What Parents Can Do To Help An ADHD Child

No doubt that, as a parent, being told that your youngster is an ADHD child will unleash a torrent of often conflicting emotions within you.

You may feel that things have suddenly become a little 'skewed', and that you are no longer in charge of your life or that of your child, either.

You will perhaps feel a terrible, but nevertheless natural, surge of sadness, frustration and remorse.

In some ways, you will probably even blame yourself for the fact that your child has been diagnosed an ADHD child.

In the midst of all of these conflicting feelings and emotions however, it is very important not to lose sight of one crucial fact.

That is, it is not the end of the world and that the fact that your child is now 'officially' an ADHD child does not change them or your one jot!

You must accept the fact that many, many kids that are diagnosed with ADHD (or the associated ADD) will ultimately be seen to have gifts and talents that far outweigh their 'disability'!

There are quite a few ways in which you can help your ADHD child to nurture and utilize his (or her) 'special' talents, and thus deal with ADHD.

The first and perhaps most critical step is to know exactly what it is that you are dealing with, by doing your research and becoming familiar with everything there is to know about ADHD.

Quite simply, the more that you know about what being an ADHD child means to your youngster, the more you will be able to help them. You will be better equipped to help your child, and understand their particular problems.

You would also be able to teach yourself about some of the more popular or common ADHD treatments, and be better prepared to face whatever might happen next. In this way, you can position yourself to help your ADHD child to cope better with their situation, to teach them more about their condition, and to answer any questions or queries that they might have.

Being informed will be useful in readying you to work with your child's medical professional to try to manage their disorder successfully, too.

In consultation with your Doctor, you will also have to give very serious consideration as to whether you can accept having your child medicated. This will obviously depend on several factors, such as the degree and severity of your ADHD child's 'affliction', and will also be decided at least to some extent by your own individual opinion.

At the end of the day, such a decision is an entirely personal one that only you can make.

Some parents have maintained that the administration of drugs or medicines give their ADHD child the best chance of leading as normal a life as possible and that, therefore, such drugs are a good option.

For others, medication is a very definite 'last resort', something to which they really do not want to turn until all else fails.

However, no matter which path you should choose to take, you need to make that decision based on knowledge and certainty, rather than on guesswork!

Even if you should decide that using medications is the right way for you and your child to go, you should not lose sight of the fact that you still need to manage your ADHD child's behavior as well.

By teaching them the basics of what constitutes acceptable behavior and what does not, you will prepare your child for life, teaching them the skills that they will need in order to become efficient and productive in later years.

The strategies, plans and rules that your child must adhere to must come from you. It is absolutely crucial that a children suffering from ADHD has clearly defined limits set on their actions and that they must be taught to adhere to those guidelines.

You must be willing to encourage your child at all times, no matter how difficult their behavior may sometimes become. You should be their strongest supporter, and provide them with everything that they might need to succeed.

Whether they are at home or in school, it is your job to help your child to grow into a confident, self-assured and happy person.

Rather than focusing or concentrating on the negative side of them being an ADHD child, you should strive to recognize their potential and try to help them to do the same. Make sure that they are always aware of the extent to which you value and love them.

An ADHD child is often susceptible to some degree of depression and low self-worth, so you need to be aware of, and prepared for this eventuality.

You must be ready and able to take the necessary actions to deal with this situation, never forgetting, of course, that you can always seek expert help should the situation demand it.

Finally, is at all possible, never allow either yourself or your ADHD child to become isolated and cut-off from others. If possible, seek out and join a good support group to meet and interact with others in the same situation as you.

It is very often true that sharing a problem does lessen its burden upon you, and the advice that you can get from a parent who has been through a similar situation to yours is probably the best advice you can ever hope to receive.

Do not be mislead into thinking that having an ADHD child in the home is the end of the world.

Do not allow yourself to treat it as such, and the quality of life for both you and your ADHD child will be immeasurably enhanced.

The author has compiled a FREE handbook of some of the best writings about ADHD from the last ten years, and you can access your personal copy from [http://www.SteveCowan.com/ADHD/book.html] He also analyzes the #1 ADHD Management Program on the net at [http://www.SteveCowan.com/ADHD] and blogs on ADHD & ADD related matters at http://SteveCowan.com/add

Inattentive ADHD: 11 Signs Your Child May Have It

If your child is struggling with ADHD, as a parent you are struggling also... to understand... to evaluate...to cope... to find solutions... to advocate... and to make important decisions about how to best protect and help your son or daughter. There are a host of strategies, some more controversial than others, that parents may want to consider to deal with ADHD. But the first step is to learn more about what it is, and then confirm if this is what your child actually has.

What is ADHD?

It is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to poor school/work performance, poor social relationships and a general feeling of low self esteem. ADD / ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a very real condition that is characterized by poor attention and distractibility and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. At issue is how the brain sends and receives information.

The brain is made up of millions of interconnecting nerve cells called neurons, which need to communicate with each other for us to function. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry messages back and forth between neurons. Dopamine, for example, is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate behavior. If you are missing adequate amounts of dopamine, neurons in the frontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for attention, do not communicate effectively. In ADHD, there is something funky going on with this necessary inter- cell communication. Some evidence suggests ADHD may be caused by a genetic deficiency of specific neurotransmitters. It is also believed that the neuron receptors that recognize dopamine don't work properly in people with ADHD.

So in practical terms, you could say that these kids' brains have a processing problem, where mental commands like "focus", "store information", "evaluate", or "don't act" get lost in translation. The result is a frustrating disconnect between their intelligence...and their achievement; their character...and their behavior.

