Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder

by Edward M. Hallowell

“So what should I do?” Tommy asks. “Commit suicide?” “You should try to get your act together,” his mother answers. “You should take advantage of all the help we’ve tried to give you. You should show up for your tutor. You should make the effort to bring home your assignment book so we can help you check it over. You should consider telling the truth when we ask you if you have any tests on Friday. You should take that chip off your shoulder and get over thinking the whole world is against you or just doesn’t understand you. You should show us a little respect. You should—” “Wait a minute,” Dad interrupts. “Tommy, you’re not even listening to your mother, are you?” Tommy has been staring at his red and purple Nikes. “I’m listening, Dad. I could recite it all back if you want. I’ve heard it all before.” “Then why don’t you do something about it?” Dad asks through clenched teeth. Tommy looks at his father as if he’s about to tell him to piss off, then stops himself and utters the words that form the last line of defense for so many children and adolescents with ADD: “I don’t know.”