student in class. I could continue to speculate on what “cured” the student, but let us examine implications of Dr. Adams’ logic. I will illustrate my point with the following fictitious scenario: St. Andrew’s pediatric cancer ward is home to Little Johnny. Oncologists have been treating Johnny for an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Johnny is miserable, has difficulty walking, and complains about his discomfort, pain, and chemo induced nausea to nurses and his physician. One day, a physician named Dr Adams visited the cancer ward. The visiting doctor had developed a method to prove that Little Johnny is faking his condition. Johnny’s exasperated oncologist asked Dr. Adams to demonstrate his technique on Johnny. Obliging the oncologist, Dr. Adams produced a loaded handgun and pointed it at Johnny. Dr. Adams, with the gun still trained on Johnny, turned to the oncologist and said, “Here is the proof.” He then commanded Johnny to get out of bed and go to the bathroom without complaint. Little Johnny fearing for his life did as Dr. Adams commanded. Proud of himself, Dr. Adams turned again to the oncologist and said “You can see that Johnny can stand and walk on his own. I did not hear him complain either. Clearly, he is not sick; you and your staff need stop telling him that he is ill and indulging his fake behavior.” I need not continue the analogy any further. The coercive solution Dr. Adams applied to the ADDer student simply internalized the problematic behavior. I can reasonably assure the reader that the student’s symptoms manifested in a different way (e.g. daydreaming, foot shaking, sleepiness). Obviously, Dr. Adams “cure” is fundamentally flawed.

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Point 3---The article’s real message and Dr. Adams’ hypocrisy

I have illustrated in the previous 2 points how Dr. Adams position on ADD is absurd and unfounded. At this point, one has to ask, “What is the larger message of the article?” What Dr. Adams is truly saying is that “disadvantaged” groups (e.g. minorities, women, ADDers) are making excuses and want a free ride/welfare while he worked hard to get ahead. Admittedly, there are certain people who clearly do not want to help themselves and there is no substitution for hard work. Let us examine what we know about Dr. Adams to see if his life is free of assistance and if he takes responsibility for his actions. What biographical information do we know about Dr. Adams? Well, we know from his faculty webpage (http://www.uncw.edu/soccrj/about-faculty-adams.html) that he attended <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Mississippi</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType>University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> for his education. The tuition at state schools is subsidized by state and federal tax dollars. When you receive the bill, the amount you pay does not cover the entire cost of attending the school. This is why tuition is lower at public universities, colleges, and community colleges versus private institutions. I can almost guarantee that “self made” Dr. Adams did not go to the bursar’s office and insist on paying the portion subsidized by tax payers. Furthermore, Dr. Adams received another subsidy from the government. Every citizen of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> receives this subsidy: the minimum wage. The minimum wage is an artificial price floor on wages. I doubt Dr. Adams demanded that his wages be determined by the free market without government intervention. Everyone loves welfare/subsidies when they receive them. Finally, this last piece of evidence reveals the hypocrisy of Dr. Adams “no excuses/take responsibility” attitude. An editorial (http://frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=18180) (click for article) written by Dr. Adams reveals him making excuses for his actions. In the editorial Dr. Adams states that he was denied a position at the university because he did not submit a complete application packet (no CV-academic resume). According to Dr. Adams this was not his fault because he assumed the university would pass along the necessary document from Human Resources to the search committee for him. The simplest way to filter job applicants for a job is by whether they followed the application’s instructions correctly or not. How can Dr. Adams fault the student in question for not taking responsibly for his actions (being late and disruptive) when he himself does not take responsibility for his own actions (failing to follow the application’s instructions)? The application required a CV, yet he did not submit one. Dr Adams could have inquired with HR about the CV; clearly, he did not. Therefore, the failure of submitting the CV rests with Dr. Adams. If Dr. Adams can blame the university for his failure to complete the application's instructions, then why can’t the student blame ADD for his behavior? In conclusion, Dr. Adams is not the “take responsibility, no free ride for me” person that he claims to be. <o:p></o:p>

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My Kung fu is strong! Take that you non-ADDers who think you are superior for making your “proper choices”. What you, non-ADDers, are really doing is claiming superiority without merit and by biological default. By this line of reasoning, non-asthmatics are automatically better than asthmatics because random chance did not bestow the pulmonary disorder on them.

i think the issue isn't appropriatness of sleeping during class (or an executive meeting as you allude to) but the interruptability of it, which logically is minimal. that is unless the professor/speaker was extremely offended by the thought of putting a listener to sleep and it through off his/her entire line of thinking...

anyway the point is this guy is clearly angry at "disrespectful" students and he has chosen ADHD as his culpret. he see's it his mission not to solve learning disability problems in america, but to force others to see the world the way he does.

in addition to this he makes claimes which absolutly cannot be backed up with scientific research or any reliable data.

i feel sorry that there is so much anger and hatered in this man towards "disadvantaged" americans.

-maya

This sounds a lot like the teacher that treated me horridly when I was 10. Sorry to sound immature guys, but I hope this butthead ends up with an ADD kid of his own. See if he can explain THAT away...

BTW it IS absolutely priceless when someone who doesn't believe in AD/HD and claims it's fake ends up having a child with it somehow...all of a sudden they change their mind and beg for help.

If this indeed a college the professor needs to grow up and get over himself. College age students are responsible for what is said in the lecture weather or not they are wake, asleep, or in the bathroom period. If the professor said some thing important in lecture like hints to the next test or essay then it is to the students best interest to attend be awake and be on time so not to miss some thing -it is college professor job to teach not parent. If student coming in late, leaving to go to the rest room or sleeping is a distraction to the professor perhaps he should have his own imaginary ADD checked out.

One thing I noticed missing is weather or not "Cris" continued or completed his class - he may not have had the problems any more because the student dropped the darn coarse.

Oh no, this man teaches at in my school system (he's at UNCW and I am at UNCG!!!) AAAAHHHHHH!