How do we respond to such ignorance? Since it is not correct to give them our "worst curse", no matter how much we’d like to. Instead, we must use such comments as opportunities to educate and change their attitudes about ADD.

Sometimes all it takes to change someone’s opinions and their attitudes is to provide the facts. Accurate up-to-date information about ADD should be available at all schools for teachers, parents and students.

Another way to change the attitudes and ideas is to challenge them. We need to correct and confront a rude or insensitive comment. Next time someone says something misguided about ADD we must speak up. Taking the easy way out of these types of situations only contributes to be part of such ignorance.

People respond more to stories than to facts. Sharing your experiences and personal stories is often the most effective way to change errant beliefs. Nothing changes beliefs and attitudes more than a personal honest and sincere story shared from the heart.

We must be able to inspire and bring hope to children. They are counting on the "real educators" that know them and value them. You don’t have to be eloquent you just have to say something truthful and heartfelt.

Even if you share your story with only one other person, you can have an impact. Each of these people is likely to share the story with more people. Before long hundreds of people are changing and rethinking their ideas, assumptions and attitudes about ADD.

Rosemarie Sauerbrey
Los Robles Superintendent