ADHD is no one's fault

I have read with much interest recent Readers' Forum contributions regarding ADHD children. Mark Goldhardt (March 7) asserted that bad parenting was to blame for these problems. Then Carol Willis (March 9) blamed teachers for the problem, stating that they "need to be educated on how to interact with normal children."

Perhaps what everyone really needs is education on the challenges that a truly, well-diagnosed ADHD child and family face. First of all, blame never solved any problems and it is a waste of time. ADHD is no one's fault. Would you blame someone with thyroid problems for needing treatment? Saying to a child with ADHD, "Come on, sit still and just focus on your work!" is like saying "Come on, concentrate on making insulin and you'll be OK!" to a diabetic. These children have much to offer society if their challenges are perceived correctly and managed well by a supportive community.

Parents and teachers faced with raising and teaching children with problems of any sort — especially misunderstood problems — need understanding and support, not criticism. After all, it is easier to be critical than it is to be correct.

Andrea Snarr

Kaysville