Michael Phelps: An ADHD Success Story

   We know that every day he ingests over 10,000 calories and practices about 5 hours. But did you know he has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)? A recent article in ADDitude magazine features Debbie Phelps, Michael Phelps' mom, candidly sharing an intimate look at Michael's struggles as a child diagnosed with ADHD. Perhaps the latter isn't so important to most people. But, as a parent of an ADHD son, it's incredibly inspiring.

    One monstrous challenge for ADHD kids is staying focused long enough to complete tasks. ADHD can be treated with or without medication. Even so, medication is not a cure-all. Many parents opt for a combined approach, which may include medication, behavior therapy, counseling, diet changes and more.  It takes great effort - patience, discipline, and teamwork between home and school for kids to achieve educational success. Extra curricular activities like piano lessons, sports, church and social functions demand dedicated kids and parents, because often when ADHD kids get home from school, they aren't interested in working overtime on "focus" issues. They would prefer video games or playing, which is like a fix to a user.

    ADHD kids are good at hyper focusing on activities they love, i.e. sports. But sports programs require structure and discipline. Both of which are very good because they reinforce fixed boundaries. However, structure and discipline are not always easy to employ, because their brain tells them to switch gears frequently. So even fun sports require a concerted effort.

    When I shared the Michael Phelps story about ADHD with my son, I saw more than a twinkle in the look he returned; I read a chapter on success in the hopeful eyes of a young boy who struggles to achieve it in all his endeavors. I felt his excitement and his bolstered confidence. And I felt proud to be his mom.

    Every day ADHD kids must fight a disorder that would plunder their hope of success, rob their positive attitude, self-esteem and focus, then hang them out to dry if not for diligence, determination, faith - and a lot of teamwork. My boy may not be a Michael Phelps one day, but the promise of success lingers a little closer within his reach.