Back in the summer of 2008, people across the globe had focused their attention on Michael Phelps, the then 23 year old swimmer, who wore the crown of 8 gold medals in swimming. Michael set a whopping 7 world swimming records in Olympics that year. However, few are aware that Michael suffered from ADHD during his school days, which was really bothersome for his mother Debbie Phelps. As Michael was the youngest of the 3 of Debbie’s kids and the only boy, Debbie thought the lack of focus and the energy levels, etc. were typical character attributes of a boy. However, as the school days went on, the report sheets from his teachers demonstrated a continuous lack of focus. Michael, aged 9 was then diagnosed with (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It shows elevated activity and energy levels and lack of concentration as in the case of Michael Phelps. ADHD and autism symptoms are quite similar, hence confusing. It’s important for the doctor to differentiate between the two.

ADHD is believed to affect nearly 4 million adolescents and children in the US. Thanks to his mother’s support, behavior therapy and medication, Michael could channelize his elevated energy levels into swimming and become the youngest male swimmer to hold the record when he was 15. Everyday Health quoted Debbie as saying, “Michael’s thinking was zip zap, let’s move on to the next task. He just couldn’t stay focused.” When Michael’s mother received reports from his teachers that he was not at all staying focused, she guessed it was probably because Michael had learnt few things taught in school earlier, such as learning shapes and that’s why he was getting bored and not concentrating.

However, the same story continued in grade I, II and also III. Michael used to nudge other kids. His teachers had to slow him down. He used to ask too many questions. Michael’s pediatrician suggested testing for ADHD and that’s when Debbie came to know that Michael was diagnosed with ADHD.

Medication and Behavior Modification

Debbie took full charge of the situation with Michael and started stimulants during the week with the doctor’s advice. That helped him concentrate in school. During the breaks Debbie would work with Michael on behavior modification. She let him play sports such as cross country, lacrosse, baseball, swimming, etc. However Debbie used to make sure he finished his homework before participating in sports. Michael’s sisters also chipped in and they used to restrict him from doing some activities to make him aware of the importance of time. This time management later on became Michael’s biggest asset at the pool – kudos to Debbie and Michael’s sisters.

Medication for ADHD

Initially Michael was prescribed ADHD medication once a day – in the morning. Later on, in middle school, the dosage increased to twice a day. He used to hesitate to take medicine during lunch break in school. He wanted to take it no more. Debbie tried explaining him it was helping to stay focused. However, she took Michael to the doctor and his doctor thought of trying to let Michael go to school without medication. Whenever Michael used to come off the medication, his inborn gift helped him spend more energy at the pool. He was just becoming an intense swimmer then.

Parents of ADHD kids should first get expert assistance, just as Debbie did. Medication and behavior therapy give splendid results. Remember! ADHD kids are found to have great passion. Channelize this passion and energy and make the most out of this positive aspect of ADHD kids. God bless!