ADHD is often first detected when a child enters school, because attention and behavior issues stand out more in this structured setting. Imagine a classroom with several kids who can't sit still, who never seem to listen, who don't follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Although they are often very bright, articulate, artistic and creative, or excel in sports...Hyper active kids are typically described as bouncing off the wall, disruptive, disobedient, disrespectful, or troublemakers. They may have trouble sitting still or waiting their turn. Their impulsive behaviors may lead them to "act before thinking". Their short attention span and distractibility become more noticeable. And their social relationships, grades and schoolwork, start rapidly going downhill as they fall further and further behind.

So far we've described the most common and easy-to-recognize face of ADHD. But what about a lesser known, less obvious, but equally debilitating version of this disability:

Inattentive, or "Winnie the Pooh" ADHD

If Hyper active kids are the "squeaky wheel that gets the grease", Inattentive kids are the "invisible silent sufferers" of ADHD. They both share the same deficiency of neurotransmitters...their brains both have a processing problem...they both have disconnects between their potential and their performance. But how this manifests itself outwardly is literally, like night and day.

Unlike Hyperactive children, Inattentive ADHD kids are usually described as well behaved, quiet and introverted, "space cadets" who are often in their own world, slow, lazy, irresponsible, easily bored, socially awkward, and sometimes helpless. They don't draw negative reaction, appear to be paying attention, have trouble speaking up for themselves, and so are overlooked and often undiagnosed. Though this type of ADHD is thought to occur more often in girls; boys can have it too. My son does.

If Hyperactive Kids are "Indiscriminate Fire on All Cylinders", Inattentive Kids are "Failure to Launch".

Normally, the brain's prefrontal cortex will speed upactivity when there is work to concentrate on. However, with Inattentive ADHD the prefrontal cortex actually slows downwhen asked to focus on work like reading or doing homework. This part of the brain looks normal when "at rest," but actually looks like it is starting to fall asleep when asked to "go to work." Look at it this way; when it's time to pay attention the Inattentive child's brain sends a command to "stick and stay", but instead receives permission to "wander away".

This has been documented and observed hundreds of times with subjects on an EEG. When at rest, the brainwave activity is pretty normal. But once the subject is asked to read, or to do a math worksheet, the subject's brainwave activity begins to look like the subject is falling asleep. And often times they do fall asleep! This makes it very hard to pay attention to school work, get homework done, listen to the teacher, clean your room, and basically "remain on task".

How to Recognize A Child with Inattentive ADHD

My son Gabriel had always been popular (if somewhat shy and reserved), well liked by his teachers, and an honor roll student in an academically demanding school. He was obsessed with, and a master at, all manner of fast paced computer games. Then, in 3rd grade, inexplicably, he crashed and burned.

Not to overstate it, it was one of the worst years of his and my life. Suddenly he couldn't seem to keep up...fell further and further behind...began to think of himself as stupid...started to dread school and homework...refused to even try...and just wanted to mentally drop out. His Dad thought it was "just a phase" and I was overreacting. His teacher thought Gabriel was sweet, but a little slow and disorganized. Since 1st grade I had felt a growing concern that something was amiss (Gabriel's handwriting, verbal skills, comprehension, and standardized test scores were not where I thought they should be). But his teachers thought I was worried unnecessarily, and since he appeared to be doing well, I pushed my misgivings aside. That is, until 3rd grade where, suddenly, he began this painful and catastrophic nosedive.

Bewildered and anxious, I searched high and low for answers until I finally pieced together enough information to realize that Inattentive ADHD was the root of Gabriel's difficulties. Do any or all of the following characteristics describe your child?

11 Signs Your Child Might have Inattentive ADHD

Becomes overwhelmed easily; can only concentrate on one thing at a time.
Has trouble starting and/or finishing tasks (often forgets to do homework, family chores, may take "forever" to finish homework).
May daydream while getting dressed in the morning; fixed stare may mask wandering mind.
Is distracted by internal thoughts and external stimuli. (The brain can be on 16 channels, but the body appears exhausted.)
Is easily bored...does not like to read...seems "hypnotized" by the hyper stimulation of fast action video games and TV shows
Has a lethargic and apathetic appearance; even when the person thinks fast, he fatigues quickly; is often called lazy and unmotivated.
Does not get needs met in the classroom because he or she doesn't disrupt others; tends to be quiet, shy or withdrawn resulting in cognitive deficits getting overlooked.
Has social skills problems (may be quiet, withdrawn, or possibly shy; has trouble with small talk and figuring out rules of social interaction; has a problem reading social cues; tends to be lonely and aloof). Unfortunately, this passivity can cause the person to be an attractive target for bullies.
Does not perform up to potential; is slow at processing; appears confused or stressed; has difficulty with synthesizing and organizing ideas; is slow responding to questions.
Is repeatedly rescued; uses learned helplessness and passive manipulation; feels powerless; becomes chronically dependent.
Could be on an emotional roller coaster (anxious, depressed, explosive temper, grumpy, sarcastic, rude, or abrupt).

OMG. Looking at this compiled list of typical behaviors I finally understoodwhat was going on with my son. It was so accurate it was almost scary. I tried to enroll his teacher's help, and she listened and nodded politely, but didn't have a clue what I was talking about. I went to his guidance counselors. They advised me that the fastest way for them to intervene and help was for me to get a formal diagnosis from his pediatrician.

If You Suspect Inattentive ADHD, Have Your Child Evaluated and Diagnosed.

These are tests that are commonly used to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD.

