Attention Deficit Disorder

Sheila Mott AMH (mott@HAL.FMHI.USF.EDU)
Fri, 22 Apr 1994 08:18:33 -0400

Douglass,

I have read your posts on the Fay case. At this time, I am uncertain of
my own opinion on this issue. However, I did want to respond to your
question about ADD. Before I go on, please let me make it clear that I
do not feel that ADD absolves a person of responsibility for their
actions. However, one of the primary symptoms of ADD is poor impulse
control. What this typically means with teenagers (I know this as a
mother of an ADD teen, and from readings in general) is that they get
caught up in the energy and excitement of the moment, and may actually
lose their ability to make good sound judgements. However, at 17 or 18
years of age, the child should have been in treatment, and should have
greater insight to her/his problem. Thus, the child should have learned
by this age how to monitor oneself. Again, as a mom of an ADD teen, is
does not always happen this way.

I hope this answers your questions. By the way, I always hold my
daughter accountable for her actions, regardless of her ADD.

Shelia