A couple of weeks ago, when my daughter and I were out for ice cream, we were recognized by a young boy who also goes to my daughter’s (private) school. He was also out for ice cream with his mother. As I talked with the boy and his mother, it became obvious that he was a young man of superior intelligence, as well as social confidence; in fact, he mostly carried the conversation, which seemed to embarrass his mother a bit. When he casually mentioned being on medication for his “ADHD,” I was amazed and dismayed, although I said nothing. I do not believe that the school had any part in that diagnosis. I think it may have more to do with the fact that he is being raised by a single mom (whether divorced or widowed, I don’t know). I am a single mom myself, but I have a daughter, which I think is easier. My heart weeps for boys who are drugged for being boys.
Great post. I agree. I know of two fellows who had serious allergies in childhood that were mistaken for "bad" behavior. They suffered at school and at home. Food and pollen allergies can often manifest as hyperactivity and an inability to control one's small motor skills (handwriting goes all wonky during an attack) or sit still.
Children with food and pollen allergies suffer most in spring and fall, just when teachers are evaluatiing them the most. Give a child with mild milk, wheat and nut allergies the typical peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk, eaten near an open window, and watch him or her melt down due to the overload.