Attention Deficit Disorder

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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 her/his 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. I personally feel that ADD kids are at
greater risk where peer pressure is concerned. However, at age 17 or 18,
the child should have been in treatment (especially if they have been
officially diagnosed), and should have greater insight to her/his
problem. Thus, the child should have learned by this age how to monitor
oneself. But, as a mom of an ADD teen, I know it does not always work
out this way.

I hope this answers your questions. By the way, I always hold my
daughter accountable for her actions, regardless of her ADD. I think I
would maintain this philosophy even if she broke the law. I must stress
that I think I would, but fortunately have not had to test this stance.

Shelia

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