ADD / ADHD / Dyslexia - Exams and Schools

This question is not just for students with ADD, or a student who knows a student… but also for the faculty of schools who may have experienced dealing with this topic.

Who has ADD or other common learning disabilities?

How many of you take Rx meds to help? And if so, what kind(s)?

Has anyone taken the special exam (sorry I can't remember the exact exams name) to be officially tested for ADD? What did it cost? How long did it take? What type of professional proctored/dispensed the exam? Did the facility that performed the ADD examination send it to your learning institution as though it was an official transcript?

People that have taken the ADD exam (or have other disabilities covered by the ADA that require an official exam), then provided that documentation to an educational institution they were attending or about to attend... what came of it, what adjustments, if any, were you accommodated?

I ask these series of questions first out of my own shear curiosity, and second it's covered by the ADA as a recognized disability, third I have ADD and have considered taking the exam and sending the results to my school. After batting email around with the UOP ADA person, when I 1st considered doing this, to find out what gets done different for me with the proof positive doc in hand, I was left with the impression that basically nothing would be different.

I really have no clue as to what they would modify, or do differently to accommodate someone with ADD, so I’m stumped. What would be the point to take the exam and share the results with the school?

Even businesses boast that they follow the ADA policy, what would they do with this factual knowledge if you shared it with them? Do they give you a phone with larger buttons to push when dialing? Just kidding. Aside from hoping the big mouth gossipy office clerk that files it away in your secured personal records doesn’t read it and spread rumors about you being totally retarded throughout the entire corporate enterprise, what comes of it in the business world?

 

I know the majority of your questions are about ADD / ADHD, but I can answer for the dyslexia question.

I was diagnosed in the fourth grade with dyslexia. My teacher noticed I was writing my words backwards, literally. I am not sure why it was not caught before then. I was sent to a doctor, and there are many kinds of dyslexia. Basically, your eyes will flip (like a mirror), which is the first type, the second is a flipping of the mind from your eyes to your brain.

After some crazy tests, (testing brain waves, etc.) – that is a whole different story, but a comically process. My issue was the eyes to the brain.

I began going to “retrain the brain” for over 6 years. They too my IQ at the beginning of the process, and every year after. My IQ was raised through the process by over 50 points. There was a study done about it – this is one reason why I don’t give much merit to IQ tests.

For dyslexia, there is no medication, and depending on your type, it is a process to get your brain trained, or in severe circumstances, they have machines that will computerize the characters of words the way you see them.

I personally never asked for special time for the SAT, etc., but they do allow it with paperwork back up.

This is one reason I actually give essay short answer tests. I don’t memorize well, but can articulate the concept, which I think is more important than just memorizing.

Anyway, for the first doctor that said I would never graduate high school if I didn’t put in some serious work, I did and I laugh now, as I am completing my doctorate.

I don’t’ know anything about ADD or ADHD, but thought I would put in my two cents.

On the business front - it doesn't come up.

 

Hi - You've asked a lot of questions and most of them are not really appropriately answered on this forum because they are clinically oriented questions that should be answered by clinical professionals who are able to perform a formal clinical assessment. You say that you have "ADD" but then you say that you have never "taken the test." This is a bit contradictory. The most commonly used assesment for ADHD is known as the "Connors Scales," (after Keith Connors, the originator). It's not really a test but a set of behavioral observations made by parents and teachers regarding children. Typically, adult ADHD is diagnosed by a Psychiatrist and is based on the report of the client and, perhaps some other knowledgable person (such as a spouse). Because this is the way it's done, it remains completely private and confidential. No one needs to know unless you decide it's in your best interest to tell them. As for medication, this is a decision that is made between you and your Doctor. In the case of school children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, they are frequently given some consideration in testing situations. This consideration (accommodation) might include such things as the elimination of time constraints for tests or allowing the student to take the test in a "distraction-free environment." This usually means taking the test in a quiet room by themselves. I have known many adults who have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for their entire lives. These were people who had to work 12 hours to get 8 hours of work accomplished. They were not stupid or unmotivated (as is sometimes said). I don't know if you have this disorder or if there is some other problem but you can begin the process of solving the problem by contacting your Doctor and asking for a referral. Good luck.
Jack

 

JPQUINN
I've gone through all this, just not the exam, and I'm trying to find out what benefit would it bring. I think you brushed on some of them above.

Thanks for the feedback

 

From my own experience this is what I did. I have sufferred with ADD all my life. Not one single school I have attended ever went out the way to help me either.

