ADHD and Driving

The New York Times Silicon Valley technology reporter Matt Richtel won a Pulitzer Prize for his series “Driving While Distracted.” Good for him. Too bad his continued glaring, and even intentional, omission of ADHD in his subsequent reporting on similar topics has earned him a spot in The ADHD Roller Coaster Hall of Shame. (Yes. I know. He’ll be really upset to learn this.)

For any good reporter who dips the tiniest toe into the research, the evidence is clear about ADHD deficits’  adverse effect on driving safety. Moreover, I have written to Richtel numerous times over the years explaining the substantial research in this area, as highlighted in my book chapter on the topic:  “Driving to Destruction.”  (Yes, many people with ADHD drive very well;  when it comes to research, though, we’re talking significant trends within a group, not individuals.) I have also invited him to sit in on our Silicon Valley Adult ADHD Salon in Palo Alto, so he could talk to his fellow  Valleyites about their experience with ADHD.  No response. None at all. Read the rest of this entry »

New study on ADHD and adults

To watch a short interview on NBC’s The Today Show with preeminent ADHD research scientist Dr. Russell Barkley, click on the link above. He introduces the studies examining long-term outcomes of children diagnosed with ADHD. For details on this groundbreaking research by Dr. Barkley and colleague Dr. Mariellen Fischer, read ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. (Click on the title to learn more about it on Amazon.com.)

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An ADHD Roller Coaster salute goes to The New York Times Silicon Valley-based reporter Matt Richtel (photo, right) for his ongoing coverage of the risks associated with driving while using cell phones and texting (see selected headlines and links below).

As you read these important stories, please keep in mind: These risks ratchet up even higher when untreated ADHD takes the wheel. That’s why I devote a chapter to this topic in Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder. (Read an excerpt of that chapter here and, while you’re at it, catch the video of “Attention Deficit Disorder Man!”)

• “Senators Seek a Ban on Texting and Driving”

excerpt: “Studies show this is far more dangerous than talking on a phone while driving or driving while drunk, which is astounding,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, one of four Democratic senators to introduce the proposal. Read the rest of this entry »

Congratulations to Tom Olofsson, winner of September’s write-the-photo-quip contest at ADHDRollerCoaster.com. Tom received an autographed copy of Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder.

Thanks to everyone who entered — we needed a laugh! — and please try again this month with the new photo. (Remember, just because the people in the photo are sitting in what looks like a car, the quips can be about anything. Go on the facial expressions and body language, and think about your experiences with ADHD.)

Five more of Yvan Dalain’s 1956 photographs of riders on Switzerland’s Geister-Express are scattered throughout the book’s website. And the rest will be featured, one by one, in our monthly contest at http://www.ADHDRollerCoaster.com

Yes, Adult ADHD can affect driving behavior, too. In fact, Chapter 5 of the book Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? explores exactly how the ADHD Roller Coaster hits the road. An excerpt follows this great animation from “A.D.D. Man!” Buckle your seatbelts and watch out for Road Rage Ralph and Sally Soccer Mom.

Chapter 5:

Driving While Distracted:
The Roller Coaster Hits the Road

My husband’s driving has improved since
taking medication. He no longer “punishes”
drivers who pass him—by flashing his lights,
making rude gestures, and yelling. I’d be so
embarrassed, I’d slink down in the seat.

– Elizabeth

Carol, married 15 years, says her husband is the absolute best driver ever: “At night, Ken notices little animals on the side of the road and has stopped for moose and deer that I never would have seen.”

Read the rest of this entry »