Not diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, but trying to learn

[GaiaLove]

Hello! My name is Wilma and I am a psychology major, education minor at UC Santa Cruz. I am currently researching on Special Education as a prospective student considering going into that field. I became interested in Special Education as a result of being diagnosed with other disorders, not learning disabilities but emotional (due to a feeling of privacy, I would rather not share my diagnoses here, but if anyone needs to know, I will answer those questions privately).

I was referred to this site and forum when I entered a Yahoo Chat room for ADD support. I came in and said "im interested in being a special education teacher" and they directed me to some sites.

I would like anyone's opinion on the following, as I embark on this journey to enter the field of Special Education:

• I have been told in the course of some of my coursework that I should seriously reconsider whether I should be any sort of teacher, let alone a Special Education teacher because the field requires such constant attentiveness and soundness of mind (things which people thought I might not possess for various reasons). My question is whether a person who has faced emotional or other disabling disorders go on to help others in similar situations? Can a person who is Special Ed teach Special Ed?
• I would like information on good resources and people in the field of Special Ed. Someone in the room I was in recommended Russell Barkley. I ordered some books on Amazon, and I can share those titles if anyone is interested.
• Finally, I feel somewhat unsure if I am in the right place on this forum. Is it alright if I come here as a learning experience rather than as support? Is there anyone else in that position?

[Andrew]

Welcome to the ADD Forums! These forums welcome educators, medical practitioners and folks from all walks of life.

We have some simple Forum Guidelines: http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=75

and beyond that, ask questions in the appropriate section of the forums!

[jaimegerise]

Welcome!!!!!

[krisp]

First, I'd say yes, you can teach Special Ed. As long as you have the maturity, your own experiences will help you relate to the students. We have several forum members who are ADD themselves and working professionally with ADD/special needs children. My impression is that many people who are drawn to working with special needs kids do so for a reason .... their own experiences, or the experiences of people close to them.

You're welcome to lurk, read, and post here. Check out the Education and Learning forum if you'd like to read about our experiences with school.

[paulbf]

Welcome!

I think it's gingagirl who does something similar. You might check her posts. Most of us here have other issues besides ADD & you can check the specific forums for those various diagnosis or search the entire forum. ADD is a bit of a catch-all for scatterbrained lazy nutcases who are really good optimistic people at the core so if you match that description at all you will find good support here.

I think you should proceed with that career. There is a lot of paperwork & stuff that goes along with it but it ought to be inspiring enough for you to put up with that for the rewards.

[Tara]

Welcome to ADD Forums!!!