Derek

[fluff]

14, Little Rock, AK

Derek is a destructive teenager who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
He is failing school and is verbally abusive towards his mother. Derek's parents have sent him to SageWalk to learn discipline, respect and self-control.

[KMK0902]

I've been looking at the bio's off the kids, and this kid just doesn't seem to belong. His picture looks like someone a lot younger and if his diagnose is correct, shouldn't there be easer/better ways to deal with the root of his problems?

K

[Maveno]

Ugh. This kid certainly does need to get his "self control" under control.

[RushVB]

This kid with all his energy, should be treated as the "Dog Whisperer" treats dogs: Exercise, discipline and affection - in that order. Some sort of exercise or specifically organized sport would do him wonders.

[mrdobolina]

I agree with that, RushVB. With all that energy, I could see Derek running cross country, track, playing volleyball, baseball(hmmm, maybe that's too subdued a sport), or basketball.

[just1paul]

I agree with that, RushVB. With all that energy, I could see Derek running cross country, track, playing volleyball, baseball(hmmm, maybe that's too subdued a sport), or basketball.

He would probably be a world class swimmer or runner.

[primadonna]

Think of this boy with his brain synapses looking like a bowl of tangled spaghetti without medication. He would have difficulty with team sports and following more than one direction at a time. ADHD kids take unnecessary and often dangerous chances and have low-impulse control (ex. waiting his turn). This camp should help him, because he needs structure and order, but I also think he will choose to take his medication. He will probably have difficulty fitting in with this group of older teens. They may treat him as a younger mascot, as they begin to develop affection for each other.

[wadahoot]

What are the parent thinking saying that Derek wanted to go off of his meds so that he can 'grow'?? He was diagnosed at 5, so I'm wondering when he 'chose' to discontinue his medication. Why in the world would they let him destroy the family and potentially himself, by letting a child decide what is right for him??

[Alcina]

What are the parent thinking saying that Derek wanted to go off of his meds so that he can 'grow'?? He was diagnosed at 5, so I'm wondering when he 'chose' to discontinue his medication. Why in the world would they let him destroy the family and potentially himself, by letting a child decide what is right for him??

They said in the show that he was beginning to hit puberty when he decided he wanted to grow and quit taking his meds, so by that time he was 13, I would imagine, at the least, and based on the video of him at his home, I don't think they could force him to do ANYTHING.

Has anyone noticed, though, how subdued and quiet he is at camp? The first time I saw anything out of him re: hyperactivity, etc, was when they got back to their Thanksgiving dinner at camp and he stood up and sang "Turkey turkey turkey" or something to that effect, and then sat back down.

[RiddleMeThis]

I think Derek needs to toughen up more! He always whines about everything! Don't take me wrong i like him and all but Come on Derek You need to Be more tough!