First two years of school I too Ritalin. This helped greatly, after a while this was no longer financial possible. I didn't have health insurance then and still don't have it. For my last year of school and for about 2-3 years afterwords I took a combination of Ginko Biloba and Gensing. The problem with this is ended up having a severe case of stress induced irratable bowel problems. And since either Ginko or in Gensing caused thinning for blood vessels I had (i'm so embarrased to say this) alot of anal bleeding and had to stop taking them. I haven't gone back on the herbs either (this all happened 4-5 years ago right before Dell laid everyone off, oh about 6-7 months before they laid everyone off) Once I lost my job the irretable bowel dissappeared for the most part but even with my current job I still get stressed. As long as you have a healthy bowel system you shouldn't have the problems I had if you go the herbal route.

 

The years you relate to I school are college I take it. Way back in the day, nothing was done about ADD, today, there is suppose to be something there to help, I just don't know what or where that help is. It may not really need to be applied at college level via D/L if it's a "at your own pace" type of approach if you understand what I'm saying.

I never heard of the herb route, and also had no idea that it could cause or in part be a contributor to all the IBS and bleeding.

I have a sister who has IBS and it's stressed induced no doubt, she works with special needs kids at a ISD. It's a real problem, and no laughing matter, it began to affect her job, she regularly sees a doctor now. I have a virtual co-worker in another state that has it, thank god for wireless laptops, broadband VPN and remote access for his sake.

For those who truly have ADD, Ritalin and Adderall can sure make a big difference. Is there anyone here who has ADD and doesn't respond to any medication, or simply does better without it?

I read somewhere here recently that someone said "hyper-focusing", the medications are the only way I can do such a thing. How else can you without medication?

 

Penses (Look It Up)

Now, this is a damn funny thread.

First, Jack Tracey is quite correct: there is no single "test" to diagnose ADD (or ADHD, for those who prefer that nomenclature). The primary standard remains those criteria that are enumerated in the DSM-IV (314.00-314.01, 314.09). The diagnosis may be further validated through IQ testing, with the DIgispan portion of the test being the most indicative, as well as by one's school records. Even then, however, an awareness of the testing process can mask the diagnosis - I had one psycholgist convinced that I couldn't possibly have ADD because I aced the Digispan. Of course, having prior knowledge of this portion's relevance, I simply decided to hyper-focus on it, thus skewing the test.

The medication-versus-no medication issue is one that has caused much controversy in so-called ADD support groups. Bottom line? Whatever works for each indivual is the most appropriate course of action. (For what it's worth, I am clearly on the non-medication side - I've sound that self-awareness and knowledge of the topic is more effective than any medication.)

By way of disclosure, here's my medication history: I tried Ritalin after I graduated from Union. After about three weeks on Ritalin, I had a revelation: that without the Ritalin, I had successfully completed my B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. (From Edison, Norwich, and Union, respectively) in a total time of just less than six years. My conclusion: fuck the Ritalin. (I recognize that meds may do well for others - again, it's a matter of what's best for the individual. So don't let anyone shove their particular view, for or against meds, down your throat.)

Another thought: Anyone who says, "I suffer from ADD" should be strung up by the short hairs. (Of course I'm not serious, but I thought I'd go for drama to make the point.) Wallowing is not exclusive to ADD'ers - you'll find it in many support and self-help groups. Some people determine that they will beat whatever disorder (physical or psychological) they have, and they often do so quite successfully. Others tend to wallow and do a "poor me" riff which, quite frankly, I find more funny than anything else.

Kiddies, the way to beat ADD (or any other disorder defined by its pop initials) is to (1) learn all you can about it, and (2) put on your Nikes and "just do it." You will always be your best self-advocate, and anyone who wants to use the A.D.A. to help them along is able to do so.

How did I do it? Simple: Most of the old-timers here know that I did my B.A. in Humanities at TESC in a year in a half by coming in ith only six credits, then earning 98 credits by portfolio and 16 credits by testing out. By using portfolio instead of testing, you control the process. Moreover, remember what Jack Tracey said about "reasonable acommodation" for ADD'ers in testing:

And that's exactly how I did it. Except for two tests where I chose to go at a scheduled time so I could get a feel of how most people do it, I took my exams at TESC, during the week, individually scheduled, in a quiet room off the testing office. (Not only was I able to do the tests more effectively, I got my results immediately.) And, unlike those who wallow, I didn't sweat it when I did not pass two of the several exams I had taken (for the curious, those two tests were Women in Treatment and Transactional Analysis). I was quite happy having passed five out of the seven exams I took (okay, for the curious here, the five were TECEP's in Introduction to Reporting, Alcohol Abuse, Substance Abuse, BASIC, and the DANTES exam in Astronomy And, except for the exam in astronomy, for which I read two short paperbacks, I did all of my exams without prior prep.).