Parent-completed Child Behavior Checklist
Teacher Report Form (TRF) of the Child Behavior Checklist
Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scales
ADD-H: Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale
Barkley Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ)
Barkley School Situations Questionnaire (SSQ)

My son had the Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive Skills test and an evaluation by his pediatrician. While I had conflicted feelings about placing such a potentially negative label on my son, I was relieved to finally have a real medical diagnosis. With this in hand, I was able to tap into help and resources previously unavailable at his school. And at last I could begin to come up with a viable plan to help my son manage and meet the considerable challenges of Inattentive ADHD head on.

ADHD Being Misdiagnosed - How to Stop This From Happening to Your Child

ADHD being misdiagnosed is a hot topic among parents and teachers these days. Statistics say that any given elementary classroom will have one to three ADHD students. This is overwhelming for parents and teachers who deal with the effects of ADHD in the classroom, on the playground, and in the home. But are these statistics accurate, or are they due to misdiagnosis?

When a child is overly active, can't pay attention, and doesn't listen well, there is a trend in our nation that causes parents, teachers, and even doctors to jump to ADHD as the root cause of the problem. Whether ADHD being misdiagnosed is because it is a very publicized condition, because it is easily medicated, or because there actually are more children now who have ADHD than there were thirty years ago, this is a real problem.

One solution to the problem of this disorder being misdiagnosed lies in education. Many teachers and parents are unaware of other conditions and disabilities that may look like ADHD on the surface, and educating these people about these other conditions may help them separate the real cases of ADHD from the other conditions masquerading as ADHD.

Because teachers and parents are instrumental in getting a child diagnosed with ADHD in the first place, they need to know what the symptoms of ADHD are and what the other conditions that are similar to ADHD look like. To avoid ADHD being misdiagnosed in a child you care about, you should know the following information:

ADHD Symptoms

The symptoms of ADHD include:

Being unable to pay attention during even short tasks.
Rarely being able to follow directions.
Having trouble finishing assignments and other tasks.
Procrastinating often.
Jumping from one activity to the next without finishing things.
Being unable to follow a normal conversation.
Not being able to play quiet or calm games.
Being unable to sit still for more than a few minutes at a time.
Running around and climbing on things at the wrong time.
Making rash decisions.
Talking too much.
Other Conditions that May Look Like ADHD

The following are just some disorders and conditions that can appear to be ADHD:

Childhood Depression - An inability to pay attention and finish tasks is one symptom of both ADHD and depression.
Some forms of Autism - Aspergers children, in particular, may look ADHD on the surface, but they are distracted by interior rather than exterior stimuli.
Auditory Processing Disorder - Children who can't understand what you're saying will seem to be acting up even when they don't mean to.
Dyslexia and other Learning Disorders - Children who get frustrated because they can't complete their homework may be misdiagnosed with ADHD, as well.
Tourette's Syndrome - Tourette's and ADHD have many common symptoms and are actually closely linked genetically.

These aren't the only conditions that might be the cause of ADHD being misdiagnosed, and it often takes lots of time and tests to determine whether or not a child has any one of these disorders. The best way, though, to avoid is to know your child inside and out and to help him or her control ADHD-like symptoms in safe, natural ways.

One way to control ADHD-like symptoms, even if they are caused by another condition or disorder, is to put your child on a regimen of all-natural homeopathic remedies. Because ADHD and some other childhood disorders are thought to be caused or exacerbated by chemical imbalances and dietary deficits, this type of all-natural treatment for children will help your child with concentration, impulse control, and hyperactivity. A good homeopathic remedy will contain Verta alb, Hyoscyamus, and Arsen iod to help in each of these areas. Ensure any homeopathic remedy you purchase has been approved by a qualified homeopath.

While parenting can be overwhelming at times, especially if you think your child may be suffering from a disorder like ADHD, doing your own independent research can help to ensure your child is not misdiagnosed. And do try to breath easier knowing you can even take steps before a diagnosis to help reduce the ADHD symptoms.

Shannon Pollock is a passionate advocate of natural health remedies who has been researching their use for many years. Find out more about some of the most effective treatments for ADHD on her site, Natural Health Remedies and More.

ADHD Medication - Is it the Right Choice For Your Child?

If you are like me, when you first heard about ADHD medication, you were very concerned about giving it to your child. ADHD is an issue that a rapidly growing number of families are facing in the western world. They have experienced the stress and frustration that accompanies ADHD and are looking for the best solution for their child-one that is both safe and effective. Many choose medicine for ADHD, but a growing number of families are choosing to address ADHD issues from a natural approach.

Typically when a doctor diagnoses ADHD in an individual, he will immediately recommend stimulant ADHD medication. Doctors will tell you that children with ADHD make a complete turn around in school. For many children, it is true that grades and behavior improve when a child begins taking medicine for ADHD. The conflicts decrease, and grades increase, but at what cost.

It is unbelievable to me how little a doctor will discuss the importance of sleep and nutrition to a child with ADHD. Some professionals believe that 80% to 90% of ADHD issues are due to poor nutrition. Since most medicine for ADHD actually acts as an appetite suppressant, it may only make things worse.

The result is that a child who was very likely a picky eater in the first place, now almost stops eating completely. And what he does eat is usually void of nutrition. Most of the families I am familiar with whose children take ADHD medication have had serious weight loss issues to deal with soon after beginning medication. The solution the doctor often gives is to provide the child with protein shakes as often as they will drink them. Some children become malnourished to the point of developing physical health problems.

The other major problem with ADHD medication is that it is a stimulant and thus the primary side effect is that it affects sleep pattens. Many people take this same type of medication to stay awake through the night if studying for exams or driving all night. And because of the addictive nature of medicine for ADHD, it is a controlled substance.

