Self Diagnosis Talk: Raise your had if you've got ADD or Dyslexia

[Dids]

Thought that occured to me via a conversation I had yesterday, and something I read today.

I know a ton of folks who, absent any clinical diagnosis, identify themselves as having ADD or "minor dyslexia".

Part 1- ADD:

ADD Wiki Page

I've got an (adopted) cousin who has been diagnosed with ADHD. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. Flying around the yard, talking a mile a minute, bizzare changes in topic of conversation without reason. Spend 5 minutes around him and it becomes clear that most folks you've met who self identify as having ADD have nothing close.

Part 2- Dsylexia

wiki page

This hit me while reading the really [censored] book "Heat" by Bill Buford this morning. He describes some chef with dsylexia and the full extent of his symptoms. It's pretty severe and a lot more than just mixing up a word or two.

I'm sure we've all heard this a lot, when somebody fumbles reading something "Oh, I've got minor dyslexia." This is just my guess, but I'm pretty sure you don't. You've read too fast, you're not paying attention, you do that thing where you see a word and make an assumption as to what it is without reading it (I do this a lot), but I'm pretty sure that's not called dyslexia. I think for the most part it's called "not paying attention.".

Discussion Time:

1- Why do people self-diagnose themselves with these disorders?

My supposition is that this is because most folks don't understand the full extent of these disorders. When they find some aspect of them in themselves, the find it makes a nice crutch that they can use to defend/reconcile some of their less than awesome attributes.

2- Have you done this? Do you think you have ADD or dyslexia but have never beeen diagnosed? If so why?

[Wakko]

I definitely have dyslexia. Which hand did you want us to raise? I'll raise the opposite.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

Dids,
I've heard of plenty of people who diagnosed themselves as having ADD. Especially as the "mtv" generation became the "internet" generation where everything moves so fast. Said a different/better way:

Lisa: We're the MTV generation; we experience neither highs nor lows"
Homer: "What's that like?"
Lisa: "Meh"


but, I've never heard of anyone who diagnosed them as having minor dyslexia. mb I'm wrong, but I kind of figured this was usually diagnosed by a Dr. at a young age.

[soko]

It's sorta like people who claim they have depression, an excuse somebody gives themselves to excuse their idiotic behavior.

[Dids]

Zod,

It may just be because of the environment in which I work, but it's something I tend to hear from students on the phone on occasion. Usually after they've done something silly like reversed a few numbers in their student ID or something.

[Abones]

I was diagnosed with ADD during my childhood. I was put on medication(ritalin) when I was in the fifth grade. My personal opinion has always been that in all but rare cases its a bs disorder. It really is used as a crutch.

I think my experience really requires a seperate thread.

[SackUp]

[ QUOTE ]
I was diagnosed with ADD during my childhood. I was put on medication(ritalin) when I was in the fifth grade. My personal opinion has always been that in all but rare cases its a bs disorder. It really is used as a crutch.

I think my experience really requires a seperate thread.

[/ QUOTE ]

This forum is about quality, not volume - why not tell your story here if you feel it will add to the discussion on ADD?

I always find it interesting when young children are diagnosed with ADD - what kid is able to stay completely focused for any period of time. ADD for kids should be called being a kid.

I guess some kids may be more kids than others, but it seems that many, if not most are able to grow out of it. Then again, I guess if there was not a term for it, or they were not identified as such, it would be much harder to help them out.

[miajag]

I find it a lot harder to concentrate on things, especially reading, than I did when I was younger (I am 25 fwiw). Is this just part of getting older or a sign of adult ADD?

[Dids]

killa and wakko (and others who responded),

Can you clarify if you were diagnosed by a doctor, or is this just your own assumption.

[guids]

http://www.mindpub.com/art169.htm

there are many types of dyslexia, and varying degrees of it, I dont think anyone is in a position to diagnose themselves though.


I think you are failing to realize that with a lot fo things, there are varying degrees of symptoms, and perhaps other aflictions that can by mistaken for them.