ADHD is the same, whether in Europe or in the States! The diagnosistic tools used, and the condition identified, are identical. It zould be very confusing if, for example, diabetes was one thing in one part of the world and another in another
I must say, though, from having read around on the forum, that my son seems to be getting a more complete and thorough diagnosis than may be the case (not always, I am sure) in the States. The child psychiatrist is taking her time before issuing a diagnosis. ADHD and autism are distinct conditions as far as I understand it. They are not inter-changeable, either here or in the States. Some people argue that ADHD should be classified as a form of autism, I believe, but that is another question. According to the psychiatrist we are seeing, however, my son is not on the autistic spectrum.
I do think there is probably more stigma attached to being ADHD here, largely because it is relatively little known among ordinary people. And, as always, what we do not know, we fear... I guess though the important thing is that I am less afraid of it than I was at first. And my son has a capacity to surprise, so that I guess never shut down on a child or their potential.
Thanks for your kind words, pepperidge, which I didn't take amiss in any way
Everything is so relative... Lots of people (ie everyone I know!!) look at J and say or think "wow, I don't know how you cope" - mainly because of the constant, constant activity, which means taking him places is difficult and often stressful, but also because he can be oppositional, not listen to what you ask, sometimes talks back quite rudely at people, etc. And then you... think I've got it easy... And I do understand this. What worries me is not the ADHD so much as the oppositional stuff - used to be I would look at J and see a rebellious, angry, anti-social teenager getting into drugs and crime... But I think I've pulled back a bit from that abyss now
I really do try to take it day by day, as I guess lots of us here do, and appreciate the sweet, loving, peaceful moments with my son, not taking them for granted as other parents perhaps do sometimes