Peeling Back the Labels

I just completed a reading of Peeling Back the Labels by Dana Williams. This article appeared in the Spring of 2008 edition of Teaching Tolerance. The author mentions the diagnosis of ADHD to be a label for many individuals and close to 10 percent of American children show an indication of having characteristics of ADHD in which less than half are actually diagnosed with it.  While many parents pursue medication, it is not always the answer. In this article, the author mentions the use of other alternative methods can he highly effective if helping children cope with mental health conditions such as ADHD.
This article made me think of the students who I have had in previous years in addition to the students who I currently serve. I have numerous students who more than likely fit characteristics in having ADHD or ADD. Are any of them medicated? No. In taking a step back and observing my class, I would easily say that at least 4 of my boys have ADHD without a doubt. What am I doing about it? My class is trying something new this year and each morning we go to the gym after breakfast. We spend some time running off some energy. When we are back in the room, it is important for us to take brain breaks in which we stand up, stretch, and do some kind of movement activity. Although these activities do not eliminate all of our fidgeting and off task behaviors with some of my individuals, it has helped them get rid of a little energy and better cope and focus a bit more in class. We do have a ways to go but it is one way I can help my students without them having to be medicated.
I agree with the author in that we need to better educate ourselves, both parents and teachers in regards to mental health conditions and how we can treat them. Many times, people want to point to medication as having the answers. However, having discussions about mental health issues and being open to trying new things is important for the teacher and the parent.