Madam, - I would like to congratulate Kathryn Holmquist on her article in your Weekend Review of April 5th. The caring and sensitive way that she reported on the two heartbroken families was very balanced and a credit to journalism.
As the mother with a young adult with ADHD I would like to make the following points.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a treatable condition. ADHD is ADD with hyperactivity. ADD/ADHD can be mild, moderate or severe. Some 3 to 5 per cent of the population suffer from these conditions. The younger a child is diagnosed and treated the less chance of co-morbid conditions occurring in adolescence.
I appeal to parents not to be afraid to seek help for our child. Do not be put off by family and professionals telling you he/she is just hyperactive, spoilt or bold. You know your child best. Do not be ashamed to ask for help and if necessary, get a second or third opinion.
No child asks to be born with ADD. It is up to us as parents to fight for the services our children to need to fulfil their potential and to enable them to live positive and productive lives. - Yours, etc.,
ALICE MAGILL,
Limerick.