ADHD Tips

Your behavior counts too! The way a parent deals with an ADHD child’s behavior is going to impact on that child for the rest of their life and will deprive them of or provide them with time management skills, social skills and self-control. ADHD medicines cannot do that! ADHD behavior therapy is now regarded by prestigious bodies such as the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) as an essential part of any ADHD treatment program. Simply put, ADHD behavioral therapy is learning a whole set of skills which will help the ADHD child to change his behaviour(for the better!). Parents who have completed a course in behaviour therapy now are seeing results and there are many cases where ADHD medicine can even be reduced.

Deciding on which ADHD medicine and assessing their side effects, looking after diet, setting up school support are all important. But if parents are unable to deal with arguments, tantrums, defiance and the endless distractability and hyperactivity, there is a distinct possibility that the ADHD child will be one of the 60% who carry this condition into adulthood.

Here is just one technique that is used in behavior therapy. The overall plan is to gain control over unwanted or negative behaviours which destroy family and school life. Time out is just one way of doing this. When the child is about to explode, you can send him to another area, away from the stress of the situation which has probably been instrumental in the tantrum. While the child is away, he is completely alone and there will be no communication. This is effective in calming the child. The corresponding technique of time in is where he child is welcomed back affectionately and given praise for good behaviour when it happens.

Enforcing consequences for bad behaviour is another one of the many techniques used in behavioural therapy. Some therapists refer to this as a response cost or just simply as withdrawing a privilege for unwanted behaviour. This has to be used sparingly and parents are also taught that a consequence or withdrawing a privilege should never take the form of withdrawing affection . All children need love and affection whatever the situation. This strategy is also reserved for especially bad, violent or dangerous ADHD behaviour. It is also important not to take away activities which are actually instrumental in coping with ADHD symptoms. If you withdraw sports activities or green time, this may only exacerbate the situation and may well backfire on the parent!

What other techniques can you learn from ADHD behaviour therapy? You will learn how to enforce certain rules, how to maintain regular routines and schedules so that doing homework, getting ready for bed, downtime before bed and a host of other chores that you have to deal with on a day by day basis. Once you apply these techniques you are well on the way to getting your life back and you will be so glad that you decided to investigate ADHD behavioural therapy.

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the newest name that has been given to a group of disorders of the central nervous system. With the long list of names this disorder has been given over the years, it is often confusing as to which criteria are for a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children in the United States have ADHD, meaning that at least one child in a classroom of twenty-five to thirty children will have ADHD. There are three times as many boys diagnosed with ADHD, but the condition is increasingly being diagnosed in girls as well.

Although ADHD was primarily thought of as a childhood disorder, it can be found in adults as well. Experts have estimated that as many as 8 million adults may be affected, but 80 percent of them do not realize it. Some studies show that there is significant decline in ADHD symptoms as a person ages, while others estimate that between 30 and 70 percent of children with ADHD will carry some symptoms into adulthood. ADHD is a more complex disorder in adults, but it manifests itself into a problem with self-regulation. Without this self-control, an adult’s ability to do tasks is impaired. This condition can lead to marital conflicts, substance abuse, and financial problems. Infidelity is common because ADHD adults easily become bored with things, including spouses.

Factors that have been linked to the development of ADHD include heredity, anxiety, allergies, smoking during pregnancy, hyperinsulinemia, oxygen deprivation at birth, environmental stress or pollutants, artificial food additives, injury, infection, lead poisoning, and prenatal trauma. More emphasis has been placed on the role of diet in ADHD in recent years. Many people with these conditions react to certain preservatives, dyes, and salicylates in foods. These problems can cause the balance of chemistry in the brain to be thrown off, which produces undesirable changes in behavior. A low-protein diet may also be a contributing factor. Although a hotly debated topic for decades, studies have definitely shown that food additives do play a major role in hyperactivity.

Many researchers feel that ADHD is being over-diagnosed nowadays. It is difficult to accurately diagnose this condition because many of the symptoms appear in the normal, healthy children at many times during childhood. In fact, more than 60 percent of parents suspect that their child has ADHD at some point in their upbringing. What may merely be creativity or a high energy level can be diagnosed as ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD should be made by a team of specialists who are experts in the disorder and it is wise to get a second opinion.

One should considered nutritional deficiencies and dietary measures for treating ADHD. The following nutrients are recommended: calcium, magnesium, GABA, a multivitamin and mineral complex, Omega-3 fish oil, Pycnogenol, Quercetin, SAMe, acetylcholine, DMAE, l-cysteine, phosphatidyl serine, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and zinc. Additionally, the following herbs may be beneficial: ginkgo biloba, ginseng, mullein oil, valerian root, catnip, chamomile, gotu kola, hops, kava kava, lemon balm, licorice, lobelia, oats, passionflower, skullcap, St. John’s wort, thyme, and wood betony.

