Reply to Do We or Don’t We Want an ADHD “Diagnosis”? Pros/Cons

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Reply to "Do We or Don’t We Want an ADHD “Diagnosis”? Pros/Cons"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP,
One thing to consider is the longer-term impact of having that diagnosis on your child's record.  I'm not anti-diagnosis when it's warranted, but in this case I would weigh the potential benefits (which sound minimal) with the effects that'll follow the child all the way to adulthood.

[b]For one thing, some security clearances may be harder to get if there is a childhood diagnosis of ADD/ADHD - [/b]it depends on the agency and level of clearance, but it can come up and cause problems during a security investigation.

It will make it nearly impossible for the child to ever get an FAA medical certificate, if they desire someday to become a pilot (even a private pilot flying for recreation), air traffic controller, etc.  The FAA considers any lifetime ADD/ADHD diagnosis - even early childhood - to be disqualifying.  You may not even consider this a path your child will take, but do you want to make decisions now that'll limit their options 20 years or 40 years in the future?

I know this sounds really far off and theoretical, but I work in a world where it's a big issue.  People come in with a diagnosis of ADHD from 2nd grade, they haven't received treatment or medication since middle school, but it's on their record and disqualifies them from a number of things.  Again - if ADHD is truly an issue, I'm not opposed to the diagnosis and these rules are in place to prevent people with severe issues from ending up in a place where it can become a safety or security risk, so I'm not trying to circumvent the rules - but you should understand the long-term consequences of pushing for a diagnosis in borderline cases.[/quote]

I have NEVER heard this. [/quote]

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