The Many Faces of ADHD: Debbie Phelps

Michael would sometimes "zone out" entering into his own world, causing some frustration for both his mother and his coaches.

According to his mother, there are certain ADHD characteristics that have helped Michael be so successful in swimming. She believes his exuberant energy is one ADHD gift. But throughout his years of managing ADHD, he has developed a mental toughness and determination that has helped him to succeed. His ability to compartmentalize helps him to swim one race at a time, the races in the past and the future are put out of his mind, in order to focus on the race at hand.

Debbie Phelps has been a supportive a loving mother, taking the time to create an environment at home that helped to develop Michael's talents and used positive reinforcement programs to help him learn responsibility. Debbie also spent many years working with Michael's teachers to help ensure his school success.

Debbie Phelps is a middle school principal, working each day with students with ADHD and talking with parents dealing with ADHD. Her advice to parents is to talk with your child's teachers. Let the teachers know what is going on and what problems the student may be having. Let them know if there is something going on at home, if they are having problems. Let them know about a diagnosis of ADHD. In addition, parents should find out as much as they can about ADHD. Seek out resources that can help you to help your child.

Debbie also tells the teachers in her school to work to build relationships with each student. It is important, she says, to realize that time cannot be given back. Teachers have six and one half hours each day to spend with students, they must make the best of this time. Once it is gone, there is no way to do it over.

Debbie Phelps can be found on ADHDMoms, a Facebook community. It is a resource for people (even though it is called "Moms" it is not just for mothers but for all people dealing with ADHD in their lives. The site offers surveys, podcasts, articles and has a pediatrician on-site to answer questions.