ADD and the Schools
Stressors that contribute to behavioral disorders within the schools include boring classrooms, a one-style-fits all curriculum and teaching style, competition, and bullying.
Children labeled with ADD do most poorly in environments that are boring and repetitive, externally controlled, lacking in immediate feedback, and are presided over by a familiar, maternal-like authority—in other words, a typical American classroom. "Learning" is equated with putting checkmarks in the right boxes, memorizing the multiplication table and other facts of no apparent relevance to their lives, and "doing it right" rather than with excitement, curiosity, and understanding. The truth is, this kind of classroom is deadly, not only for ADD children, but for all children.
Schools set high standards for conformity in behavior, and the traditional classroom requires children to sit quietly for long periods of time, listening to verbal instructions, and completing endless pages of worksheets. When a child's cognitive learning style clashes with this traditional style, they may become restless, inattentive, and disruptive.
Too little is said about the damaging effects of intense competitive pressures to "succeed," i.e., get the best possible grades on tests. Parents complain about the amount of homework their children get, but think they must comply if their children are to "do well." Many ask for drugs for their children in the hope of ending struggles over homework and grades.
Bullying and scapegoating are rampant. Children talk about being treated like a "nobody" or "not belonging" or having "no friends." These children may be exposed to cruel and severe taunting. Few children can bear being teased about the way they look, talk, or act. Feeling ridiculed and humiliated, they may withdraw into themselves; or succumb to rage or violence. Children may be experiencing humiliation not only from peers, but also from teachers, administrators, or coaches. While children may be encouraged to "ignore it" or "laugh it off," this can cause serious psychological injury.