With these problems associated with ADHD medication, what is the best way to address ADHD? To begin with, make sure your child is getting adequate amounts of sleep. Children typically need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep each night.

If they are having problems falling asleep, as many children with ADHD do, there are many natural herbal products that can help. Also removing as much sugar and red dye from the diet as possible will usually help. All children will benefit from getting more sleep, and most will show great improvement in ADHD symptoms. Medicine for ADHD will almost always decrease the amount of sleep a child gets.

Because ADHD medication is an appetite suppressant, your child's nutritional intake will drop off and they will not receive the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are so important to brain development. Before trying medication, see to it that your child is getting balanced nutrition. Begin each day with protein and avoid the empty carbs. A breakfast of waffles and syrup is a recipe for disaster while a breakfast of mostly protein and whole grains will help improve focus and concentration.

Lastly, instead of turning to medicine for ADHD, supplement the diet with a broad based nutritional supplement to provide what is missing in the diet. The importance of vitamins and minerals cannot be overstated.

Also target the specific type of ADHD with natural products. If the main symptom your child displays is hyperactivity, you may want to look into some herbal ingredients that have a calming effect. Herbs such as ginkgo help the brain receive more nutrients from the blood, thus improving concentration and behavior.

There you have it. Skip the ADHD medication until you have tried a more holistic, natural approach. Remember, the decision is yours, not the doctor's. Try various things to improve the amount of sleep and the quality of nutrition your child is getting. You will also find that natural remedies are very effective and can provide quick results. Following this plan will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you are providing the best and safest treatment for your child with ADHD.

Terry Tobin has been a student of the link between nutrition and behavior for over 8 years. His research led him to finding natural ways of dealing with attention and mood issues in his own life and family. Terry is the editor of Help For ADHD where he shares what he has found to be effective, natural help for ADHD. If you or someone you know is dealing with ADD/ADHD and the behaviors associated with it, then visit Help For ADHD to learn more about effective ways to improve concentration and behavior.

Want to Know How Your Child Can Get ADHD?

Ever thought how a child can get ADHD? Well, it makes sense to know the causes of ADHD in children as it helps identifying the symptoms better and be sure if the child is ADHD affected.

Has your ADHD specialist asked about the family history? If so, well that is one of the first most important questions and also one of the prime causes of ADHD in children. This is because ADHD runs in the family. If any close relative is and ADHD person the chances of the child acquiring it are 5 times more than someone who has no family background when it comes to ADHD. This is especially true if the relatives happen to be the parents or siblings.

Ever thought why stimulant medication contributes in improvement to ADHD? This is mainly because another cause of ADHD relates to the chemicals in the brain. With the help of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, information is passed on to one area to another of the brain, thus, telling it how to work. The neurotransmitters which have an effect on ADHD are norepinephrine and dopamine. It is important to have a balance between the two, this is because excess of norepinephrine results in ADHD symptoms such as agitation, inattention and frustration. While too much of dopamine makes the child stuck with repetitive activities, as they get distracted easily.

Exposure to toxics of different forms, is another cause of ADHD in children. Did you know that a child can be susceptible to ADHD even before he/she is born? Yes, it is and that is also why mothers are told to take care and be off toxic substances during pregnancy. Smoking, alcohol and harmful drugs are just some of the toxic substances which can cause a child to be born with ADHD. It is not only before the child is born, but after also, when the child can be exposed to other harmful substances such as - lead. Lead which is found in old buildings, paints and old machinery can have an adverse effect on the child causing him/her to land up with ADHD.

Another cause of ADHD which is still slightly controversial and deals with the eating habits of children. Today, majority of the children are on a diet of junk food and snacks, which have additives, artificial flavours and sugar or excess sugar like substances. In excess these substances have shown to accelerate ADHD but some researchers suggest that they may also be a cause of ADHD in children.

One of the rarer causes of ADHD are brain injuries. The reason it is rare is because only a traumatic or really severe brain injury can lead to ADHD.

Now since you are aware of how ADHD is caused in children, it well help the parent be more cautious.

Puneet writes a blog about ADHD and helps ADHD sufferers to find new treatments in naturopathy and alternative medicine. If you are looking for a well-researched herbal remedy for ADHD, you may read more.

Introduction To ADHD In Young Child - How To Deal With ADHD Child

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also called "Hyperkinetic Syndrome" in many areas of the world, and on average ADHD is found more commonly in young children than in adults.

HISTORY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY

It is impossible to pinpoint exactly the earliest time when ADHD came into existence, or part another way, when it was readily recorded by the medical profession. The most reliable testimony was first recorded in 1845 by Heinrich Hoffman who had noticed his son had exhibited certain symptoms.

It is impossible to pinpoint exactly the earliest time when ADHD came into existence, or part another way, when it was readily recorded by the medical profession. The most reliable testimony was first recorded in 1845 by Heinrich Hoffman who had noticed his son had exhibited certain symptoms. Because of this, Hoffman created a poem called "The Story of Fidgety Philip" which served as an accurate account of the symptoms of ADHD.

In 1902, Sir George F Still published a series of lectures for viewing and academic study concerning the issue of ADHD, stating that a child with ADHD had a genetic dysfunction, which caused impulsiveness with the child, general hostility and made the child unruly and difficult to discipline.

Approximately 3-5% of all children across the globe who are currently at preschool age currently have ADHD, and according to one recent study, almost 14% of all the children suffering from different psychological disorders are diagnosed with ADHD. Statistically, males are more predisposed to contracting ADHD than females.

