I'm loving this more and more.

[Leo656]

My problem is that that list of symptoms described literally every kid I knew growing up, including myself, to various degrees. It can be almost like "seasonal depression"; lots of people get to feeling down when it gets dark at 4pm and it's freezing cold outside; not all of them need to take pills to "fix" it. Some do.

I know for a fact some people do have ADD/ADHD; a few of my friends' kids have it, some of them fairly severe, and it's pretty obvious they're not quite like everyone else. I also know a lot of people who were diagnosed yet show none of the compulsive symptoms; some of them were just really hyperactive kids or teens but otherwise totally normal. They like the pills, because heck, who doesn't like amphetamines, but some have admitted to me they really feel like they were misdiagnosed "because the medication made it easier for their parents and teachers to handle them". There's certain "tics" that often distinguish between the actual disorder, certain compulsive behaviors the person afflicted really can't control.

The problem is that pretty much any doctor can give a diagnosis of ADHD, but many of them aren't actually able to properly test for it in the first place. So it becomes a kind of "catch-all" diagnosis, which is problematic because there is a distinction between those who really have it, those who have it to a lesser degree, and kids who are just hyperactive. For one thing, seeing people who have been diagnosed yet appear perfectly normal makes others completely disbelieve in it, which is why it's so controversial.

It's real, but it's over-diagnosed. And some of Mikey's behaviors go beyond it; I think the writers just use it as a catch-all to explain all his quirky and less-than-bright behaviors, and everything in between. And frankly, he would have been self-diagnosed anyway, which means nothing. What doctor, honestly, would ever have tested and diagnosed him? WebMD? Doesn't count. I think the writers just decided to make him "a type" and play it really aggressively, adding the ADHD description as a way to avoid criticism.

[BabyTurtles]

Originally Posted by Leo656

My problem is that that list of symptoms described literally every kid I knew growing up, including myself, to various degrees. It can be almost like "seasonal depression"; lots of people get to feeling down when it gets dark at 4pm and it's freezing cold outside; not all of them need to take pills to "fix" it. Some do.

I know for a fact some people do have ADD/ADHD; a few of my friends' kids have it, some of them fairly severe, and it's pretty obvious they're not quite like everyone else. I also know a lot of people who were diagnosed yet show none of the compulsive symptoms; some of them were just really hyperactive kids or teens but otherwise totally normal. They like the pills, because heck, who doesn't like amphetamines, but some have admitted to me they really feel like they were misdiagnosed "because the medication made it easier for their parents and teachers to handle them". There's certain "tics" that often distinguish between the actual disorder, certain compulsive behaviors the person afflicted really can't control.

The problem is that pretty much any doctor can give a diagnosis of ADHD, but many of them aren't actually able to properly test for it in the first place. So it becomes a kind of "catch-all" diagnosis, which is problematic because there is a distinction between those who really have it, those who have it to a lesser degree, and kids who are just hyperactive. For one thing, seeing people who have been diagnosed yet appear perfectly normal makes others completely disbelieve in it, which is why it's so controversial.

It's real, but it's over-diagnosed. And some of Mikey's behaviors go beyond it; I think the writers just use it as a catch-all to explain all his quirky and less-than-bright behaviors, and everything in between. And frankly, he would have been self-diagnosed anyway, which means nothing. What doctor, honestly, would ever have tested and diagnosed him? WebMD? Doesn't count. I think the writers just decided to make him "a type" and play it really aggressively, adding the ADHD description as a way to avoid criticism.

yea they made me crazy hyper XD
(and I love it! Mikey is fun to watch lol)

but just like Raph is learning to control his temper during fights....Mikey seriously needs to learn how to focus in on the situation
we have seen him do it...and when he does he's awesome!

but we haven't had a "Splinter talk" with Mikey yet.....so maybe next season we will get some much needed character growth from Mikey :3

[Leo656]

I do think this show is focusing at least a little bit on character development. I'm betting each of them grows and changes a bit between now and the end. At least it seems like it and I hope so.

I'm a little sensitive to the ADD/ADHD debate because my wife was misdiagnosed when she was younger and the pills gave her all kinds of problems. She has no problem paying attention to things or understanding them, if anything she's shown a marked improvement in the decade-plus she's been OFF the meds. She has a short attention span for things like conversation, but she can sit through a four-hour movie no problem and remember it perfectly. Stuff like math she was never great at, but lots of people aren't. Turns out it was more or less, her parents thought she was a pest when she was a young teen and had her diagnosed so they could put her on pills and get her out of their hair (I've since met their doctor and he's the kind who just gives people what they ask for). Her mom is the type who thinks there's a pill for every one of life's problems, so it's easy to see why they did it. But she had bad mood swings and trouble sleeping when she was taking the pills.

[BabyTurtles]

Originally Posted by Leo656

I do think this show is focusing at least a little bit on character development. I'm betting each of them grows and changes a bit between now and the end. At least it seems like it and I hope so.

