It is clear learned behavior is not the determining factor
for autism, ADD, or ADHD. With these conditions being very complex challenges
for children, childhood is generally the most challenging time until
unfortunate crutches are discovered to somewhat satisfy the unique dilemmas they
encounter throughout life.
Many argue technological devices (e.g., video gaming, cell
phone use, computer programs) have haunted the social development of children. Yet,
many behaviors and characteristics of autism, ADD, and ADHD can be identified
during a child’s early ages, even before they begin to engage themselves in the
usage of technological devices. Not to mention, many who exhibit the same
behaviors and characteristics are of times before technological development. Thus,
proving the point such devices have no corresponding relation or cause for the
aforementioned conditions.
Technological devices are excellent crutches for victims of
ADD and ADHD. A crutch is any means of captured attention or involuntary, multi-sensory
stimulation. Examples may include music, incentives, activities engaging
multiple senses, or contrasting elements in the surrounding environment. This
is the reason video gaming or any technological device is of interest. They are
simply crutches or a means of multi-sensory engagement.
Someone with ADD, and even more, ADHD needs constant
multi-sensory stimulation . They need a constant means of captured attention or
sensory engagement, which must be provided or created for them. If not, they
will seek that means of sensory engagement on their own. When a means of
engagement or stimulation is not of their grasp, they are found out of control.
This is why children with ADHD have such difficulty when expected to simply sit
in silence and stare at a wall while waiting for instructions or direction. It
is almost impossible for them. Observers will see them moving about, causing
trouble with others, complaining, or finding anything in their presence with
which they can fiddle. This may be an object or other person, which is why they
often bother others.
Have you ever noticed those who cannot sit and relax without
something to occupy them? In other words, have you ever noticed those who
cannot simply sit on a coach and relax for a period of time without any means
of sensory engagement? The only sub-case of ADD which can do so is the
inattentive/absentminded. (They would need a bomb to explode in their presence
to capture their attention because they are in a completely different mental
world than their surrounding environment.) Besides the inattentive/absentminded
sub-case, most cannot function in such a situation with such demands. The
excessively active interestingly have the most difficult time relaxing and occupying
themselves in such a situation. However, many would never guess they are
completely occupied with reading a book. The excessively active love to read!
This of course is their means of sensory engagement.
Consider the senses of ADD and ADHD sufferers like outboard
engines. Outboard engines running without water need a constant supply of water
to run sufficiently without significant damage occurring. Though, without a
need of water to supply an engine its efficiency, we are considering the mind
of an ADHD sufferer without a constant means of captured attention or sensory
stimulation.
Remember to not become confused with any means of captured
attention or sensory engagement by misperceiving them as causes; they are crutches.
Placing the blame on the crutch and claiming it to be the cause is no different
than placing the blame on a person’s crutches when he has recently had surgery
to one of his lower extremities. The difficulty he displays with his gate is
not because of his crutches, but the injury he encountered. In light of the
injury, however, he has a very high chance of recovery and returning to normal
functioning status. Unfortunately, the conditions of ADD and ADHD are in
constant demand of crutches.
Jason M. Hufft
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