Some can, some can't. Depends on how much it is disrupting one's life, how long its been a problem, and how difficult it is for him/her to make the changes needed to cope with the effects of the condition.

Diagnosis of course is itself a tricky business. Tendencies, characteristics, symptoms do not a diagnosis make yet that's about all they really have with which to assess a person. No blood levels or brain wave activity that can be examined to provide conclusive results. So either way one looks at it the treatment for ADD like so many other mental disorders is at best treating symptoms. Not a specific 'illness' per say.

Without the ability of science to provide me an unqualified diagnosis my preference is to deal with symptoms rather than labels. Making changes to how I do things, how I think about things and respond to things.... in ways that help reduce the negative impacts of this or that disorder.

While some people's symptoms may be so severe as to require long term medication I think the majority of us can learn to cope without medication or at least without long term use of medication.

I think coping as a kid.... being in school has to be the worst possible environment. It is no surprise to me that medication would be of benefit in helping a child adjust. I just wish the environment could change a little more... alot more.... to accomodate the kids better and reduce the need for medications in the classroom. That's the part that breaks my heart. Needing to medicate our kids rather than having school systems more accommodating to them. I'd venture to bet even the 'normal' kids would prefer a more stimulating, faster pass, hands on, open learning environment.

It broke my heart to watch as my son's spirit was being squashed in kindergarten getting him to sit still and pay attention. This wonderful little ball of energy and excitment told repeatedly to stay focused. As he went through the system hearing over and over.... your son needs to take responsibility for his education. Year after year the building of demands and expectations; disappointments and failings. By the time he hit grade 9 he'd learned how to zone out in the classroom. Teachers said nothing till it was time to report he wasn't doing any work. They'd notice him getting up and down a lot and starting and stopping his work but he was quiet and polite and they had other behavioural problems so he was soon just left by the wayside.

I finally elected to homeschool my son. He now takes 50% of classes -- the academic course, on-line from home. It matches his learning style better. He can move from one subject to another as it suits him. He communicates online with his teachers and can have one-on-one consultation by request. He does 50% of his classes at school. All arts and trades course that are active and engaging. He gets enough time in school to socialize and enough time at home to keep up with the rest of the course work.

I know a number of families with kids with ADD who are opting for homeschooling. For me it has been a big challenge adjusting to having him home more and staying on schedule and on time given my own ADD issues. But we are getting better at it with practise and he is learning more and pulling off better grades. His self esteem and general outlook on life have also improved since being home half time.

It's much tougher on kids that's for sure.