Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Real Life Story - Winston's Problem

Reprinted with permission from "What Social Workers Do," by the late Margaret Gibelman

Winston, an eight-year-old African American child, moved to Indianapolis with his family in late August. He was just in time to begin the new school year. He was placed in Mr. Davis’s third grade class. Winston’s school records had not arrived yet from his old school in Philadelphia, so there was no information available about his past school performance or any problems.

By the second day of school, Mr. Davis knew he had a problem on his hands. Winston could not sit still for more than a few minutes. He was rough with the other kids. Mr. Davis was afraid that the one or two pushing incidents could easily turn into something worse.

Winston and the School Social Worker

While she waited for the test results, Anise watched Winston in class. She interviewed Mr. Davis and reviewed Winston’s past records. Later, she talked with Winston’s parents to get his complete social history and get their opinion of his situation.

Winston was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anise then referred him to a doctor for a complete physical exam. When the doctor prescribed a drug to treat Winston’s ADHD,  Anise talked with Winston’s parents and described how the medicine would change his behavior.

Later, Anise worked with Winston on a regular basis to teach him how to watch what he was doing and realize when he was acting badly. She worked with Mr. Davis too. Together they developed a system to reward Winston when he behaved well.

Anise continued to work with Winston to improve his social skills by changing the way he behaved.

Margaret Gibelman, DSW was professor and director of the PhD Program in Social Welfare at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York.