Back from CHADD

Wednesday, November 1. 2006

Chicago. The Windy City. Great shopping. Arts! Music! Pizza! Did I see any of that? No...I was in the hotel the entire time. But it was well worth it, for I heard some of the greatest minds in the ADD world speak about research, treatment, and much more.

There where a bit of gasps in the air when Dr. Russell Barkley announced his new recommendations for DSM criteria which will be published in his new book next year. Since he is on the DSM panel, he has a bit of clout in making these changes happen. And boy, do I agree with most of what he is suggesting.

Without looking at my notes (if you want me to get them, leave a comment below), he is advocating that onset of symptoms be pushed waaay up- to 14 or 16. I agree.

What was sobering- and what upset many attendees- was the research data he shared and how bleak things look. I understand where he is coming from. In order to truly see AD/HD as potentially devastating to people and to get better health coverage, school/work accommodations, he painted a pretty sad picture of the life and times of one who lives with AD/HD.

There were complaints from attendees who felt it was all doom and gloom. What about creativity? No dice, he said. Those with ADD who also are creative- well, there is no correlation. Same with IQ and lots of other things.

Peter Jensen softened the blows, by explaining the reason for the dark stats and how one needs to use these in order to move ahead in life. He has become my new hero.

Seeing my friends was actually the best part of the conference. It's wonderful to just laugh away the nights with great stories.

We bumped into Ned Hallowell as he dashed in Friday night and we all had a great time with our 5 year old potty humor. Like I said...it was late..

Sari Solden popped in on Friday, too. Note to CHADD committee: PLEASE give Sari a 1/2 day session next year! We all missed hearing from her.

Saturday, I presented on Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD and as usual, I learned from my audience. One woman, after hearing how much I hate cooking, came up with an amazing tip. She said:

"Utilize your dishwasher to its fullest. Before switching it on, take your chicken, fish, or whatever you need to cook for dinner, place it in Saran wrap tightly (or did she mean aluminum foil??) and you'll have dinner AND clean dishes all at the same time.

Is that brilliant or what?

Next year, CHADD will be in Washington, DC. Hope to see you there!

Posted by Terry at 23:26 | Comment (1)

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About the onset of symptoms, is that people can still be diagnosed as ADDD even if their symptoms do not appear until 13 or 14? For myself, I was diagnosed circa 1970 at about 3 years old (ok it was minimal brain dysfunction at the time) and my son was diagnosed at 4 yrs old. I know there are people who beleive that a diagnosis cannot be made at that young of an age, but sometimes the impulsivity is so great and when medication can help a child stay safe and learn coping techniques, I am all for it.

#1 Maggie (Homepage) on 2006-11-02 10:48

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