I'm a little sensitive to the ADD/ADHD debate because my wife was misdiagnosed when she was younger and the pills gave her all kinds of problems. She has no problem paying attention to things or understanding them, if anything she's shown a marked improvement in the decade-plus she's been OFF the meds. She has a short attention span for things like conversation, but she can sit through a four-hour movie no problem and remember it perfectly. Stuff like math she was never great at, but lots of people aren't. Turns out it was more or less, her parents thought she was a pest when she was a young teen and had her diagnosed so they could put her on pills and get her out of their hair (I've since met their doctor and he's the kind who just gives people what they ask for). Her mom is the type who thinks there's a pill for every one of life's problems, so it's easy to see why they did it. But she had bad mood swings and trouble sleeping when she was taking the pills.

I was bad at math (still am) and wander into my mind when someone is talking to me. (it's actually an awesome ability! especially when you don't care for what they are talking about)
and I'm bad at instructions. XD I was also hyper as a kid (I'm still hyper)

but my parents never thought I had ADHD or something. (probably cause my little brother was 100 times worse) XD

but yea...some kids even teens are just hyper it's got nothing to do with ADHD or ADD.....doctors should be careful with that..giving pills out like that is bad.

Mikey on the other hand...doesn't need pills...but seriously needs some practice listening XD

[Cure]

Originally Posted by MsMarvelDuckie

Again- it wasn't the passing out part- it was the fact that he couldn't even retain a set of basic instructions! Not even for ten minutes! Geez, do I have to paint a picture?!

But he did retain them, so your point is even more non-existent now. He followed them to the tee, while under duress no less.

[Leo656]

Some people might think I have some tic, because sometimes I avoid eye contact when I'm listening to someone. The truth is, if it's something really important, it's just easier for me to really let their words sink in if I'm not subconsciously studying their facial features, if I'm *really listening* and not *looking*. Weird, I know. Part of me is always trying to sketch people in my mind.

[Technogeek29]

Originally Posted by Leo656

Some people might think I have some tic, because sometimes I avoid eye contact when I'm listening to someone. The truth is, if it's something really important, it's just easier for me to really let their words sink in if I'm not subconsciously studying their facial features, if I'm *really listening* and not *looking*. Weird, I know. Part of me is always trying to sketch people in my mind.

I've actually found I focus better when my attention wanders. Keeping focus and my line of sight glued to you 100% makes it easy for me to day dream and easily ignore anything you say, I found my niece to be the same way as well. Her teachers thought she suffered from ADHD but learned she is paying attention and is just incredibly bored with what isn't particularly interesting. Till this day they insist she is cheating on her test and keep trying to find ways to get her in trouble. Jokes on them, the Principal is quite aware of her habits and quirks.

[HeroTurtlesFan]

I too love this series. A couple of things I find it has done so well:

* Splinter's sense of humour. Love his characterisation, and interaction with the Turtles.

* My 4 year old and 6 year old sons LOVE this. Independently of anything I might like about it. So, for a cartoon to appeal both to young children on some level and a 33 year old (kid at heart) is major kudos to the creators.

* Turtle personalities. Donnie gets a little annoying, but I've no complaint about the others, not even Mikey. He's rather amusing.

There's loads more, but these things immediately came to mind when reading through this thread.

[MogwaiNinja89]

Man, I didn't mean for this post to go off the rails so much in regards to Mike and his intelligence!

[Redeemer]

Originally Posted by BabyTurtles

New friend old enemy:
4) Mikey thinks the word “Wrong” starts with R

no just no, if you dont know that then english is not your first language then or you are mentally disabled..... I am sorry that is just bad.

[Powder]

You've had pretty bad grammar before, despite the fact you're into some serious schooling. What does that say about you?

[Shark_Blade]

Let's everybody chill out and accept Mikey for what he is, flaws and all.

[Cure]

Originally Posted by Powder

You've had pretty bad grammar before, despite the fact you're into some serious schooling. What does that say about you?

So much this.

[Anarchistguy]

Originally Posted by ObiWanFan4life

Well, it is only the FIRST Season, and hopefully as the show progresses, this will become a less prominent issue.

That's highly unlikely in my opinion. If there's one thing I've learned about TV, is that if a stupid character is funny, chances are that they ll make said character even dumber as the show evolves.

Look at Homer Simpson, Peter Griffin, Spongebob and Patrick and Heffer from Rocko's Modern Life. Those characters started off as not too bright but as their respective shows went on, they devolved into complete retards.

And this TMNT incaranation as awesome as it is, is still a Nicktoon. So yeah
...

[BubblyShell22]

I have to disagree with you as Greg Cipes even said in an interview that Mikey will grow more as a character as the show progresses.

[Anarchistguy]

I ll guess we ll have to wait and see...

[kelligrafie]

Originally Posted by NinjaMan

That is truly one of the worst shows on TV, along with Avengers Assemble. To the original poster, glad you enjoy the show. It's already knocked 87 show down to 2nd place for me.

YOU HEATHEN!!!!

Nah... me too.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

The 2003 cartoon is the best for me because of good writing and expanding on the Mirage storyline. However, I think the 2012 cartoon has knocked 87 down to 'third'. I still love the 87 cartoon but the 12 cartoon knows when to take itself seriously (for the most part). The jokes don't involve fourth wall breaking and constantly having the turtles act like superheroes. Next Mutation will ALWAYS be in last place!

[Donatello19]

Originally Posted by HeroTurtlesFan

Donnie gets a little annoying

[BabyTurtles]

Originally Posted by Donatello19

I like high-strung Donnie! he's amusing to watch!

before I didn't even notice Donnie that much.