Coun. Terina Shaw will not face any sanctions to address “disruptive behaviour” following an ethics complaint submitted to the city’s integrity commissioner.
While reading from a prepared statement, the Ward 7 councillor explained to city council Sept. 14 that she suffers from ADD and a brain injury. She said that this is the cause of her past behaviour in council that has led to clashes with other councillors.
“I have never wanted to speak of this in a public format. But I see now the scrutiny I have faced since being elected, with the words that I say and behaviour that sometimes is taken as disrespectful,” said Shaw.
“I’m not ashamed, nor do I ever want to use this as an excuse. I tell people so they can understand me and my behaviour, my impulsiveness. I frustrate easily. I say things without stopping and thinking.”
Registered Psychologist (Provisional), Elizabeth Hove, works with individuals with neurodivergencies, such as ADHD. She says that ADD is actually ADHD.
“There are three types (of ADHD): primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and then a combination,” she says.
Hove is not connected to Shaw, but thinks that in the case of Shaw, her ADD diagnosis could instead be referencing ADHD primarily inattentive or a combination. Previously, ADD was a separate diagnosis from ADHD.
“Primarily inattentive would be failing to pay close attention to details. Easily distracted. You think the person with ADHD is listening to you and they might not be,” says Hove. “You might not notice those individuals as much as you do hyperactive/impulsive type.”
Shaw has not responded for comment by the publishing of this article.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition is the primary diagnostic tool for ADHD. It says that ADHD primarily inattentive presents symptoms in the form of being easily distracted or having low attention, difficulty with instructions and organization, and forgetfulness. It also lists ADHD hyperactive-impulsive as having symptoms such as difficulty waiting for an individual waiting their turn or interrupting others.
The ethics complaint was submitted in March by Coun. Andrew Stevens (Ward 3), focusing on alleged disruptive comments made in the Zoom chat function during a Jan. 19 meeting. Shaw criticized Coun. Shannon Zachidniak (Ward 8) for the length of her comments made during a question and answer period.
Shaw said that in reflecting after that meeting, she reached out to Zachidniak to apologize for her disruptions. She said that they have since worked to improve their relationship.
“I did not want anything that I said taken in the wrong way. The political world that I live in now, I am judged with every word I say, I never get a do-over,” said Shaw.
Shaw said to council that she has difficulty coping with her impulsivity and stress but does use some strategies to help her.
“I have questions and I want them answered quickly. I’ve spoken with my doctor who suggested I have all my questions written down beforehand. I’ve communicated this with my communication specialist who has agreed to help me moving forward,” said Shaw.