Creating a nutritionally sound diet for children and adults can go a long way to controlling ADHD and ADD in general. Reducing sugar intake and adding good quality food that hasn’t been over processed which removes the needed vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients we all need to live healthy lives. The above vitamins, minerals and herbs are suggested to be helpful for those suffering as well as those who aren’t, but always consult your health care provider before adding dietary supplements to ones diet while on prescription drugs. Quality vitamins can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

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When we think of ADHD children we usually think that they are a ‘problem’! I remember one counsellor telling parents to enjoy their ADHD children and tell them every day how they value them. They can be funny , creative and intelligent. Children with ADHD are sometimes extremely talented and the number of actors and sportspersons who have had this disorder are too numerous to mention, but they have led happy and successful lives.

It is very often the parents of ADHD children who are the problem although I am sure they do not intend that to be the case. First problem is the actual diagnosis of ADHD children. Very often, this is left to chance in that they will seek a diagnosis from a doctor who has not had much experience with the disorder. Parents need to talk to other parents and find out which doctors in their areas are ADHD specialists. It can make an enormous difference.

Many doctors are just not interested and will not take time out to TALK and explain things to the parents – indeed, many have been accused of acting like a vet with their pet cat ! This may simply be because they are not wised up on ADHD. Your child’s teacher can help though in recommending a doctor – she knows the kids in her class who are responding to treatment.

Combination therapy with ADHD medication is usually the best path to follow. But which medication ? Psychostimulant drugs used for ADHD are full of unknown risks. So much so that the security forces and military will put restrictions on recruiting young people who have been on these drugs as they are regarded as a risk. There are now risks of “psychosis and mania in some patients” taking these drugs although obviously these cases are rare. It is disturbing though to read of the drug companies’ reluctance to put black box warnings on the packaging for these drugs. There is too much at stake!

But why risk all that – why place a further handicap on our ADHD children? And why are we medicating a disorder ? A pill anyway is NOT going to help ADHD children learn coping and self-management skills. Looking at ADHD natural treatments is going to help your ADHD child much more and are free from suspicious side effects. You can be sure that such a cure will not haunt him for the rest of his life and he will be able to cope a lot better with this disorder through wise parenting and behavioural therapy. The best decision for many wise parents is not to go down the psychostimulants road at all. There are details of a natural ADDH cure in the link below.

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Abraham-Hicks on the empowerment of children. Anyone who spends time with children will benefit from this info. This segment is one of my favorites. It will also shed light on behavioral problems in children. (Autism, ADHD, etc.)

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder known as ADHD is a condition in which adults or children of early age suffer due to inattention or excessive hyperactivity. Nowadays it is very common among adults. About 3-5% of children suffer from ADHD. For example in a class of 20-25 students at least one child is diagnosed of ADHD.

This disorder is often found in males than in females and can also continue in the family. Certain changes in the behavior pattern like slowing down in academics, or feeling frustrated or depressed always can be the symptoms of ADHD. If left unattended it can seriously affect your child’s growth.

Statistics

According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.6 million elementary school-aged children have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Estimates reveal that about 6% of school going kids has ADHD problems. This figure is only partially representative as less than 50% of cases might be reported, less than that, diagnosed.

As such the number of kids who get treated for ADHD, despite having the problem, is far far less.. ADHD affects boys more than girls, about 2 to3 times more, as data would have us believe, however, boys, by nature, are disruptive, and a rationalization may be necessary. It would be prudent to consider the gravity of the problems rather over react to mere data.

Medication

Most commonly prescribed medicines for people suffering from ADHD are Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta. They have a very short term effect to reduce the symptoms of ADHD but it’s not the complete cure of the disorder. To increase your child’s performance it is very essential to know what your child is going through mentally which may require counseling. There are certain certified ADHD schools that conduct the entire treatment and procedures to cure ADHD.

What are ADHD schools?

There are certain boarding schools that not only deal with education but also conduct special programs to deal with learning disability of teenagers that suffer from ADHD. These ADHD boarding schools conduct counseling and other activities that help the teenager develop self-confidence and reduce the depression level by creating a safe environment.

They deal with many interactive programs and teachers of such schools are trained in such a way that they can handle each student individually to make them find the right approach towards success.

How long can your child stay in these boarding schools?

Well, that will depend on the study of the cause of ADHD. Some teenagers may stay for 12 months while some may need more than that. It differs, but the main cause of these schools if to improve the behavior of your child and see that they progress in their academics giving them a better stand in the society. There are many boarding schools in different states but you have to see which school suits best for your child’s need.

