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Jamie Cavanaugh has a problem. She's different. Everyone says she's going too fast. 'Slow down!' say her parents. 'Pay attention!' say her teachers; but Jamie just can't calm down. She spends so much time in the principal's office, she practically lives there. But perhaps her 'speediness' is not a problem; maybe it's a super power that she can use to defend her friend Max against the school bully, Rock. Nope; she's in more trouble than ever, and when everyone turns against her, her parents are at the end of their rope. Fortunately help arrives when a school counselor sends Jamie to a doctor and she is diagnosed as having Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Her parents begin to understand that Jamie has a learning disability, but the struggle to find the right combination of drugs to control it is anything but simple and that process tests Jamie's courage and strength of character to the limit.

The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh explores, with humour, insight and compassion, the hurt and confusion of being different when you can't help it and the power of facing up to your problems even when others don't seem to understand. ADHD begins in childhood and has only recently been understood and properly recognized in children as a health condition, rather than a behaviour problem. The champion in this play is a positive role model for young people with ADHD in a remarkable play that will promote greater empathy and understanding around learning disabilities among teachers and students alike.

THEMES

• Being different
• Accepting yourself for who you are
• Learning disabilities & special abilities
• Empathy & understanding for others
• Bullying
• Standing up for your friends
• Having the courage to face life challenges and difficulties
• Character education
• Working together to understand and demystify ADHD

Photos:  Madeleine Donohue, Emma Hunter, Andrew Moodie, Aaron Willis
Video:  Madeleine Donohue, Emma Hunter, Andrew Moodie, John Cleland