From Eileen Bailey, About.com

1) I really do forget things, I am not trying to be smart, sassy or arrogant, I simply do not always remember. The myth that if it is important enough I will remember it is just that, a myth.

2) I am not stupid.,

3) I really do complete my homework. It is easy for me to lose papers, leave them at home and otherwise not be able to find my homework at the proper time. Completing homework in a notebook is much easier for me as it will not get lost as easily. Loose papers are difficult for me to keep track of. (Once my mother found my homework in the bread drawer after I had left for school!)

4) If I ask the same question over or ask many questions, it is not out of arrogance. I am trying hard to understand, comprehend and remember what you have said.

5) I want to do good. I have struggled with schoolwork for many years and it is frustrating to me. My goal is to do my best and pass this class with flying colors.

6) ADD is not an excuse. ADD really does exist and it does affect my thinking process. I would like to be "normal" and be able to remember and process information quickly, I do not enjoy being "different" and made fun of for my differences.

7) I need your help to succeed. It isn't always easy for me to ask for help and sometimes asking makes me feel stupid. Please be patient with my attempts and offer your help.

8) Please be sure to talk with me in private about behaviors or actions that may not be appropriate. Please do not humiliate me, insult me, or call attention to my weaknesses in front of the class.

9) I do better with a detailed plan and knowing what you expect. If you should change plans in the middle to adapt to some outside influence, please help me to adapt. It may take me longer to adjust to the changes. Structure and guidance are my best allies.

10) I don't like having "special accomodations." Please do not draw attention to them and help me to succeed with the least amount of attention drawn to my ADD.

11) Learn about ADD/ADHD. Read information and find out all you can on how kids with ADD learn and what can make it easier for them.

12) Always remember that I am a person with feelings, needs and goals. These are as important to me as yours are to you.

This list has been compiled by talking with several teens with ADD/ADHD. I thank them for their help.

Source: http://add.about.com/cs/forteachers/a/12things.htm

great post and ohhh soo true!

Thanks so much Andrew for that post-it helps me understand kids better-to see things through their eyes-and then know how to better help them where they are. great job.

this is a great post except number 2 hould be number 1

whoa this awsome and so true

i wish my little brothers teachers would read this

it is cool :-) I remember printing it off..just in case I went back to school ;)

Amen to that! Now let's hope some teachers read it....

Thanks so much for that all high schoool teachers that have kids with add in their class should read this.

Do ya'll think any teachers might be offended if I send them this article?

The reason I ask is, lately, with a few exceptions, every teacher or administrator I've had to talk to about my ds uses stern blaming language, as though he MEANS to do everything he does wrong, like spacing out, getting frustrated, etc.

Do ya'll think any teachers might be offended if I send them this article?

The reason I ask is, lately, with a few exceptions, every teacher or administrator I've had to talk to about my ds uses stern blaming language, as though he MEANS to do everything he does wrong, like spacing out, getting frustrated, etc.

Honestly, some teachers would be offended but for others it might actually make something click with their understanding of the condition. Since I was diagnosed I've become MUCH more in tune to behaviors that could be related to ADHD. For example, I don't get exasperated any more when I announce a due date for something and immediately after a student asks for the due date. I see so much of myself in my students so I can't help but be sympathetic.

Other teachers, however, might have a similar attitude as the majority of people, that adhd isn't an excuse. I think in some respects it is most definitely an excuse. These kids are not adults yet. They need more help and guidance.

Sorry I keep going on and on . .