Remember that the TESC model is, in part, based on getting credit for what you already know. You can do new learning, or you can have your previous/current knowledge validated by the TESC process. I did my total degree through the latter model, concluding that I was not about to learn anything new until I hit the graduate school level. (I did, of course, learn how to work the system.) The ability to do that, of course, depends on whether you've spent your pre-enrollment years reading things that would educate you, or whether you've been reading comic books and weatching Springer, et al. But wherever you're coming from, don't let others intimidate you - take it at your own pace and from your own starting point. (Don't let me intimidate you either - I can't help it if you're not as creative and brilliant as I was. ;p)

Finally - and I say this because of how this thread was indirectly started from a related thread - forget the wallowing and whining. It won't get you anywhere. Until you take charge of the situation in a cool manner, you won't get anywhere. Recognize that you are the student, and that you have an opportunity to learn from both teh experts on this forum and the experts you meet in various fields in real life. Get off the ego kick if you're on one, and recognize that knowledge is power. But if you continue to whine or wallow, at least you'll have the consolation of knowing that you've provided me with some entertainment. Get over it.

 

Re: Penses (Look It Up)

Thanks for your egomaniacal horn-tooting extravaganza. You've unfortunately made the wrong assumptions and then jumped to the wrong conclusions and thus became down right offensive. I guess that’s pretty much par for you and your style. Also, based on some of what you said about ADD wasn’t quite right, so I question just how much you really know about the issue. Some of the non-offensive information you shared I agree with and practice myself. Merry Christmas Asshole

 

Everything is a learning experience, dearie.

Well, I've sure learned something here and on the rhetorically-related thread from ljinpa and jpquinn.



In an entirely different sense, I've also learned something from Jack, Steve, and Michael. Thanks, comrades.

 

Flames aside... I have two cents to add on this subject...

There are two perspectives in diagnosing ADD/ADHD... (1) clinical assessment (via the DSM-IV by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist) and (2) via a psychoeducational assessment instrument (by an educational psychologist)... The Connor's Test targets youth and teens only (no adults as I recall)... There are other instruments (tests) that cover other age ranges...

What I think Steve was trying to say is that the best ADD/ADHD coping strategy (in his opinion) to overcome and conquer the issue WITHOUT using too many legal "crutches"...

Merry Christmas to all...

 

Another perspective

To be fair and balanced I present another perspective by psychologist Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.

This is presented for information purposes only and not intended to be polemical.

 

There are many who side with Dr Armstrong on this issue of ADD/ADHD... at this stage in my career (just starting out) I note that it is in the DSM-IV and that I would be legally remiss in choosing to ignore this explanation for the behavior exhibited by children placed in my charge...

Some day someone influential may be able to decide once and for all whether this should be in the DSM-IV... until then it is an explanation... like it or not...

Great discussion...

 

It has been great discussion and I don't necessarily disagree with you. As I said, I only presented it as another prespective.

My main concern with the DSM is a lack of consistency from one issue to the next although DSM IV-TR is a vast improvement from most prior editions.

When using the DSM for diagnoses, one must always remember the Cautionary Statement on page XXXVII.

Again, for info purposes only.

 

I think you made a good summarization of what Steve said, try it w/o a crutch, and avoid meds when possible, that’s good advice even if it isn’t about ADD were talking about. That’s what I've done for the majority of my life, if you can do it, great! I would think most people with ADD and no meds (especially as an adult) have long since perfected their own personal ways to cope.

When I started to get serious about going back to school a few years ago, I was hit with my old problems as to why I did poorly in school (roller-coaster grades, in the same subject), day dreaming, I just couldn't pay attention, I'd forget the page I just read as I was day dreaming while reading the book or material. That is why I went to see what meds of today would or could do for me.

I also started a new job in the same time frame of getting back into school, where I was a manager of a large team. I found myself sitting in a lot of meetings, one after another, and not behind the PC (sanctuary) near as much. My daydreaming was a real problem in those boring, torturously long and ineffective meeting situations. For me the meds helped, they made a positive and noticeable difference. I don't take them daily, nor on weekends, only when I know I really need them, which is generally based on how my day is planned out. I also do what I've heard termed as a drug holiday, simply don't take anything for a week or two, and also change up from one med to another.

