Are all these new conditions for real ? ADHD, bipolar disorder, etc. etyc.?

They do exist - they are due to a specific brain chemical imbalance - but they are also highly overdiagnosed.

Many boys who are simply kinesthetic learners are often "diagnosed" with ADHD, and sometimes even OCD, simply because they learn best by touching and moving. It's no coincidence that a large percentage of kids who are on these drugs are boys, or that they spend their childhood drugged into oblivion. If they were simply taught in a way that feeds their learning style (within reason, of course), they would have no problem concentrating.

With kids that are misdiagnosed, it's not that they "can't" concentrate, it's that they're either bored silly or not understanding what's presented. Because it doesn't hold their attention for whatever reason, they do what kids naturally do - they gravitate toward whatever WILL hold their attention and cause them to learn.

I think it's also that parents are dropping their responsibility to parent and leaving it to those considered "experts". Sorry, but I'm the expert when it comes to my son. It's my responsibility to spend time with him, to discipline and guide him, and to set down realistic expectations for him - and to expect him to fulfill said expectations. When he does have outside teachers, it is my job to work hand in hand with those teachers (and vice versa) to help him learn and develop.

I wish there were more teachers like you, at least in our area - and I wish there were more administrations willing to let teachers do their job. (Less governmental interference would be nice too, lol.)

I don't think it's luck on your part, I think it's solid teaching and classroom management. Your students know what to expect from you up front, and you apparently work hard to challenge and teach them. These conditions do exist, though not in the multitudes that "diagnoses" would make you think. I can't wait for the day that we stop drugging our kids and start allowing them to learn as they should - and for the day that more teachers like you are given conditions that are conducive to staying with the profession as a career.

(My parents are teachers, and your comments remind me a lot of things that they've told me. I grew up around teachers, and I've seen many incredible teachers driven out of their field by restrictive regulations and uncooperative administrations. I've also had my own son, who is both kinesthetic and well above grade level, be threatened with "having to be medicated to stay in the classroom" by a teacher who shouldn't have been in the classroom to begin with.)

I am also a special education teacher, and I first began teaching in the mid-1970s. I do believe that there are kids who are truly ADHD and others who truly do have bi-polar and other disorders. However, I have seen far more children who do NOT have these problems but who are labelled that way because it gives the parents an excuse for the fact that they are failing to provide their kids with structure, order, consistency, and high expectations. I can't count how many parents have insisted to me that their child had ADHD, when in fact the child had a normal level of energy and just needed clear boundaries.

I have had exactly the same experience that you are describing. You get student records documenting all sorts of outrageous behaviors, and often very complicated behavior plans for addressing those behaviors. We get them in our class, clearly explain our rules and expectations, and reinforce their compliance. And without exception, the children quickly learn some self-control. It's not luck - it's good teaching.

I have had many student teachers and intern teachers, and I am currently the support provider for a beginning special education teacher. I make a point with all new teachers that a good, supportive classroom environment will make it possible for ALL students to succeed. It's our job to teach children appropriate behaviors, just as much as it is to teach them to read, or to toilet themselves, or whatever the child's individual needs dictate.

I do try to remember that I chose to work with children who have special needs, and the parents of my students did not chose to have a child with special needs. I have specialized training and decades of experience, and they are often struggling to come to grips with the fact that their child is not going to be "typical." On the other hand, I have also had parents who only want to be given the "magic wand" (or the magic prescription of medication) so they don't have to do any of the hard work involved in parenting. (And almost all of the issues parents bring to my attention have nothing to do with the fact that the child has a disability - they have to do with the fact that the parents need to be the authority and quit letting the kid run the show!)

I could go on and on; you and I probably could share a lot of stories! But kudos to you - you are giving your students the support they need to be successful!

Some of each.

I worked with Special Ed. for 21 years.

I saw lots of students with real disabilities...no doubt about it. The Special Ed teachers agreed with me.

You might say, the proof of the diagnosis is if the experienced Special Ed. teachers like yourself work with the student for a week and say, "Oh, yes! That student REALLY has a disability!!" That's when I knew my diagnosis was right.

Since the new IEP system, the Special Ed teacher (RSP, usually) should have a say in the diagnosis, so that person should have some input. AT TIMES, diagnoses are made for political reasons, however, and those may be the ones you're talking about, now.

I'm in my mid fifties and believe these do exist! It wasn't labeled when I was in school and there wasn't a way to deal with it as there is now! My son was diagnosed with ADHD and and after a great deal of consideration we finally tried Radilin! It made a huge difference imediately! it was like turning on a switch! His attention was not easily distracted and his grades came up drasticly! The only problem it affected his appotite! It did help him to get a hold on controlling his attention with only two or three years of use. I believe I had ADHD when I was in school and I am said to have what is called Bipolar disorder presently! So yes, I think these are real conditions!

conversing as somebody who has first hand information of the difficulty, i could say it relies upon on the guy, on in spite of if or no longer you're able to be fearfull to your siblings. Has your mom been clinically determined with yet another disease besides? ie: boderline character diorder or something of the like? It additionally relies upon on which form of Bipolar she has, if her meds are the final style for her, she must be on a foul "mixture" for her. maximum (no longer all, yet maximum) bipolar clinically determined human beings, who're getting help, and function been prescribed meds have a minimum of three meds they are on, sometimes greater. There are some that are fortunate to have the ability to function on much less, yet, they do no longer seem to be the norm. people who're BP1 who take their meds after which end, it fairly is often via fact they are feeling better and that they initiate questioning that they do no longer desire the meds via fact they are feeling better. They subsequently circulate off the meds and the holiday is on. commonly a manic episode ensues. How long does it lasts? it certainly relies upon. yet except you have a antagonistic, offended physique of suggestions past, maximum BP's are not getting that way in a manic state. (for the main section). yet while your mom does exhibit certainly one of those habit (in spite of if the preceeding replace into the case or no longer) then you definately might desire to step in and do what desires to be completed to make valuable that your siblings are secure. via fact interior the long-term, if something have been to ensue to them, (God forbid) you are able to desire to think of approximately this. in case you're nonetheless uncertain, possibly, circulate refer to her wellbeing practitioner. do no longer ask something approximately her, different than possibly if he/she thinks that she is a threat to her different infants. via fact of privateness rules nevertheless i'm uncertain they might even disclose that plenty. yet nonetheless you should chat to her wellbeing practitioner, and say howdy this is the area, this is what occurred, what could you advise I do, what could you do in case you have been in my footwear and it have been your mom and siblings? i desire some training, and that i desire it directly! i'm hoping this facilitates fairly. My suggestions and prayers circulate out to you and your loved ones.