I have been diagnosed with ADD. I think a few of you are....overgeneralizing.
You're basically saying AD(H)D is an excuse for laziness and a lack of proper parenting. That the only reason I act similar to the symptoms is because that gives me the excuse to be lazy.
Than how do you explain the other 14 years of my life that I followed those symtoms, and never knew about ADD?
Here's a list of symptoms, and my comments on each:
1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
I do this way too much. Example: Just last week, we had a math test. I failed it because I forgot to put the unimportant exponents on the newly formed equation. Another: Accidentally forgetting the negative on an answer, even though I had used it when solving.
2. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
I can't spend ALL afternoon just doing homework. Likewise, I can't spend all afternoon playing Video Games. I get bored doing the same thing too long. (But that DOES NOT MEAN that I simply give up - I still try to stay focused on these.)
3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
I've been trying really hard to not do this...but it happens at times.
4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
I will often skim instructions, and miss something. Also, I often forget that I have schoolwork because my brain is jumping all over the place all day.
5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
I've been working on this for a few years now, and gotten pretty good at it. The Gamers Club I founded with a friend at school has helped push me to keep on top of these things (although that hasn't stopped me from forgetting things or being extremely disorderly...)
6. Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
This is the one symptom I don't match. I've been creating computer games since I was 10....which I'd say is "sustained mental effort".
7. Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities
THIS. ALL THE TIME, THIS. I Always lose my pencils and assignments. My parent's won't let me check more than 1 book out from the library anymore because of how many times I've lost them in the past!
I have a horrible habit of daydreaming in class without even trying. Than I usually start drawing before I realize what I'm doing. XP
9. Is often forgetful in daily activities
I forget where I put things all the time, and sometimes I forget why or where I'm going.
Also, that thing about ADHD people not being about to read is a bunch of crap. I can read a book, but I can't read it all in 1 sitting. As a better example, After school every day I log on to my PC and check out what's going on with my various websites on my hour break. I usually alternate between forums and videos. Otherwise, I grow sleepy/bored, and start eating food to compensate.
Laziness is somewhat a factor (I mean, We can all be a little lazy sometimes), But my laziness is certainly not because I don't want to think. Quite the opposite! I think too much, actually. But I am lazy physically....but that would be partially because of my horrible asthma condition, and because I'd honestly rather think than do labor.
Also, I know it's entirely subjective, but I think my parents do a fairly good job of being....parents. They don't keep me on a tight leash, but there are still rules to follow and there are consequences.
Wow....LOOOOOONG post. I can't wait for you to get angry at me for having a different opinion and making me go back into hiding until my Pandora arrives! [/sarcasm]
Time to go watch some Classic Game Room.
P.S. No SOLGarion, you're in a hot tub.