ETIOLOGY OF ADHD

ADHD is classed as a developmental neurological disorder due to the fact that is genetically influenced, and inheritable, 20% of all ADHD children are not genetically predisposed which means that the ADHD has subsequently been caused by result of a trauma to the head or exposure to some toxin. It is imperative to note that any complications during the course of a pregnancy or indeed the actual birth itself will very heavily influence the development whether it is actual or potential of ADHD.

Premature births, as well as smoking and or drinking alcohol during pregnancy are all major factors in the course of development of ADHD.

DISORDERS FREQUENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH ADHD

Sadly, a child suffering from ADHD has to bear the burden of not only dealing with ADHD, but other associated depression in child with adhd and conditions all of which can take a major toll on the child. The following is a list of some of the most commonly encountered symptom of adhd in child

LEARNING DISABILITIES:

20-30% of children with ADHD are reported to have learning disabilities, however it should be noted that because of the very nature of ADHD means that learning is limited, so if a child struggles with reading writing or other areas of study this should not present too grave a concern.

TOURETTE SYNDROME:

A small percentage of children with ADHD will have Tourette syndrome as well, a disorder manifested by a number of different tics and twitches, with facial tics the most commonly observed.

OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER:

Between 33-50% of all children who suffer from ADHD will also suffer another associated disorder known as Oppositional defiant disorder. This means that these children will be difficult to control and discipline, will often clash with authority figures and will generally be unruly.

CONDUCT DISORDER: Roughly 30-45% of children who suffer from ADHD wil develop Conduct disorders, meaning that behavior becomes sporadic and inappropriate, with poor impulse control and a propensity to physical aggression.




DYSLEXIA: This is a reading disorder, which hinders and retards the ability of a child with ADHD to properly appreciate and distinguish between similar sounding letters and words. Problems grasping and understanding basic arithmetic and similar looking letters like b,d,m,n,g,q,p are common.




ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: Anxiety and depression tend to manifest themselves when the child with ADHD subsequently attends school, due to a feeling of inferiority and frustration in comparison with their academic abilities as opposed to those of their peers. Usually starts when the child living with ADHD starts going to school. Inability to read, write and compete with other students makes him depressive and anti social.




BIPOLAR DISORDER: There is not a great deal of reliable information that exists for this, though in some cases, bipolar disorder is present in classical form in some patients suffering from ADHD.

Discover how to provide vitamin for child with adhd and prepare child recipe for adhd when you visit http://www.adhdchildparenting.com, a portal which caters for child living with adhd and help for adhd child.

How to Help Your ADHD Child Cope With the Stigma

Are you saying, does a stigma still exist for kids that have ADHD? Absolutely! Many kids are still ashamed to tell anyone that they have ADHD and even more embarrassed if they have to take medications at school! Older children and teenagers that I have seen in therapy often quit taking medications for ADHD because they do not want their friends to find out that they have ADHD or even worse that they have to take medications for it. How can we help our children overcome the stigma that still exists among adults and kids alike when a child or teenager has ADHD. Of course for children, parents, caregivers, and teachers, the best way to cope with the symptoms of ADHD are often a struggle, however a good starting point is how to overcome the stigma of a label or diagnosis of ADHD. There are several steps that can be taken to combat the stigma:

1.) As a parent, the first thing you need to do to reduce the stigma of ADHD, is to not make a big deal about it. Watch and control your reaction about the symptoms of ADHD when they rear their ugly head. You making a big deal about having ADHD or that they have to take medications or an alternative treatment (natural vitamins or therapy) will only increase the challenge that they are already fighting.

2.) Don't tell your child not to tell anyone! This definitely sends the message that having ADHD is something to be embarrassed or ashamed of.

3.) If your child is embarrassed to take medications for ADHD at school then work with your child's pediatrician or psychiatrist on finding a way for your child to take medicines before or right after school. Many children and especially older children and teenagers are embarrassed in front of their friends no matter what you say to them about taking medication.

4.) Remind your child regularly that ADHD is merely a different way of thinking about things and that their brain works differently. Don't treat ADHD as something awful, I have found that ADHD has many positive aspects and treat it as a gift. Do not treat your child differently because they have ADHD and expect less of them, they will act accordingly and will lower their own expectations of themselves.

5.) Determine as a parent whether or not you plan to share a diagnosis of ADHD with your child or teen's school. Parents often differ in this regard on whether or not they want their child's teacher and school to know of an ADHD diagnosis. I highly recommend to parents that they share their child's diagnosis of ADHD with the school and discuss strategies that need to be implemented for your child in the classroom. Your teacher should also not lower his/her expectations for your child. Yes, the ADHD child may have to have a modified curriculum, but it does not mean that they can not learn like everyone else.

6.) Talk openly with your child about an ADHD diagnosis in order to take away the stigma of the diagnosis. Boost their self-confidence and explain how those around them may perceive their ADHD behaviors. Unfortunately, many children at your child's school will discriminate against a child that has ADHD and often because ADHD children struggle socially, they have difficulty making and keeping friends. Encourage your child to particpate in activities that will raise their self-esteem and emphasize their positive attributes. When you see your child doing something good or helpful, point it out.

7.) Encourage your child to be around other children that have similar strengths and weaknesses. ADHD is a common problem and your child may benefit from attending a social skills or an ADHD group with children that are experiencing similar struggles. Psychological treatment is also another option, where your child can learn self-confidence, coping skills, social skills, and parents can learn about how to manage negative behaviors associated with ADHD.

8.) Children and parents need to surround themselves with individuals that are positive and supportive of ADHD. The last thing a child needs to hear is that, "ADHD is not a real diagnosis, it's just an excuse to misbehave." This a very common misconception among the general public and many parents will experience this very thing as will their children.

