Whether (or how) to treat a child with ADHD is an understandably tough decision for many parents. My mom decided to, and faced (as many parents do) judgement for her choices. Here’s what I want to say to her, and every parent who finds themselves accused of “drugging” their children.
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Links to reliable sources of information on ADHD:
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My video on Zombie ADHD myths & the truth behind them: />
And if you were one of the people who were hurt or offended by Nicole Arbour’s video (if not, it’s not worth watching/giving her views, it’s just one of her typical misinformed rants),
An excellent explanation of why she’s wrong:
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My Little Villagers’ response: /
Thank you to my Patreon supporters, for the sake of keeping this video short and shareable I didn’t do my usual intro or wrapup, but I could not have done this without all of you.
By the way, in case anyone is curious — I take Vyvanse now, but I started on Ritalin.
Transcript of video:
What I want to say to my mom, who “drugged” me:
Thank you. Thank you for listening when I told you I was struggling. Thank you for standing up for me when my dad tried to dismiss what I was dealing with as “normal.” I now understand ADHD is highly genetic and it’s likely he felt that way because he probably had ADHD himself.
Thank you for taking me to get a proper evaluation so I understand my brain’s differences and don’t feel like it’s just all my fault. Thank you for taking me to a psychiatrist, month after month, to find a treatment and dose that worked for me. And for taking me back month after month after month after month — I know you were busy, and yet I never ran out of medication because you took the time to take me to every appointment.
Thank you for ignoring the people who judged you. I know there were many.
Thank you for understanding that there was a difference between my sister occasionally forgetting her homework and me losing or forgetting something almost every day. Thank you for understanding that while all children can be fidgety or impulsive or get distracted, I struggled way more than the other kids my age. I now understand it’s because ADHD brains develop differently.
You didn’t know that, you hadn’t done the research I have, but you listened to me when I told you I needed help.
Because of you, I got the treatment I needed, I did better in school, I felt more confident and able to reach my potential. Because of you, I never had to self medicate like so many ADHDers I know. I never sank into depression. I never gave up on myself. I never felt misunderstood. You understood. You believed me.
And when you did, when you took me to a doctor who could explain to me what was happening in my brain, you took away so much shame.
Thanks, mom.
