Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key Summary

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Responses to Questions about Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key The book, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, describes Joey’s problems at home and school. The author, Jack Gantos, leads the reader to assume Joey is ADHD after he states, “I’m wired” (Gantos, 1998, p. 3). Although Gantos describes Joey’s issues in considerable detail, Gantos never explicitly articulates Joey’s diagnosis. This paper defines attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the impacts on Joey’s behavior in academics, and social/family relationships. Finally, a critique is provided on the different interventions used to address Joey’s behavior. Does Joey Qualify for the Diagnosis of ADHD? According to APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), …show more content…

179). Joey exhibits problems with managing his behavior when he needs to follow rules or instructions. Although Joey knows the appropriate behavior for the classroom, when required to demonstrate those behaviors, inappropriate behaviors are used. A third problem, in executive function, is children and adults with ADHD have problems controlling their emotions and stimulation levels (Hallahan et al, 2012, p. 179). According to Hallahan, Kauffman, and Pullen (2012), children might scream loudly when hearing good news or demonstrate their temper when frustrated; however, Joey did not express these behaviors. Fourth, people with ADHD have difficulty analyzing problems and communicating solutions to others. A perfect example from the book, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, was after Joey attends the Gifted and Talented presentation, he decides to change the world by creating bumper stickers for cars that say, ‘Hate Is Not a Family Value’ (Gantos, 1998, p. 72). Joey’s teacher, Mrs. Maxy states, “That is very thoughtful, but I don’t think you should stick things on people’s cars.” (Gantos, 1998, p. 72). Joey replies, “I won’t. Mom will” (Gantos, 1998, p. 72). Although, Joey responded with a solution to Mrs. Maxy’s concern, he did not analyze the true …show more content…

182). Social rejection leads to social isolation and even social ostracism. The deficit in behavioral inhibition lead ADHD students to make choices impulsively and to overreact emotionally (Hallahan et al., 2012, p. 182). Joey’s social relationships have also been impacted by his behavior. He has experienced social rejection and even social isolation. The other students call him Zippy due to his hyperactivity. When moved to the special education classroom, Joey befriends a boy named Harold and meets another friend, Charlie, when sent to the special education center. Making new friends with others that also have disabilities gave them something in common. In addition to ADHD, Joey also experienced some emotional issues. According to Hallahan, Kauffman, and Pullen (2012), it is common to have other coexisting conditions with ADHD. Some experiences that impacted Joey’s relationships are his possible exposure to alcohol fetal syndrome since Joey’s mother drank during her pregnancy, verbal and physical abuse by Joey’s grandmother, abandonment by his parents and heredity of ADHD passed from his father and grandmother. Strong evidence links neurological dysfunction, rather than actual brain damage to ADHD while heredity also plays a very strong role in causing neurological dysfunction (Hallahan

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