9.) Lastly, use the resources that are available to you. Discuss with other parents, teachers, family members, or a local or national support group about your child's ADHD. Information for parents and educating those around you about what ADHD is and how it affects your child and adults is the best weapon against the stigma of ADHD. Get your child the help they need at school so that they are NOT discriminated against.

Let's start off this school year the right way and give your child every opportunity to learn and be successful!

Kara T. Tamanini is a licensed psychotherapist at a Christian Counseling Center and has worked as a therapist with children/adolescents for many years. She is the founder of Kids Awareness Series and an author of children's book on mental health disorders. Her first book, Understanding my ADHD, is a kid-friendly book that explains the symptoms of ADHD and her second book, I Promised Not to Tell, is a book on child abuse written for children. Her second book will be out in the next couple of months. She has her own website, http://www.KidsAwarenessSeries.com, that is informative in nature for parents and children on the various childhood mental disorders.

Does My Child Have ADD-ADHD?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, as defined in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have held numerous labels over the years. There are three different types of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Inattentive Type (ADD)

This type of distractible and inattentive disorder is commonly referred as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Impulsive and Hyperactive (ADHD)

Children diagnosed with this disorder often react before that think making their actions impulsive. These children also show signs of uncontrollable urges to move.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined (ADHD)

Children in this group are distractible, inattentive and impulsive.

Common Signs and Symptoms Of ADD

ADD usually does not become problematic until a child is in third or fourth grade. The following signs and symptoms are normally present for a period of time that is no less than six months in multiple settings (home, school, activities etc.).

o Short attention span

o Forgetful

o Easily distracted

o Of has difficulty with organizational skills

o Does not appear to be listening

o Fails to follow through with school assignments, chores and activities

o Often appears to be lazy, disinterested and fails to put forth mental effort

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

The hyperactive and impulsive child may begin to show the signs and symptoms presented below before they enter first grade. Parents who have children who can't sit still in pre-school and continually here from the teacher that their child "is much more active than the other children," usually see some of the other signs presented below while their child is at home, in stores, restaurants and other public places outside of school.

o Interrupts while others are speaking or blurts out

o Constantly getting out of seat or squirms in chair

o Has a hard time playing or completing a task quietly

o Runs, jumps and displays a lot of energy at inappropriate times

o Gets in conflict with peers

o Constantly touches people or objects without permission

o Talks excessively

o Seems to require constant supervision and direction

o Has a hard time taking turns

The ADHD child usually displays at least six of these signs and symptoms for a period no less than six months. Parents who have an ADHD child often report that their child is hard to manage and the parent is usually exhausted by the end of the day. Crying, arguing and yelling are often common character traits. Manipulation and demanding for more may also be common. Beside the parent becoming exhausted, the child is usually exhausted as well.

ADD/ADHD Is A Medical Diagnosis and Parents Decide

Diagnosing ADD/ADHD is a medical decision. Parents have a right to get a second or third opinion. Parents who get the best medical advice often report that they have had their child assessed by a trained medical doctor and nurses who specializes in this field. The medical facilities that employs educational and learning specialist who work directly with the doctors, children, schools and their families are the facilities that often make correct diagnosis when it come to this disorder. Insurance companies often cover a percentage of the cost. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company before you make a decision.

Other Common Questions Parents Have Before We Move On

What Causes ADD/ADHD?

Medical experts believe that brain structure and function play a role in causing ADD and ADHD. The brain's frontal lobe (located near our forehead) has often been the point of concentration by medical research teams. Through the use of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) these teams have found that the frontal lobes are 3 to 4 percent smaller in children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Medical science also believes that one of the brain's main sources of energy, glucose, is used less in the areas that control attention in adults who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD than adult who have not been diagnosed with this condition.

Is There A Cure For ADD/ADHD?

Not yet. There is no known cure for ADD/ADHD. However, for many children and adult behavioral therapy, medications, schooling and parenting strategies that involve teaching children coping techniques have all proven to be successful interventions. Research seems to indicate that only one in three children who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are able to overcome the disorder by adulthood. Because there is no know cure at the present time, the primary focus has been placed on minimizing the symptoms. Once parents and educators working with children begin to accept the long-term nature of this disorder, the easier it is to manage it.

What Treatments or Interventions Work?

There are a variety of interventions that seem to lessen the severity of ADD/ADHD. Behavior modification that takes place in both the home and school has been used to help manage this disorder. Medical facilities that specialize in working with children who are ADD/ADHD can recommend a behavioral therapist who can assist the child in replacing undesirable thinking that leads to inappropriate behaviors. There are many different forms of behavioral therapy that include Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Dialectic Therapy and Rational Emotive Therapy. Behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is applied by a trained, licensed therapist. Parents can also be taught behavioral modification techniques that can be used at home. Some of these techniques will be provided later.

Social skills' training is another intervention that has helped children with ADD/ADHD. Children are taught how to interact with their peers and family members by practicing acceptable social behaviors. Some of medical facilities that assess ADHD also provide social skills support groups. Another option for this intervention is offered through the special education programs in numerous public schools. Check with your child's classroom teacher, school principal or special education director for availability.

The use of medication is another option that parents may want to consider after their child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. There has been some controversy on the use of medication to treat children and adult who have been diagnosed with this disorder. Some of the controversy stems from the fact that some doctors over-prescribed a certain medication without first doing the proper assessments for ADD/ADHD.

