Have you ever wondered why your child acts up?  Is it because they really want to annoy you or because they're trying to tell you something?

In this conversation Dr. Claudia Gold helps us to understand that what we call ADHD - an extreme example of a child's "acting up" - is not a known biological process but rather a collection of behaviors that often go together.  We might call them "symptoms," but they aren't symptoms in the way that a cough is a symptom of pneumonia.

Instead, Dr. Gold argues that by medicating the symptoms (i.e. the "difficult behavior") we ignore the underlying problems that are causing them which ultimately doesn't help the child - or the family.

Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, whether you suspect it, or whether you're struggling with run-of-the-mill behavior problems, Dr. Gold has practical advice to help you.

Reference

Gold, C.M. (2016). The silenced child: From labels, medications, and quick-fix solutions to listening, growth, and lifelong resilience. Boston, MA: Da Capo Press.