A Gifted ADHD Child’s Plea

by by Mary Dominic Eleanor C. LorenaMary Dominic Eleanor C. LorenaJohns Hopkins – PGCPS TAG CohortJohns Hopkins – PGCPS TAG Cohort

The Gifted Learning Disabled Learner ClassThe Gifted Learning Disabled Learner ClassProfessor Kathy RupardProfessor Kathy Rupard

A Gifted ADHD Child’s Plea

“ADHD Kid” that’s the label you call meAt first, I didn’t get the sense of the

name you tag meAll I know is that my parents brought me

to a doctor called psychologistWho, they say has the authority to

diagnose what kind of risk I may have to face.

“ADHD Kid” that’s the label you call meADHD Kid” that’s the label you call meAt first, I didn’t get the sense of the At first, I didn’t get the sense of the

name you tag mename you tag meAll I know is that my parents brought me All I know is that my parents brought me

to a doctor called psychologistto a doctor called psychologistWho, they say has the authority to Who, they say has the authority to

diagnose what kind of risk I may have diagnose what kind of risk I may have to face.to face.

I’ve heard the doctor say “gifted children whose attention deficits are identified later

may be at risk for developing learned helplessness and chronic underachievement”

Well, I am not really sure if I manifest giftedness since you think I always bring

hate,Especially when I start to fidget and mess

with my stuff and my classmates

You are annoyed by my defiant attitude and You are annoyed by my defiant attitude and inattentivenessinattentiveness

But don’t you know that these are the things I But don’t you know that these are the things I need help with?need help with?

It is true that I am so disorganized and over It is true that I am so disorganized and over active, but it doesn’t mean that I learn lessactive, but it doesn’t mean that I learn less

You complain about my restlessness, but it’s my You complain about my restlessness, but it’s my way to ease all my stress way to ease all my stress

I am so sorry when I fidget, I don’t mean I am so sorry when I fidget, I don’t mean to do it, to do it,

You must know that I just couldn’t help You must know that I just couldn’t help it, so please bear with it.it, so please bear with it.

I know it is hard to put up with me I know it is hard to put up with me But that’s what it takes to bring out the But that’s what it takes to bring out the

best in me.best in me.

The concerns and problems with my The concerns and problems with my inattention or hyperactivity, according to inattention or hyperactivity, according to

Susan BaumSusan BaumAre better attributed to a mismatch with the Are better attributed to a mismatch with the

curriculumcurriculumHave you ever pondered on how you could Have you ever pondered on how you could

help me learn best? help me learn best? I think you simply need to give me what I I think you simply need to give me what I need: a task that is sure to unleash my need: a task that is sure to unleash my

interestinterest

Please consider me when planning your Please consider me when planning your lessonslessons

I sure want to be involved in the class I sure want to be involved in the class discussionsdiscussions

I thirst for tasks that would interest me,I thirst for tasks that would interest me,Maybe, a different one than you think Maybe, a different one than you think

they need to bethey need to be

It is not that I don’t cooperateIt is simply because I find it hard to concentrateBut if you give me challenging and engaging tasksI’ll do my best to stay-on-task

Please don’t treat me differentlyPlease don’t treat me differentlyI am just like the rest of the kids you teach I am just like the rest of the kids you teach

joyfullyjoyfullyI maybe a little bit diverse from these I maybe a little bit diverse from these

childrenchildrenBut I can also accomplish things, or even But I can also accomplish things, or even

surpass what they can.surpass what they can.

Give me time to process my thoughtsGive me the opportunity to do the best

that I can show A little understanding, that’s all I need

A little support that will push me to reach my zenith

I hope you realize that I, too, can learn the I hope you realize that I, too, can learn the skills and concepts you’re teaching the skills and concepts you’re teaching the

“regular” kids“regular” kidsIt’s just that I need more time and more of It’s just that I need more time and more of

your understanding to build my baseyour understanding to build my baseSo please be by my sideSo please be by my side

And be an understanding and supportive And be an understanding and supportive guideguide

I want you to know that I, too, am capable of more than you think I can do

If only you give me the trust and the chance that will let me soar through

Please know that I would like to please you and make you proud of me too

Only that….. I don’t know how to.

I need you to know me and understand me.I am dying to see how gifted I can be.

I hope I am not asking too much from youBut if I do, it is because I want you

to be proud of me and you…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nZkq31J-GY

A THOUGHT FOR REFLECTION:A THOUGHT FOR REFLECTION:

A lot of times we experience tremendous A lot of times we experience tremendous challenges in challenges in our work as teachers. our work as teachers. Sometimes we are on the verge of giving up, Sometimes we are on the verge of giving up,

feeling discouraged and disappointed …..feeling discouraged and disappointed …..Even when you think you can’t make a Even when you think you can’t make a difference, difference, NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE UP. You may make a difference for one….You may make a difference for one….

Thank you so much .Thank you so much .