A Gifted ADHD Child’s Plea by Mary Dominic Eleanor C. Lorena Johns Hopkins – PGCPS TAG Cohort The Gifted Learning Disabled Learner Class Professor Kathy Rupard

A Gifted ADHD Child’s Plea “ADHD Kid” that’s the label you call me At first, I didn’t get the sense of the name you tag me All I know is that my parents brought me to a doctor called psychologist Who, they say has the authority to diagnose what kind of risk I may have to face. ADHD Kid” that’s the label you call me “ADHD Kid” that’s the label you call me At first, I didn’t get the sense of the name you tag me All I know is that my parents brought me to a doctor called psychologist Who, they say has the authority to diagnose what kind of risk I may have 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 inattentiveness But don’t you know that these are the things I need help with? It is true that I am so disorganized and over active, but it doesn’t mean that I learn less You complain about my restlessness, but it’s my way to ease all my stress

I am so sorry when I fidget, I don’t mean to do it, You must know that I just couldn’t help it, so please bear with it. I know it is hard to put up with me But that’s what it takes to bring out the best in me.

The concerns and problems with my inattention or hyperactivity, according to Susan Baum Are better attributed to a mismatch with the curriculum Have you ever pondered on how you could help me learn best? I think you simply need to give me what I need: a task that is sure to unleash my interest

Please consider me when planning your lessons I sure want to be involved in the class discussions I thirst for tasks that would interest me, Maybe, a different one than you think they need to be

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

Please don’t treat me differently I am just like the rest of the kids you teach joyfully I maybe a little bit diverse from these children But I can also accomplish things, or even surpass what they can.

Give me time to process my thoughts Give 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 skills and concepts you’re teaching the “regular” kids It’s just that I need more time and more of your understanding to build my base So please be by my side And be an understanding and supportive guide

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 you But if I do, it is because I want you to be proud of me and you…

A THOUGHT FOR REFLECTION: A lot of times we experience tremendous challenges in our work as teachers. Sometimes we are on the verge of giving up, feeling discouraged and disappointed ….. Even when you think you can’t make a difference, NEVER GIVE UP. You may make a difference for one….

Thank you so much.