Return-Path: <nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id g13138u22818; Sat, 2 Feb 2002 20:03:08 -0500 (EST) Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2002 20:03:08 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <sc5c3708.001@gwia.parkland.cc.il.us> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Susan Jones" <sujones@parkland.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-LD:3887] ADHD labeling X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise Internet Agent 5.5.5.1 Status: O Content-Length: 2520 Lines: 27 <snip> I've also seen times when a kid would use his label as a cop out, saying "I can't be expected to remember my assignment because I have ADHD." I don't think that's particularly helpful to anyone. Of course, maybe what I should do is start saying the same thing, "Johnny can't be expected to remember his assignment because he has ADHD." But then, wouldn't I be the one copping out? Tom <End of Tom's snipped message> I have always wondered why people use "remember" with "be responsible for" interchangeably. I am infinitely better off reminding myself that "I can't be expected to remember this assignment because I have a disgusting excuse for a memory." This is not to be confused with "I can't be expected to be responsible for completing and handing in this assignment." The next part of that statement is "So what am I going to do about it?" I can promise you, saying "I can't be expected to remember" something is not a cop-out, it's a straight-out statement of fact. I would dearly, dearly love to change it. Call it ADHD, whatever. IT's just a fact. Not a decision, not a choice. I read Elizabeth Daniels Squires for sympathy and laughs (mysteries with a sleuth wiht no memory; Ms. Squires has severe memory deficits herself). It's when you don't get to that second part that there's a problem. OR, when you don't even get to the first part, and keep getting set up for failure. My sister once said to an excuse making coworker, "My sister forgets things too, but she takes responsiblity for it." That's the best I can do. Part of the responsibilty is acknowledging that "I can't be expected to remember [insert event/responsiblity here]." I can be responsile for calling myself on the phone and leaving a message, of course -- but that's not "remembering." That's being responsible for fulfilling the responsiblity. To say "I'm ADHD, so I can't be expected to be responsible" -- the reply to that is to say "then we can't be expected to give you those responsibilities and the freedomes that accompany them." It may not be a choice. Where I taught, those students got assigned to study hall to do the homework assignments they would otherwise forget. Some kids suddenly developed better memories; many others developed strategies to get the work done. And some spent a lot of time in study hall. NOt as punishment for bad character; just as a logical way for the school to fulfill its responsibilities in teaching. Sue JOnes
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