Does your child have problems concentrating or remaining on an activity? Impulsive? Then your child probably has a specific learning difficulty called Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD).
The American Psychiatric Association of Washington, D.C., describes ADHD as a disorder characterized by "hyperactivity, impulsiveness and an incapacity to sustain attention or concentration." Stated simply, ADHD can be characterized by two distinct sets of symptoms: inattention and hyperactivity.
This disorder is difficult to diagnose because no specific medical laboratory markers exist for ADHD. Only behavioral assessment tests, observations from teachers and parents, and clinical assessments provide its diagnosis. According to studies, there is growing evidence that the principal cause of ADHD is genetic. Its non-genetic causes were also found to be neurobiological in nature such as prenatal stress and low birth weight, traumatic brain injury, maternal smoking during pregnancy and very severe early deprivation. ADHD is a medical illness likened to diabetes or asthma because this condition can be successfully managed, but not cured.
It is sad to note that a significant number of students do not reach their utmost potentials because they have particular problems concentrating and remaining on their tasks. They have difficulties with reading, spelling, writing and other aspects of the course. Left untreated, they feel isolated from their peers; suffer low self-esteem; experience failure at school and problems at home, which may lead to substance abuse and depression. Parents, however, must not lose hope for many researches regarding this disorder abound.
ADHD is being recognized as an epidemic in the United States. As estimated by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C, about 3 to 5 percent of American children suffer from this disorder. This is an alarming trend, but what is more troubling is that these more than 6 million American children are being treated with central nervous system stimulants, usually methylphenidate (Ritalin) when there is a more natural approach.
Diet is very important to an ADHD child. This is according to a 1997 study written by Jean Breakey in the Journal of Pediatric Child Health. Research from 1985 to 1995 concluded that diet certainly affects some children and that symptoms relating to ADHD, such as sleep problems, physical symptoms and mood changes, can change with diet.
Research has shown that long chain fatty acids could have real benefits for a range of learning and behavioral conditions. Why? This is simply because approximately 20% of the dry weight of the brain and approximately 30% of the retina are made from these elements. These fatty acids increase our energy level and ability to concentrate, aside from providing greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold, and helping pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.
However, the average Westerner's diet is usually processed food high in carbohydrates and sugar. Many people fail to realize the importance of fatty acids. There are certain types of fat that are indispensable for living healthily, and these are the two 'families' of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. The body actually uses three (3) major types of omega 3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. These fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development. The body more readily uses these compounds, as against the short chain saturated fats, which generally ought to be avoided. Long chain fatty acids are regarded as essential because they are important for most key processes in our life.
However, these acids can only be sourced from our diet because our bodies cannot make them. The main sources of the omega-3s containing DHA and EPA, the key ones for the eye and brain, can only be found in fish and seafood. On the other hand, green vegetables, certain nuts and oils are the dietary sources for omega-6 fatty acids. There must be a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet because omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while most omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation. An appropriate balance of these essential fatty acids helps maintain or even improve health. A balanced diet should consist of about one to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
Parents, give your children oily fish and green leafy vegetables now!
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Cognitive Internet Site Offers New Hope for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Learning Disabilities (ADD, ADHD, LD)
AttenGo? Ltd. announced an online, adaptive, neuro-cognitive training program for the improvement of attention deficit disorder, memory loss and other cognitive impairments.
Adhd And Treatments That Offer An Alternative To Medication
Current estimates put between 4 and 12 % of school children, as having ADHD and treatment plans for this chronic condition will generally include the use of medication to modify behavior. However, these do come with side effects are not all children will respond to them, which is why some parents prefer to adopt an alternative method to replace or work alongside medications to minimize the dose.
Treatment Options for ADHD
Ritalin has been shown through the years to be very effective in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms. Although it has potential side-effects which many families would like to avoid, we have seen it help a lot of people.
Teacher Tips: Increasing Your ADHD Students Time On Task
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com.
The Challenges Of Raising An Adhd Child
When you find out that your child has ADHD, it?s not uncommon to be shocked and concerned about what to expect. However, you should know that although ADHD can be limiting for a child, there are ways to manage it successfully. ADHD does not have to be the biggest factor in your life as a parent, nor does it define your child. Raising an ADHD child is achievable without losing your sanity with the right strategies and attitude.
Our Recommended Eating Program for ADHD
Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD ADHD kids. It is not a very strict program, unless you are used to having most meals at your local fast food restaurant.
Understanding The Different Nutritional Supplements Adhd Options
Although most people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are prescribed medications to help improve their condition, proper nutrition should still be considered as a crucial part to keeping the symptoms of the disorder at bay. Why should this be? Well, although Ritalin and other such stimulant drugs are able to remedy the symptoms felt by many people with ADHD, the relief that these medications provide is merely temporary and can cause some unwanted side effects. With the proper nutritional supplements, ADHD behaviors may be effectively managed either alongside medications or without them. How is this possible?
The Help Group Summit 2006 Featured More Than 20 Leading Experts in Autism, Learning Disabilities & ADHD
Two-Day Seminar for Professionals and Parents
Presented Cutting Edge Information in Research and Best Practices
ADHD - Sleep Difficulties, Procrastination and other difficulties related to Job Stability
Statement: My intent in this newsletter is to express as quickly as possible my own beliefs and opinions on matters. I have no problems with people who disagree with my opinion and have even been swayed to rethink my position from time to time.
Reduce ADHD Holiday Stress
For parents of ADHD children, the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. With a little planning, stress can be reduced. NASA inspired technology is available to teach ADHD children to develop good behaviors and promote family harmony.
Adult ADHD Symptoms: Two Sides To Focus
One person?s focus is another person?s distraction, and you really need to take this into consideration when you?re talking about being able to focus, or not focus, with Adult ADHD symptoms.
The Different Types, or Styles, of ADHD
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to the fact that there are different types, or styles, of ADHD. In the past we referred to Attention Deficit Disorder: Inattentive Type, or Impulsive/Hyperactive Type, or a Combined Type.
Fish Oil May Improve Behavior for Children With ADHD
A study published in the Nutrition Journal reveals that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can improve their behavior with daily supplements of purified fish oils. The eight-week study demonstrated that children who received between 8 and 16 grams of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils per day were observed to have significant behavioral improvements.
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder tends to focus predominately on children, leaving the ADD adult largely under served. Most of the information presented about Attention Deficit Disorder focuses on children, parenting and school issues.
How To Diagnose ADHD In Children - ADHD Symptom Checklist For Child
In my capacity as a psychiatrist I hear the same questions repeated ad nauseam, and the quantity of questions far exceeds the actual range of topics. Time and time again, it is the same questions generally relating to either the diagnosis and or treatment of ADHD such as "how do I diagnose adhd", "how can i determine if my child has adhd?, "signs of adhd in young children", "does my child have adhd" and many more.