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The ADHD or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is indeed a psychological disorder. It is psychological disease which generally changes how a child behaves, think, and feel. Nearly all children suffering from this disease are overactive and lacking concentration at times.

The most important part in the process of treatment of any disease is the support that a patient or the victim gets from the people around him. Thus a person suffering from ADHD especially children require huge support from his parents, teachers, his doctors and all other people surrounding him. ADHD support groups can provide a key support, not only to the child suffering from the disease but also to the parents of the child.

Programs and Books

There are even programs and books that guide parents on how to build up a relationship with your child and check if your child is suffering from ADHD. This can be very helpful against misdiagnosis of ADHD. Health care professionals need to have a detailed study before diagnosing any patient to see if it is just a kind of disorder or the patient is actually suffering from ADHD.

Need for ADHD Support Groups

ADHD is a disease which affects the mental well being of a person, especially of children. The disease is not very easy to diagnose nor is it easy to treat. The treatment of this disease requires accurate diagnosis and the help of professional psychiatrists and psychologists.

In such a situation parents of the affected child may not always have the necessary information about the ways and means to treat the disease. This is where ADHD Support Groups step in. They can provide the necessary information about the medical help that can be sought to cure ADHD. They can also provide the information regarding the professional psychologists and trainers who could be consulted for the treatment of ADHD.

Influence of these Support Groups:

Such support groups can play a very crucial part in helping the child and also his parents to overcome this disease. Apart from being the source of information for the medical aid for the parents, they also act as an emotional support for the parents. They bring together such parents together whose children are suffering from ADHD. Thus the parents can share their problems and thoughts with one another. Also such groups can act as friendly platforms where parents can learn, share and relate to with respect to the disease.

ADHD Support Groups:

1.Anna Jacques Hospital provides ADHD support groups.

2.Al Anon Support Group

3.Awake

4.CHADD

Conclusion

In every walks of life an individual requires support. When it comes to supporting in course of a disease, support, can be the corner stone in curing it. Thus the support groups can be a boon for the children suffering from ADHD and also for their parents.

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Do you have a child that has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Does treating your child, or children, with one of today’s most common treatments for these conditions with an amphetamine-type drug like ‘Ritalin’ bother your conscious feelings of guilt?

If so, you are not alone. As a concerned parent, you are probably aware that prescriptions for chemical interventions for ADD and ADHD in children have steadily risen, dramatically,over the past few decades, along with the prevalence of these learning disorders themselves. In fact, it is estimated that about 7 percent of all children currently (more boys than girls) are suffering from this emotional sneak thief of their childhood in being able to properly enjoy the love of learning.

Because of the inherent side effects associated with chemical options, this is beginning to raise some serious questions by concerned medical health professionals,parents,and child wellness advocacy groups in whether they are being over prescribed, or inappropriately prescribed for children.

In layman’s terms, children who have been diagnosed with having these learning disabilities are suffering from, mainly, behavioral symptoms that limit their ability to learn new ideas,informational material, and social etiquette appropriate for their age.

Youngsters with ADD symptoms often bounce from one task to another without finishing most of them, or skipping important steps in trying to complete them. They often have difficulties in organizing their schoolwork assignments and lack an ability to structure their free-time productively.

With ADHD symptoms, the child is more physically active along with ADD symptom deficits. These kids exhibit more impulsive forms of inappropriate behaviors such as:

1. squirming and having trouble staying seated

2. moves around constantly, runs and climbs at inappropriate times

3. has trouble being quiet with sedentary activities

4. talks excessively

5. blurts out answers before questions are completed

6. speaks tactlessly or inappropriately

7. interrupts or intrudes on others

The latest clinical studies, built on from earlier ones, suggest that increasing dietary omega-3 EFAs (essential fatty acids) may dramatically lower some of these kids patterned behavioral problems of inattentiveness,hyperactivity, and impulsiveness associated with these disorders. Omega 3 fatty acids are now being recognized as important dietary nutrients that can not be manufactured by the body, and must be obtained by eating food sources that are high in their content. Because of their relative scarceness in the typical western diet many children, and adults, are severely deficient in omega-3 nutrition.

For children, from the moment of conception until birth and continuing on until age two, it is absolutely vital that they receive sufficient amounts of this fatty acid for healthy brain formation. Beyond the age of two it continues to be one of the main nutrients needed for healthy functioning of the brain at any age.

Omega 3s direct connection to healthy brain formation, performance, and functioning is continually being supported by an ongoing, and growing, body of scientific evidence to prove this theory rather quickly. When comparing children who have ADD or ADHD to those who do not, children that have these learning disabilities have much lower blood levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is an omega-3 essential fatty acid component necessary for normal eye functioning and in the cerebral cortex ( the area in the brain that performs the higher cognitive functions of reasoning and memory).