 

Re: Another perspective

I was waiting for this viewpoint to pop-up. Yes, there are some people who think that not only ADD doesn't exist, but believe that bi-polar disease is BS, and a whole host of other mental afflictions, even rather serious ones. They blame it on your upbringing, and other factors, and are advocates that there is no such thing as a chemical imbalance. Also GP's were Rx'ing them left and right too. I think what gave raise to the popularity is the abuse of ADD drugs are the young college students who don't have ADD but would buy them from the kid who did (or the GP), and use them to cram for tests and exams. As an unfortunate result this has given the people who really do have this problem the appearance of a doper, or someone who just wants a crutch to help or the equivalent of steroids for an enhanced edge in the educational or business world, people who are hiding behind a faux diagnosis to get an edge or angle.

This made in recent times some of the ADD meds to become a class II or schedule II drug (from originally a Class/Schedule III), which requires a triplicate script pad with the DEA number, and is closely watched and tracked. Most GP's do not write meds on those pads, they will refer you to a psychiatrist, the one who performs stink test if it were.

 

As this thread progresses, it's answering my earlier question. I gather that it's really mute point about whether or not a person (adult learner) gets tested for ADD to acquire documentation for the school and ADA criteria/requirements. Why? What we are talking about here are D/L schools. In my case at least it's self-paced, the exams are not proctored and I'll have my study sanctuary (closed off, quite, distraction free room, threatening sign hung on door) to do my homework, study and take my tests.

The medication issue will always be a controversy with many.

To learn and practice the skill of the hyper-focusing technique without meds would sure be a nice tool to acquire. Hint-hint

I appreciate all the replies and feedback; it’s been very enlightening.

 

My experience is very similar to Han's. I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was in the second grade. This was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was in the second grade. My teacher discovered the problem after I had taken a spelling test. Initially, he had counted every word on my paper as misspelled. Then, he noticed something peculiar. Holding my paper up to a mirror, he noticed that every word was spelled perfectly--only backwards.

I was initially retrained by nuns, who after about a year or so, said I was cured. This was in the mid-1970s, and I don't how much was known at the time about dyslexia. Needless to say, I was not cured. In 1976 I was sent to a facility at the University of Minnesota for treatment, or something like that. I spent a month there in residence. I don't what they taught they taught me about my dyslexia or how to cope, but they did introduce me to bowling--an activity that I still enjoy from time to time.

This facility I was at, known as Ward 64, was not only for people with learning disabilities. It was also for children with severe emotional or behavior problems. There was a quiet room or "QR" where children were sent when they were disruptive. It had four deadbolt locks on the door and padded walls and floors. From my perspective, it was good that they had the QR, as many times some of the other children there could not be controlled by any means.

What my experience with dyslexia has taught me is that the best "medicine" for dyslexia is patience and perseverence. With these, I have been able to overcome most of my problems, though when writing by hand I often have to stop and think about which side of the "stick" the "ball" goes on for a "b" or a "d".

I was never aware of extra time for the SAT, and I don't remember ever getting, though I may have. I do remember my teachers working with me after they become aware of my problem. Encouragement is great, and I was blessed to get it. Not everyone does, and that's a shame.

 

Wow! They sent you to a place like that just for dyslexia? Gez!

About 5 years ago I had a ~30 year old guy new to my team who had dyslexia. On his 1st day on the job, he then made the point to let me know he was dyslexic, news to us all at that point, and that he had been tested, had papers for HR as it was a ADA recognized disability and he was "self identifying". This is actually what made me tune into the whole ADA deal in relationship to ADD.

Anyway, part of why he had to tell me this was to gain some admin level privileges to the company PC for him to install non-standard software that he used as an aide. The main thing I remember was a voice activated speech program to write the words for him in Word, I don't think it was something off the shelf at the local PC Mega-Mart, but may have been. He had other things too, I thought that it was pretty neat, seemed to work for him.

 

Re: Penses (Look It Up)

No, not wrong information, but yes, "egomaniacal horn-tooting extravaganzas" are par for me and my style. Often accompanied by full orchestration, and lots of tap dancers.

Nonetheless, instead of merely making an accusation, why didn't you state specifically what your objection was, or what you specifically felt was wrong? Then I could have fun decimating your argument instead of your attitude.

See my question above. By the way, notwithstanding that I have one of those Ph.D. thingeys (which, as all realists know, means "Piled Higher and Deeper"), I did teach counseling at the graduate school level. Um, who are you, and what have you done?

You might share that specifically as well - not for my jollies, but for the benefit of others who have been in a similar situation to yours.

You're missing both a comma and period here. Nonetheless, same to you, dickhead. And I say that with warm personal affection.

 

Re: Re: Penses (Look It Up)

Simply put, you’re not worth the effort. You’re the type that takes pride in treating others like they are crap. Too bad you haven't learned to use your high-powered education in a more constructive and hospitable manner.