ADHD
... tasks that require mental effort * Loses things necessary for tasks * Easily distracted * Forgetful in daily activities A child with ADHD is constantly moving and usually cannot concentrate. Hyperactive children always seem to be “on the go” (Stock, 1994). She or he talks rapidly, rarely finishes work, acts on impulsive and cannot pay attention. It affects 4 to 6 percent of all children. Five times as many boys as girls have it. Unless carefully managed. Not all children are naturally rambunctious or extraordinarily curious have ADHD. A high level of frustration causes ADD people to be impatient. Whatever is going on—they want it to go quickly and be finished. ADHD can lead to school drop-outs and antisocial behavior (Hinshaw, 2002). Many people believe that hyperactive behavior is triggered by eating sugar. Sugary diets have no effect at all on the behavior. “Sugar-highs” is a myth (Wolraich, Wilson & White, 1995). A lot of children who have ADD, who are hyperactive, are described by their parents as hard to handle, stubborn, defiant. They such unusually high degree of not listening that they are regarded to having an additional disturbance, oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD). (Parker,1994). Symptoms can be: * Lose temper * Argue with adults * Defy or refuse adult requests or rules * Do things to annoy other, deliberately * Blame others for their own mistakes * Become angry or resentful * Spiteful or vindictive * Swear or use obscene language Children, who have ODD along with ADD, could show more of the ODD before they show the ADD symptoms. For example, they could be very angry on what you do with their food that they want to see that you have poured it in a bowl or a cup. Children with ADHD need help to be organized. Keeping them on a schedule helps. Having the same routine everyday, from wake-up to bedtime. Although not all children are hyperactive, those who are cannot be missed. We are not talking about the typically restlessness or energetic behavior found in most young children. Hyper children show far greater amounts of restlessness and over activity, more than their non-hyperactive peers. Their impulsivity is reflected in their problem to control their emotions and behavior to a greater degree than other children their age. A child with ADD is like a speeding bullet, everywhere at once, and nowhere for very long. They are always touching something, darting about, never satisfied, and never sticking with one thing for very long. Some of symptoms are: Hyperactivity * Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat * Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations, in which being seated is expected * Runs around or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate * Difficulty playing or engaging in activities quietly * Is “on the go” as if “driven by a motor” (Parker, 1994) * Talks excessively Impulsivity * Blurts out answers * Waiting in lines or turns in games * Interrupts or intrudes on others Causes of Attention Deficit Disorder Doctors think that food allergies play a role in causing hyperactivity in children. Also the effects of fluorescent lighting, misalignment of the spine, problems with yeast infection, and inner ear disorders. Most accepted theory is that it is inherited neurobiological disorder. That ADD runs in the family. I think that is now the situation here. Families can have a child or two with ADD, and neither father nor mother has had ADD in their childhood. Problems with pregnancy or maybe a late pregnancy could be a factor in your child having ADD. Consulting a Physician A primary doctor can recommend a family who has certain symptoms showing in their child. They get a medical and social history from the parents and child. Some results may alert the doctor as to when the symptoms first appeared. The doctor will spend a lot of time reviewing the child’s genetic background, early birth history. May ask parents and teachers to evaluate the child’s behavior in different situations. (Parker, 1994). There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose ADD. Such as chromosome studies, electroencephalograms (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized axial tomograms (CAT scans) are not used for evaluation of ADD. Such procedures may be necessary if a genetic syndrome or other health problems could be present. Psychologist Psychologist’s play a big part in assessing the situation. They will determine if the child needs medication and therapy. The clinic or school psychologist is trained to do educational and psychology testing that can provide important information about the intellectual ability, reasoning skills, use of language, impulsiveness, attention span, and emotional functioning. For children who have emotional problems, tests may be administered which are designed to evaluate how the child feels about him/herself and others. Test to measure self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and family stress. Medications There are different kinds of medications a doctor might put a child on for ADD: * Ritalin-(which is known for a lot of side affects) * Dexedrine ...