That is a sad situation to be put in. I agree that it is almost completely the parents doing. They have actually passively encouraged that type of behavior by actively ignoring it, at least thats the way it seems to most kids, even more so to those with ADD.

There are plenty of people (adults even) with ADD out there that are just fine. My little sister (freshman in HS) has ADD bad, but my parents work with her. My wife had ADHD as a kid and that's even worse, and she turned out OK in the end.

If you do end up having to spend a lot of time with him, just be patient and remember that its not entirely his fault.

my $0.02

spiffy