[senco-forum] ADHD and a 9 year old

He has been put on drugs apparently.

Hi everyone,

> He has been put on drugs apparently.

Ouch!   ...now that's a turn of phrase I'd never ever use when
describing myself.

Personally I prefer to describe myself as having been 'prescribed
medication' (singular) for my (Adult) ADHD during the past ten years
or so. I'm sure many if not most people who've been 'put on drugs' for
ADHD would flinch at the negative connotations associated with this
particular turn of phrase.

Am I being overly sensitive here or a tad too politically correct?
Hmm. I guess the acid test would be to find out how members of this
forum might react if were I were to insist on calling you RENCOs --
'Remedial Educational Needs Coordinators'. Cos that's what SENCO's
really do, ain't it? At least that's what some ignorant people assume
SEN is all about. Come to think of it, perhaps the term RECO 'Retards
Education Coordinator' might be more fitting. [NB: the above paragraph
is of course written strictly tongue in cheek ;-].

Please Janice this is NOT intended as a attack on you personally.
Indeed I hasten to add I personally regard you a highly respected
long-term member of this SENCO forum. Rather you just happened (IMHO)
to have chosen the wrong phrase within the wrong context of this
forum. The real purpose of my responding is of course to highlight
just how easy it is to put an overly negative slant on what one says
with just one or two ill chosen words.

David Bowles

> Hi everyone
> A friend's son has just been diagnosed with ADHA. He is 9. He has been put on drugs apparently.
> Anyway, she is looking for ideas as to what she should do next and
> I wondered if any primary teachers or SENCOs out there
> have experience - what should she ask the school, what can she do
> to help him, any good books that you recommend
> Thanks in anticipation
> Janice

> Janice Wray

> Secondary SENCO, Herts

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