AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common mental health disorders seen in childhood. Studies estimate that between 3-7% of all children have AD/HD: approximately 2 million children in the USA alone, or one child in every classroom.
The main symptoms seen in this condition are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, however, it's important to note that not all children with AD/HD have hyperactivity. Many have the inattentive sub-type; these are the children who are often over-looked because they rarely present with behavioral problems. Rather, they are the dreamers who find it difficult to pay attention and who may instead, seem withdrawn or even depressed. It is far more likely that the hyperactive, impulsive children are identified in school for their acting out behaviors. Often times, teachers will report to the families that an evaluation for AD/HD may be indicated.
What should you do if you think your child might have AD/HD?
? Have your pediatrician give your child a complete physical to rule out any possible medical condition that can mimic AD/HD symptoms. Some children with chronic allergies, for example, simply cannot focus.
? If your child is given a clean bill of health, discuss your concerns with your child's teacher. Find out how your child is behaving in school. Some questions to ask would be:
- Is he completing homework assignments?
- Is he paying attention in class
- Is she able to make friends easily?
- Does she have materials (books, paper, pencils) handy, or do they often get lost?
- Is he getting to class on time?
Keep in mind that many children with AD/HD can do well in school and often excel in structured environments. It often isn't until the later school years- often middle school- that these children "hit the wall" and can no longer keep up. It is imperative that interventions be carried out to avoid failures.
? Note your child's behaviors at home. Does he seem more immature than other children his age? Does he have a hard time following directions? Sitting at the dinner table?
If you feel that your child exhibits many of the traits of AD/HD, then it's time to get evaluated. Schools should have psychologists on staff who can offer testing. However, many parents prefer to go for an outside evaluation. Some pediatricians feel capable of evaluating AD/HD, but many child psychologists, psychiatrists and neurologists have special training to help decipher which behaviors could indeed be AD/HD and which might be something else, such as depression, anxiety or a learning disability.
My Child Has AD/HD: Now What?
If you find that your child does, indeed have AD/HD, it's important to educate yourself as much as possible. There are numerous books on the subject. Consulting with a mental health professional to help you with the many challenges AD/HD can present, is invaluable. Finding support by attending local groups such as CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) also are immensely helpful in not only learning more about AD/HD, but also to connect with other families who are struggling.
Since the treatment of AD/HD often includes parenting strategies, it is imperative that you work with a professional to help you learn new techniques to not only help manage your child's behavior, but to also help him learn organizing strategies, homework management, social skills and more.
Treatment also often includes medication to help quiet the hyperactivity and impulsivity and/or improve attention. Many parents are reluctant to give their child medications, but stimulants (the most common and beneficial medication for AD/HD) are safe when given as directed. Still, all parents have concerns. Here are some questions to ask your doctor to help you in making the decision as to whether medication is right for your child:
? What are the risks vs benefits?
? What side effects might I observe?
? Which medications will work best for my child?
? What options do I have if I don't want to use medications for my child?
? How will I know if the medications are working?
School Issues
Since AD/HD usually impedes a child's performance in school, it is essential to work closely with teachers and staff so that your child can perform her best. Many with AD/HD qualify for special help. If the AD/HD is getting in the way of academic or social success, you can request accommodations or even special education services. In order to receive such services, you will need to have a letter from the professional who diagnosed your child. If the school psychologist administered the evaluation and found your child eligible for special help, discuss your concerns with her to see what sort of support your child needs and is entitled to in school.
Some AD/HD accommodations often include:
? Having your child sit closer to the teacher
? Keeping your child away from distractions, such as the door leading to the hallway, windows, noisy classmates
? Having a note taker, especially if your child has poor handwriting skills
? Having assignments written on the blackboard
? Asking the teacher to check for homework when your child arrives at school to eliminate the possibility of his losing it
? Have teacher maintain frequent eye contact
? Break down assignments and instructions into smaller chunks
? Give your child extra time to take tests and complete assignments
? Allow for your child to work in a quieter area of the room, as needed
? Get help with organizing books, papers, backpack, desk, locker, etc
All in all, AD/HD is a highly treatable condition and with the right support, most children will thrive and enjoy success personally, socially and academically.
Terry Matlen, MSW, ACSW, is a psychotherapist and consultant in Birmingham, Michigan specializing in AD/HD in adults. She is the author of "Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD".
Terry is the director of http://www.addconsults.com, an online AD/HD eClinic and http://www.addconsults.com. She serves on the board of directors of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA),
A popular presenter at local and national conferences, Terry has a passion for raising awareness of the special challenges for women with AD/HD and the unique issues parents face when both they and their children have AD/HD.
bathroom cleaning service Lincolnshire ..Child care costs are are one of the most expensive... Read More
The school holidays are a great time for the kids,... Read More
Vinegar or honey, what do kids really want? "Toys, candy,... Read More
Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More
The citizens of the early Roman Republic enjoyed an education... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Is your weekly shopping trip with the kids an absolute... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
recurring housekeeping Des Plaines ..Memorizing math facts is a necessary part of elementary school.... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More
Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
This past holiday season Canadians spent over $45 billion-with parents... Read More
This may come as a surprise, but many parents are... Read More
What Children Look for in a Friend?Is this child fun... Read More
Blink. That's all we did, blink, and summer is ending... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
We all want to comfort our children after they suffer... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
Did you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
Parenting |