ADD/ADHD and Swimming – Part one of three

 Debbie Phelps, mother of the world record holding Michael Phelps, has been very public about how much swimming helped her ADHD son.  As a 25-year licensed psychotherapist who specializes in ADD/ADHD, and a 30-year swim school owner, I feel qualified to clarify.  As I am limited in space, this article will span over four months.
First, a brief explanation of Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder:  ADD/ADHD is so much more complicated than just the “active child” or “couch potato.”  There are 12 different areas of symptoms for ADD, and each of these areas may be over active or under active.  Someone with ADD may be over active in one symptom, while under active in two others, and have no symptoms in nine areas.  This leaves us with the equation 12 – which translates to over 479 million different combinations of ADD/ADHD symptoms.  You can’t know a few people with ADD and then compare them with anyone else who thinks they have it to even begin making a diagnosis.
The fundamentals for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are that there is a problem with focus and/or attention that dramatically interferes with academic/occupational, social, or behavioral life.  What isn’t included in the diagnosis is the potential for greatness that I have seen in most people I have come across who have ADD/ADHD.   Too often, the diagnosis and treatment focus on identifying weaknesses, which a child has had pointed out to them for a lifetime, taking a toll on confidence and self-esteem.  Debbie Phelps seems to have balanced this quite well by building Michael up for all of his wonderful traits.  The hyperactive side of ADD includes an amazing enthusiasm, which, when channeled and supported properly, has potential for magnificence.  Even ADD, without hyperactivity, has a quiet, unfailing determination that has accomplished feats which seem superhuman.
Please follow this story in the next issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita.
For more information on swimming and water safety, contact Academy Swim Club at 661-702-8585 or go online www.Swim4Life.com.