What if you chose to believe you child’s “disorder” was a gift?

Most of the people we consider to be “geniuses” were or would have been diagnosed with a “disorder” in their time:

Thomas Edison – ADHD

Albert Einstein – ADHD

Paul McCartney – ADHD

Abraham Lincoln – Depression

Beethoven – Bipolar

Michelangelo – Autism

Charles Darwin – Agoraphobia

Your greatest weakness can become your greatest strength – when channeled properly.

In my years of experience working with “behaviorally challenged” children I believe medicines have been overused and over prescribed.

Medications have their place in the toolbox, but America’s consumption of pharmaceuticals is out of control by any standard.
Of course there are always exceptions and special cases; and every child is different…

The danger hidden within this thinking is how easily we are duped into thinking we are always the exception.

We often use that as an excuse as to why the BASICS won’t work for us.

Have you ever got on the phone with tech support because you “tried everything” and it turns out you simply needed to do something simple/basic like plugging it in?
I sure have…
Do you know someone struggling with their weight that claims “hormones and genetics” are the issue- but it’s obvious their diet and lifestyle choices are the cause?

It’s so much easier to blame the situation on something out of our control rather than take responsibility for things we can control first.

Medication is no substitute for attention, understanding and connection.

It’s no substitute for proper sleep, diet, and exercise.

It’s no substitute for remaining in an environment that expects a child who is different to fit into a strict mold.

It’s no substitute for practicing mindfulness, breathing, and self regulation techniques.

Long term solutions involve changing environments, learning coping techniques and strategies.

Short term solutions involve a “quick fix” pill that can help temporarily but often has many harmful side effects.

32 years ago I was diagnosed with severe ADHD, so I’m speaking from life experience:

There are social side effects to having a “disorder”- bullying, being labeled as different.

There are emotional side effects – Self Esteem “Is something wrong with me?”

There are mental side effects – Dependency “I can’t focus without a pill.” It can become a crutch or excuse.
The spiritual effects- “I don’t feel like myself own this medication. This isn’t me..” Existential crisis.

I feel for the parent who has make these kinds of difficult decisions as to what is best for their child.

To be fair, I have seen miracles happen with children on medication – but I have also witnessed miracles happen in our programs without medication.
My personal and profession experiences caution all parents to thoroughly explore and exhaust every other option first before you jump to giving your child a prescription drug.-Jeremy Molley

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