Articles of interest
When the pills don’t work…
Jonathan walked into my office looking downcast. I knew why. His recent exam results were the most disappointing he had yet produced. His parents and teachers were at once angry, disappointed and baffled. His intelligence wasn’t the problem, as confirmed by several...
Labels, excuses and explanations: the diagnosis of ADHD
The teacher reports that your child is underachieving in the classroom, and suggests an assessment. It may have been a series of phone calls, possibly from several teachers over the years, and you are feeling increasingly hounded. Where do you turn? If ADHD...
Headstrong and irritable…the confluence of ADHD and emotional dysregulation
The powers that be who publish the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including its latest offering published in 2013, have thus far given little credence to the importance of emotional symptoms in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder...
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental condition, present from early childhood, which affects how a person relates to others. People with autism have great difficulty communicating and forming relationships. It affects around 1% of the population, and is commoner in boys than in...
DAD: The power and beauty of authentic fatherhood
This book is an encouragement to all fathers to step up to the plate and be what we are supposed to be. It is easy to read and enjoyable, yet conveys a profound message. These key points stuck with me: 1. The way we live speaks louder than anything we say 2. We can...
ADHD: Is there an epidemic?
Day after day in practice, concerned parents ask me why ADHD has suddenly become so prevalent. 'Better recognition' has been my standard response. But I am no longer satisfied with this reply, and nor are these parents. Let's examine this question in more detail....
Childhood depression
Took part in a radio interview on SAFM this morning on childhood depression. This is the audio link for those who are interested: http://iono.fm/channel/1337 (scroll down to 27 August)
Help! My child is underachieving!
This is a very common refrain from parents and teachers alike. But what does it mean exactly, what are the causes, and what can be done about it? We all want to believe the best for our children, academically and in every other sphere. It is natural for parents to...
Misuse of stimulant medications by university students
http://youtu.be/_Yn7gT2uSbc
David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell
Just finished Malcolm Gladwell's latest offering, 'David and Goliath.' I was particularly inspired by his chapter on 'Desirable Difficulties,' including conditions such as Dyslexia (and probably ADHD). What we assume to be disadvantages very often have a silver...