The impact of a label

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Research Proposal: The Impact of Being Labeled ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that impacts just about every aspect of my life. According to “A Shared Focus” individuals who suffer from ADHD typically struggle with paying attention and staying on task, feel the need to always be moving around, make irrational decision because they “often think and act impulsively” (Shire, 2012, p. 1). Individuals with attention problems are a part of a rapidly expanding social group with unique needs within an educational setting. ADHD is usually presented as a hot button issue because of its tendency to be over diagnosed, but possibly the most overlooked problem linked to adhd is the social exclusion and acceptance by teachers and peers that derive from lack of understanding of what ADHD really is. Growing up, I never would have thought that I would be diagnosed with ADHD. Throughout my first few years of schooling, no problems arose. But as classes became more difficult and demanding, my symptoms became more apparent and were just no longer bearable. It was at this time that I knew that I had to get tested for ADHD. Being diagnosed allowed me to regain my focus in the classroom, but it also significantly changed my life in ways I never predicted. While nothing physically changes after being diagnosed with this disorder, the way people perceive you changes. Labeling theory suggests that “labels produce stigma by altering others’ perceptions and legitimizing stratification” (Shifrer, 2013, p.464). Being given a label, can lead people to have preconceived notions, and develop premature attributions of your behaviors and personality. Shifrer explains in her article that teachers and peers will “lower [the... ... middle of paper ... ...n frustration and discouragement (Parker, 2014). Works Cited Bellanca, F., & Pote, H. (2013). Children's attitudes towards adhd, depression and learning disabilities. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 13(4), 234-241. Kent, E. (Director) (2010). I can't do this but i can do that [Television series episode]. Kent, E. (Executive Producer), HBO documentaries. HBO. Knowles, T. (2010). The kids behind the label: Understanding adhd. Education Digest, 76(3), 59. Shifrer, D. (2013). Stigma of a label: Educational expectations for high school students labeled with learning disabilities. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 54(4), 462-480. Shire US Inc. (2012). Understanding adhd: A guide to help answer your questions. [Brochure]. Wayne, PA: Author Wechsler, D. (2008). Wechsler adult intelligence scale–fourth edition. San Antonio, TX: Pearson.

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