Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is used to describe children who have significant problems with high levels of distractibility or inattention, impulsiveness, and often with excessive motor activity levels. There may be deficits in attention and impulse control without hyperactivity being present. In fact, recent studies indicate that as many as 40% of the ADD kids may not be hyperactive.
Research shows that there are several things happening in the brain of the ADHD child which causes the disorder. The main problem is that certain parts of the Central Nervous System are under-stimulated, while others may be over-stimulated. In some hyperactive kids there is also an uneven flow of blood in the brain, with some parts of the brain getting too much blood flow, and other centers not getting as much. Certain medications, or other forms of treatment can be used to address these problems.
Often the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child has special educational needs, though not always. Most Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder kids can be successful in the regular classroom with some help. Teachers can find over 500 classroom interventions to help children be successful in school at http://www.ADDinSchool.com.
As a teacher ask yourself these questions:
1. Can the child pay attention in class?
Some ADHD kids can pay attention for a while, but typically can't sustain it, unless they are really interested in the topic. Other ADHD kids cannot pay attention to just one thing at a time, such as not being able to pay attention to just you when you are trying to teach them something. There are many different aspects to "attention," and the ADHD child would have a deficit in at least one aspect of it.
2. Is the child impulsive? Does he call out in class? Does he bother other kids with his impulsivity?
These kids often cannot stop and think before they act, and they rarely think of the consequences of their actions first. Impulsivity tends to hurt peer relationships, especially in junior high school years.
3. Does he have trouble staying in his seat when he's supposed to? How is he on the playground? Can he wait in line, or does he run ahead of the rest of the class? Does he get in fights often?
4. Can he wait?
Emotionally, these children often cannot delay gratification.
5. Is he calm?
They are constantly looking for clues as to how they are doing. They may display a wide range of moods, which are often on the extremes: they act too sad, too angry, too excited, too whatever.
6. Is the child working at grade level? Is he working at his potential? Does he/she stay on task well? Does he fidget a lot? Does he have poor handwriting?
Most ADHD kids have trouble staying on task, staying seated, and many have terrible handwriting.
7. Does he have difficulty with rhythm? Or the use of his time? Does he lack awareness about "personal space" and what is appropriate regarding touching others? Does he seem unable to read facial expressions and know their meanings?
Many children with ADHD also have Sensory Integration Dysfunctions (as many as 10% to 20% of all children might have some degree of Sensory Integration Dysfunction). SID is simply the ineffective processing of information received through the senses. As a result these children have problems with learning, development, and behavior.
8. Does he seem to be immature developmentally, educationally, or socially?
It has been suggested by research that children and teens with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may lag 20% to 40% behind children without ADHD developmentally. In other words, a ten year old with ADHD may behave, or learn, as you would expect a seven year old to behave or learn. A fifteen year old with ADHD may behave, or learn, as you would expect a ten year old to behave, or learn.
There is a lot to learn about ADHD. Both teachers and parents can learn more by visiting the ADHD Information Library's family of web sites, beginning with ADDinSchool.com for hundreds of classroom interventions to help our children succeed in school.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Introduction to the Medications Used in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder
There are several treatment options available to help improve the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since there is no prescription medicine that can "cure" for ADHD, the various medical interventions seek to improve symptoms.
Diagnosing ADHD in Your Child, an Introduction
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children or adults is going to have their own opinion on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD - should be diagnosed. Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often costing many thousands of dollars.
Diagnosing ADHD in Children, an Introduction
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children or adults is going to have their own opinion on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD - should be diagnosed. Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often costing many thousands of dollars.
Attention Deficit Disorder: Einstein's Secret Weapon
Some experts believe that Albert Einstein had adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD). Today, an estimated 7% of adults are affected by ADD. The new book Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD by outspoken ADD Coach Jennifer Koretsky encourages readers to break the rules and find success and happiness on their own terms.
Educating Yourself With Attention Deficit Disorder Research
A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) carries with it a whole new set of challenges. Suddenly, behavior that was hard to explain now fits within a standard definition of a widespread disorder. More and more children and adults are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, and consequently, Attention Deficit Disorder research has become the focus of an entire generation.
Treating ADD and ADHD Naturally
ADHD / ADD Smptoms, Causes & Alternative TreatmentAttention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a dysfunction of the Central Nervous System (CNS), most specifically the reticular activating system.The most well known form of ADD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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.
ADHD - Are there Treatment Options?
As an ADD coach I am often asked about the treatment options available for Attention Deficit Disorder. Generally when someone says "ADD" the first thing that will come to the layperson's mind is 'Ritalin' or an image of a hyperactive "Dennis-the-Menace" type.
Is it ADHD or is it Depression?
During the assessment process it is of great importance for the physician or clinician to consider other possible causes of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity in your child, or teen, or yourself. In fact, this is probably the most important element of a good assessment.
Adult ADHD: The Magic Egg Timer Trick
For people with Adult ADHD, focusing long enough to get even a small task done--if it is boring--can seem almost impossible! Here?s what I do when I have to focus on something that I really don't like to do, especially sitting at my desk.
In Response to Recent Survey on a Natural Remedy for ADHD, NourishLife Announces a Free Sample Give-Away
Due to a lack of public awareness concerning the relationship between omega-3 deficiency in children and ADHD, NourishLife is giving away free samples of Learn - its omega-3 product specifically formulated for school-aged children.
How Effective Are Ritalin and Dexedrine in Treating the Symptoms of ADHD?
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant medication, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine in their various forms, in treating the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in children, teens, and adults. Even though stimulants are not the only effective option in the treatment of the disorder, stimulants may be a good choice, and their use should be discussed with your physician.
Finding Natural Alternatives Adhd Children Can Use.
Most doctors, when they encounter a case of ADHD, turn to stimulant or anti-depressant drugs to counteract most of the disorders symptoms. However, in taking these drugs the effects are short lived and the medication needs to be constant. There is also the possibility of various side effects to contend with too. Because of this, it is only natural that parents try to find alternatives. Most parents are attracted by natural alternatives ADHD children can take as opposed to prescribed drugs mainly because they are considered to have less side effects. Here are some natural alternatives for ADHD that have shown promise:
Child Recipe For ADHD - Is There A Recommended Diet For ADHD
A child who suffers from ADHD is hyperactive and diet plays a rather significant part in their behaviour as well as the severity of the symptoms. Observe for yourself the link between certain food stuffs and their behaviour, perhaps keeping a diary so you can identify and record what food types causes the worst reactions. Eventually you can prepare a good food menu for adhd child.
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.