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Mary Robertson, RN, BSN
Several years ago, when both of my ADHD children were elementary age, I was sitting by myself in a restaurant; the kids must have been in school. I looked up from my lunch and happened to notice a young family sitting a few tables away. The mother was calmly talking with her two children who were calmly sitting in their chairs, alternating between holding eye contact with their mother, listening to her directions and occasionally taking a bite of food. At first glance I felt a pang of envy. How nice it must be to have children that looked and acted like they were ordered from a catalog. And then, after a few moments of dreamy gazing, it began to occur to me how orderly and boring their lives must be! Sure, most of the time my kids drove me crazy, but then there were those times that I was amazed by their energy, creativity, inquisitiveness, humorous antics, compassion for others, and love of life. Yes, there were lots of very trying days, but given the opportunity, I wouldn’t have changed a hair on their messy little heads.
So what makes me an expert on ADD and ADHD? Besides having spent 15+ years in the field of ADHD as a nurse, advocate and consultant, the bottom line must be my children. Had it not been for the fear of the unknown and a drive to learn everything I could to help them succeed, I may not have chosen this career path. But here I am, and here I’ll gladly stay. Besides, I understand that ADD and ADHD are life-long disorders; the road may be long and bumpy, and there doesn’t seem to be any off ramps.
And now, a little about my professional side…
I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University's bachelors of nursing program in 1982. Initially, I worked as an oncology staff nurse, and then became the manager of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the University of Kentucky (U.K.) Medical Center (1984-1986). Following a short break, I returned to U.K. to work as head nurse for the new outpatient cancer center (1987-1989). In 1990, our 4 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD. After desperately seeking information and support, I discovered that very little existed (Of course that was in the days before the internet exploded with information.). Through efforts to learn more about ADHD and a need to connect with others facing the same challenges, I co-founded Lexington’s Bluegrass Chapter of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) (1992), and then later founded the CHADD State Council (1994) which was instrumental in efforts to successfully change two state laws that directly impact children with ADHD. In 1994, I was named CHADD National's “Coordinator of the Year.” In 1999-2000, I served as CHADD's National President. I have been honored to testify before the Kentucky Senate and U.S. Congress on matters related to ADHD. Currently, I am a member of the international "ADHD Experts on Call" program, based in New York. I am also a member of the Bluegrass Chapter of CHADD’s Professional Advisory Board, local and national speaker, author, consultant and advocate for families living with ADHD.
Now meet the family...the real reason I am still here today!
Kent and "Luci"
Kent
This is my wonderful husband, Kent, of 25 years. He had no idea what he was getting into when he met and married me! I often tell him that God genetically engineered him to be my husband and the father of our two children... because no one else would have put up with the 3 of us! His patience is a true blessing. In 1990, our 4 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD. This was the first time either of us had heard of ADD or ADHD. When I went back and looked in my pediatric nursing book, I was surprised to discover that there was only a single paragraph addressing this potentially devistating and very disruptive disorder. Initially, Kent did not believe that Anthony had a disability. He felt we just needed to get "tougher" on disipline. However, after attending Parenting Classes at the University of Kentucky's Hyperactive Clinic, and after hearing the stories from other parents of children and teens diagnosed with ADHD, Kent became a believer. He was moved by how similar all of our stories were. Today he is one of my biggest advocates in my efforts to support and educate families living with ADHD.
Anthony - 21 years old
Anthony is our amazing child who introduced us to the world of ADHD. His hyperactivity caused him to repeatedly be kicked out of preschool. I remember worrying that these early expulsions were an ominous prediction of his future. Eventually we learned that there was a name for his out-of-control behavior: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD - C : The "C" stands for "combined type." This means that the type of ADHD that Anthony has includes symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity). It was such a relief to know his actions were not always a willful desire to drive his parents crazy, and that; in fact, we could do something to help him succeed at home, at school, within the neighborhood, and at life in general. By the time he was 7, he was also diagnosed with dyslexia. There were many difficult days, especially during the middle school years, but with the aid of an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and a few very dedicated and caring teachers, he graduated from Tates Creek H.S., Lexington, KY (2004) with a GPA of 3.6. He was a member of the National Beta Club, National Honor Roll Society, The National Society of High School Scholars and Who’s Who among American High School Students. He played the saxophone in the school’s jazz band. Anthony has also represented adolescents and young adults with ADHD & dyslexia through several presentations (I can't express how important it is to teach self-advocacy skills.). Currently, he is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and has been accepted to the masters program for engineers.. He is a leader and member of U.K.’s Solar Car Team and is currently employed as an engineering intern by Semicon Corporation, Lexington, KY.
Samantha and "Big Boy"
Samantha - 18 years old
Samantha is our darling daughter who was also diagnosed with ADHD (ADHD - I : The "I" means "primarily inattentive type" - no hyperactivity...often referred to as "ADD") and also with anxiety when she was 7 years old. Initially, it was wonderful to parent a child who did not have wild and unpredictable behavior like her older brother. However, once she entered elementary school her teachers became concerned about her inability to pay attention. She often missed important information as she gazed off into space. She was so disorganized that her backpack became known as "The Black Hole." School work was often incomplete or missing altogether. I remember talking with my sister about Samantha's struggles in the classroom. My sister had the nerve to suggest that Samantha may also have ADHD. I was shocked (translation...in denial) and responded by exclaiming, "She can't have ADHD! She acts just like me when I was in school." Talk about an epiphany! As is often the case, I was also diagnosed with ADD after Samantha received her diagnosis. Although her challenges are completely different than her brother's, with regard to behaviors, the middle school years were also the most difficult. She a graduate of Images Model Agency and a student of Linda Combes’ “Riding to Success” program where she rides, grooms and cares for horses. In 2003, she was a panelist on Chris Dendy’s “Teen Panel” for the National CHADD Conference in Nashville, TN. She also served as a book reviewer for Chris Dendy’s book, “A Bird’s Eye View of AD/HD.” Samantha is currently a senior in Home School. She became a single mother in October, 2007. (Samantha would like to remind all teens with ADDADHD to take their meds, even when they are not in school, to help decrease impulsivity.) She plans to attend Sullivan University, here in Lexington, and major in paralegal studies. (however, her goals could change at any moment).
Layla Marie - 4 months old
Please help us welcome our latest addition and our first grandchild. She came into our lives a little sooner than we had all planned, but now we can't imagine life without her. She was born October 21, 2007 to our daughter, Samantha. We are wraping up Sam's senior year by homeschooling. I always say, with ADD/ADHD children, always be prepared for the next "crisis;" it will help to keep you from going crazy. :-) We love our little Layla!!
The Green Family - Our second family...full of love, support...and ADD!
My "Sister-friend" Evelyn Polk Green and sons, Robert and Perry
Luci, Samantha and Chloe
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