The following medical and educational specialists are usually involved in the evaluation process:

o Developmental Pediatricians

o Clinical Psychologist

o Psychiatrist

o Pediatric Neurologist

o Pediatricians

What Happens During An ADD/ADHD Assessment?

Usually the assessment process includes the following process:

o Parent(s) and child meet together and separately with the professional to discuss why they are there and what they believe is happening.

o Parents often individually are asked to fill out a parent questionnaire form regarding numerous situations that they see in their child's behavioral and academic performance.

o The child's teacher (s) are asked to fill out a teacher questionnaire.

o An evaluator will administer a standardize IQ test (most commonly used test is the Wechsler test).

o A learning disorder assessment may also be given to rule out a learning disability.

o Computerized assessments may include a TOVA as well as other concentration assessments.

o The evaluator will review all assessments individually and as one prior to meeting with you to make recommendations.

What Do I Do If My Child Is Having Trouble With Homework?

Most parents of ADD/ADHD children report that homework is the most difficult part of parenting their child in relationship to school. When you think about it, there are a lot of steps that the child has to follow before a homework assignment is even turned in to be graded.

o Hear the assignment

o Understand the assignment

o Write down the assignment

o Remember to bring the assignment (and books, if necessary) home

o Remember to do the assignment

o Remember to ask for help

o Remember to take your time, focus, concentrate

o Remember to do your best

o Remember to pack the assignment

o Remember to bring the assignment to class

o Remember to turn the assignment in to the teacher

Each step may be a major challenge. So, here are some things that parents can do to help:

1. Help your child with organization. Do NOT do all the organizing yourself...just help by:

o Working with your child to organize the bedroom, backpack, school locker etc.

o Asking to see the planner notebook. (Middle and High Schools) Most schools now require them.

>Place a poster board of daily routines on the child's bedroom wall that spells out what the child must do everyday. Don't get carried away. Make it simple and precise. The same poster board routine may also be placed on the outside cover of your child's notebook for school. The poster may include:

Wake up at 7:00 a.m.

Shower at 7:10 a.m.

Eat breakfast at 7:25 a.m.

Brush teeth at 7:35 a.m.

Get backpack at 7:40 a.m.

Go to bus at 7:45 a.m.

o Some ADD/ADHD children have been successful wearing a watch that beeps to remind them to complete a task for follow directions.

o Have your child study in the same place during the same time of day whenever possible. Make sure that the décor in the room is not too busy looking or distracting to the child's eye. No music and no TV!

o Establish posted rules for your child to follow. Be consistent on a day-to-day basis. One hour of TV per day means just that! See the chapter on rules for more information.

o Be consistent in assigning your child chores and task to accomplish around the house on a day-to-day basis. Have the chores listed and placed in a place where your child can read them each day.

o Make the incentives or rewards that you provide your child for accomplishing set rules and following routines "natural rewards." Natural rewards or incentives are things that your child would naturally receive with one catch- they earn it! Such rewards may include pizza (or a favorite food) with friends, sleep over with friends, rent or order a movie or lunch with you! Make it simple and well within your budget. You don't want to teach your child that he or she needs to accomplish a task in order to get a reward. You do want to teach your child that following a routine will help them succeed.

o Part of the reward plan may include a point system. Establish a system where your child can earn points for accomplishing a task or following a routine for the day. Help the child to set a goal to reach a certain number of points for the week, month and year. Place an incentive for each point total reached. Set up a chart or a graph so that the child can see their accomplishments. Keep it positive.

Tough Questions!

What do I do when my child throws a tantrum?

If you are in a public setting, leave the setting as soon as possible with your child. Tell your child "it's time to go." Stay calm, but be deliberate. If you are at home your child should receive a "time out." "Time out" means that the child is assigned to a specific room to cool down, be safe and start over. Smaller children may be physically placed in a time out area. Bigger children can become a danger to themselves and to others, including you. For this reason, verbally direct the child to a safe "time out" place. The "time out" should only last as long as it takes for the child to cool down and get his or her behavior under control.

Nothing seems to work. Now what do I do?

Once you understand that parenting (no matter who are what your child is going through) is not a "push button" event, the quicker you will settle into becoming patient and understanding your child's needs. No parent can ever tell you (without lying) that all his or her parenting experiences were positive and fun. Keep trying. Don't give up on a plan too soon. It may take a few weeks, or even months, for a strategy to work. You can always seek outside assistance from the school counselor or psychologist. Your medical doctor may also refer to an ADD/ADHD specialist for further assessments or help. Don't quit! The plan may be working and your child is not letting you know right away by making noticeable improvements. Maybe the improvements are happening at school and your child is "just letting go" at home. That's why it's important for you to communicate with the other adults working with your child.

I don't believe in medication. Now what do I do?

Don't be harsh on yourself or on your doctor for suggesting medication for your ADD/ADHD child. Stop and think for a minute. Is there a chance that you need more information about the medicine that the doctor is recommending? Is it possible that someone, who is well meaning, provided you with information that is opposite to your doctor's advice regarding medication? If so, seek a second medical opinion. Medication is not the only answer and it's okay to use other methods, such as behavioral modification, to help your ADD/ADHD child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with ADD/ADHD be placed on a "combined treatment: that includes behavior therapy with medication. The largest study ever done on ADHD children, the MTA Study, findings supports the AAP recommendations of combined treatment.

For the most part, medication has helped millions of children who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and other disorders. However, medication will help reduce the symptoms, not cure the disorder. You are in charge! All you can do is strive to get the best medical diagnosis and options to reduce the symptoms.

Short-acting stimulants:

These stimulants are most commonly prescribed in "divided doses," given 2-3 times daily. They normally last 3-5 hours. Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Methylin, Focalin and Ritalin are all short-acting stimulants.

