Thanks to Philadelphia ABC affiliate WPVI-TV for airing this well-balanced segment during ADHD Awareness Week, and thanks to Dancing with the Stars star Karina Smirnoff and the amazing Kavanaugh family for sharing their stories. (Oh, I make a small cameo appearance, drawn from a 30-minute interview with Health producer Dawn Heefner. Astute, intelligent questions all!)
PHILADELPHIA, PA.; September 22, 2009 (WPVI) — Attention deficit disorders are common among children. But few people know that they affect anywhere from 4 to 16% of American adults too – though most don’t know it. But identifying the disorder can be a big step in learning how to live a good life with AD/HD.
Karina Smirnoff moves across the dance floor in “Dancing With the Stars” with a precision that shows hours & hours of practice.
That’s not easy for someone with attention deficit disorder – ADD….
Continue reading at KPVI’s website, and PLEASE leave a note of appreciation there for this story.
Tags: ADHD Awareness Week, Adult ADHD, Dancing with the Stars, Karina Smirnoff, Philadelphia, WPVI
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Gina,
Thanks for posting this news segment.
I imagine that since little was known about ADHD in the past, there are many adults who may have the condition, yet are undiagnosed.
I also did not know that ADHD is inheritable!
I think it is a great that they also highlight some positive attibutes of individuals with ADHD. Different is not necessarily a negative thing.I made a comment on the KPVI website that may look familiar.
Thanks for finding these news stories and passing them on to us!
I loved the cameo! -
Exactly, Arnold. There’s a “lost generation” of adults with ADHD.
It seems that most of the e-mail I receive regarding the book comes from 50-something men.
Yes, genetic studies with identical twins put the figure at 76 percent heritability for ADHD.
Thanks so much for leaving at note at the KPVI website. As much as we bemoan inaccurate media reports on ADHD, we need to give positive reinforcement for the well-done stories!
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That was an excellent segment, Gina. Very dense and hit most of the right points. Good list of the key symptoms and the little brain animation. A lot packed into 4 minutes.
You came across very well indeed – powerful and authoritative. I hope that Amazon reported a spike in book sales for you in the Philadelphia area.
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Thanks David!
People in the Philadelphia area are so lucky. UPenn has an excellent Adult ADHD program. Experts such as Ari Tuckman, Michele Novotni, Linda Anderson, and more live nearby. West Chester-Main Line CHADD is a powerhouse, serving so many people so well. And near Doylestown, Natalie Knochenhauer’s ADHD Aware offers unique hands-on services.
I wish I could import all these folks to the Bay Area. We need ‘em!
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Hey, Gina. That’s no cameo. In broadcast news that equates to a starring role. You were definitely the main expert. Congratulations!
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Thank you Gina. I know I’m a little late, but this was a great thing to post.
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I knew it would be a good thing to post — I’m an excellent editor!
Thanks so much for agreeing to share it, Dylan, and to all the other commenters for chiming in!
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