Intermediate-acting stimulants:

These stimulants are normally taken once or twice per day and last four to eight hours. Adderall, Metadate ER, Ritalin SR, Methylin ER and Dexedrine Spansule are all intermediate-acting stimulants.

Long-acting stimulants:

Concerta, Ritalin LA, Adderall XR and Metadate CD are all long-acting stimulants. They are normally prescribed to be taken once daily and last 8-12 hours.

The stimulants mentioned above work by increasing the chemical activity in the brain responsible for inhibiting the undesired behavior of the ADD/ADHD child while increasing attention. These chemicals in the brain are known as neurotransmitters. Two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, are known to have tremendous influence on our ability to focus and stay on task while decreasing our desire to become excessively active. Many children respond to stimulants within the first thirty minutes. These stimulants are given orally to children. Most school districts do not allow, as a policy, for ADD/ADHD students to carry these prescribed medications with them in class. It's important that the school nurse or school administrator is aware of the prescription medication that your child is taking while at school.

I heard that ADD/ADHD medication has bad side effects. Is that true?

Your doctor will provide you with information regarding the side effects of ADD/ADHD medication. It's important to note that any item that we ingest, including water, can have adverse side effects. You doctor should monitor the side effects of the prescribed medication that you child is place on. This means that your doctor will want to hear from you if the side effects are occurring outside the range of normalcy for most children. Some of the common side effects for these stimulants include insomnia (sleeplessness), decreased appetite, headaches, anxiety and stomachaches. These side effects, if they are present, usually decrease during the first few weeks for most children. Again, let your doctor know if your child appears to be too sleepy, anxious or unable to sleep (insomnia) for long periods of time. Your doctor may ask your child's teachers to fill out a teacher rating scale to help determine the effects of the prescribed medication during the child's school day.

It's important to note that stimulants have been prescribed to help children to cope with ADD/ADHD type behaviors since the late 1930's. Out of the millions of children treated with stimulant medications, no known research studies have found that children taking these prescribed medications have had permanent damaging effects. Likewise, the same appears true for the positive side effects. There is no known research that shows the long-term positive side effects for using stimulants alone changes or alters the child's outcome in adulthood.

Will my child have a greater chance of using drugs later in life because I allow medication to be used now?

Drug abuse research does not support the notion that children who use prescribed medications have a greater chance of abusing drugs later on in life. In fact, most research done in this area has shown just the opposite; especially for males.

Helping your child with peer relationships:

Many ADD/ADHD children are impulsive. It is often hard for them to resist blurting out or interrupting others in their social group. This impulsivity turns other children off because they do not have the patience and understanding that is often required to remain a friend.

Parents can help their child by reviewing and implementing some of the strategies listed below:

o Encourage positive conversations with your child regarding social interactions. Some comments may include:

"It looked like Tom liked some of your baseball stuff. How did you feel about sharing it with him?"

" I was nice of you to invite Tammy and Jenny over". "How did it go?" "Well, I agree, maybe next time things will go better if one friend comes over." "Maybe you can allow the friend to come up with one thing to do and then you come up with an idea."

o All children should be held accountable for their behavior, including children who have ADD/ADHD. This includes social behavior. When you become aware that your child has mistreated another person, or acted inappropriately, use this experience as a teachable moment. Teaching your child to apologize, say, "excuse me" when interrupting, pay for something that he or she has broken or admitting to an inappropriate act is something all children must learn.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if all people and children:

1. Said "Hello!" and "Good-bye!"

2. Took turns talking and using items

3. Smiled more

4. Asked others to join in

5. Listened

6. Showed that they cared for someone else

7. Said, "I'm sorry."

8. Don't make fun of others, call names, act rude

9. Give a compliment

10. Relax

Now, ask your child if they have ever acted this way toward someone who they wanted to be their friend.

o Speak with your child's teachers, school counselor and other adults that work with your child. Let them know that you are trying to help your child to be more responsible for their social behavior. Most school districts have social skill curriculums that promote these life lessons. Stay in touch and communicate with other adults in the neighborhood and ask for honest feedback when it comes to finding out how your child is interacting with your neighbor's children. Remember, your child is in the learning stages of his or her life. If you decide not to help teach these important skills, who will?

o Ask your school counselor, school psychologist or school social worker if they have support groups set up to teach, promote and have their students practice social skills. If they do, encourage your child to "try out" the group.

I'm really worried that my ADD/ADHD child is not going to "make it" in life. What can I do?

Stop worrying! Did you know that close to 90% of all diagnosed ADD/ADHD children graduate from high school. Most ADD/ADHD children do not become criminals, do not smoke or abuse drugs at a rate higher than other teens, and do not hate or love their parents any more or less than other children. Your child has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD not terminal cancer, not a criminal offense, not terrorism, not a death sentence! So, stop it. Begin to help your child. Work with your doctor and the schools by doing the following:

o Have your child evaluated by a doctor who specializes in ADD/ADHD

o Allow your child to work with behavioral specialist that promotes behavioral change associated with this disorder.

o Encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular school activities that may include sports, plays and drama, speech and debate, clubs (chess, ski, math etc.) and other activities that are normally listed on your school's WebPages.

o Seek information about the available medication options from your medical doctor.

o Seek information about the family therapy and training session options from your medical doctor.

o Develop a 504 Plan with the school if necessary.

o Provide your child extra academic assistance from the school or a tutor if necessary.

Scott Wardell is a school counselor and created http://www.ScottCounseling.com to provide parents with 100's of free parenting articles to assist parents with their parenting skills.