As a parent who would prefer not to treat their child’s behavioral symptoms of ADD or ADHD with narcotics, and would like to implement correctional dietary methods instead, incorporating all three forms of omega 3s, DHA,EPA (eicosapentaenoic), and ALA, is recommended by most experts. Dr. Mark Stein, who runs a University of Chicago clinic for children and adults with these disorders, says to combine seafood or quality fish oil supplements with milled (ground) flax seeds. Flax seed contains the master key omega-3 substance called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is the plant form of the omega 3s of which fish eat, and unlocks the synthesis of DHA. And, while the conversion rate from ALA to DHA is quite low, ALA may have benefits in improving behavioral symptoms of these disorders that we do not fully understand yet.

The synthesis of omega 3s are also competitively slowed within the body by the over consumption of omega 6s, which are found, in over abundance, in the typical modern diet.

In conclusion, omega 3s for the treatment of ADD or ADHD symptoms would have a better chance of succeeding if one would drastically lower their omega-6 consumption of vegetable seed oils, hydrogenated or not, like canola, sunflower, safflower, and soybean which is abundant in most all popular brands of processed foods.

Along with a diet lower in processed foods, increasing your child’s fresh fruit and vegetable intakes of whole plant foods could be a boost their brain may need also. If you think you might have some difficulty getting your children to eat more, you might like to try adding a whole food supplement to cover some of the bases in this food group. Juice Plus is such a supplement, and has a chewable gummi that young children love.

Reducing, or eliminating, sugary manufactured beverages and increasing pure water intakes would help promote clearer brain functioning and performance as well. A well hydrated brain just plain out performs one that is dehydrated.

And, children who have been ridiculed by others in making them feel ashamed of their mental learning impairments could be struggling with unresolved emotional issues due to being labeled a disorder by their teachers, families, and peers. Learning the basics of the Emotional Freedom Technique could help your young one to love and accept themselves, and help them to adhere to a diet plan that will help improve their physical condition.

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There are certain behavior problems associated with ADD that results in other problems. Children who tend to show disruptive behavior in school are often labeled as bullies or trouble makers. Some people also label them as plain dumb.

Children suffering from other end of the disease are often termed as lazy or underachieving. In order to make things worse, these children face difficulty in understanding what’s wrong with their behavior. This explains the tendency to become shocked when things go wrong.

One of the biggest challenges is to improve the behavior of the ADD child & teaching him to recognize the consequences of the actions he indulges in. It is also difficult to let him see things from other people’s point of view.

Here are some important steps to take in order to help students managing the behavior in class with ADD.

- Identity problem behavior

You need to objectively identity what problem that’s interrupting the child’s learning. In this case, you may take help of some of the other instructors. Make a chart. List the behavior that occurs most frequently. Try to figure out what triggers it & what is the degree of disruption. You need to be as specific as possible. For each problem that you recognize, try to jot down at least one strategy that may eliminate or change the behavior.

- Identify the problem in class environment

You need to look at the way you & other instructions treat the child, think whether you are over harsh. You need to analyze whether you are expecting more than the required from your child. Try to change your behavior if you are in a habit to punish your child more than often.

-Healthy behavior

You should actually exhibit behaviors that you want the child to follow.

- Partner for difficult tasks

In case, a child is struggling to learn or remember a skill, assist him with a responsible older child or an instructor for providing help. The older child must know that his job is to act as a role model & a helper. This will let him understand the child with ADD better & behave accordingly.

- Feedback

You need to keep a track of the amount of positive & negative feedback you are giving to a child with ADD in class. You need to focus on areas where you can praise the child.

- Be specific

An ADD child needs specific action messages & instructions. Try to know the exact difficulty of the child such as what he can’t pay attention to or what makes him aggravate or behave in a particular problem.

- Use rewards

Look for appropriate rewards for the child. You can praise the child in front of the class to raise his or her confidence level. Go for stars or tickets for material award. This will encourage him to act well the next time.

- Never use ADD for an excuse

Never use ADD for an excuse for a child’s behavior. You need to make efforts to help the child improve his behavior. Take time, understand the child’s behavior & act accordingly.

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ADHD is a common behavioural disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or vaccines. It is diagnosed approximately three times more often in boys than in girls. ADHD is often called “the benevolent diagnosis.” There is strong evidence to support the fact that it is very likely caused by biological factors which influence neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain, and which have a strong genetic basis. The condition is characterized by poor concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsiveness.

Symptoms of ADHD- Identifying Hyperactive Kids

Symptoms include excessive worry, fear, or panic, which can also lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhoea. Symptoms of inattention are: often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities, often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities, often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly ,often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace. Other symptoms include difficulty in organizing tasks and activities and often loses things necessary for tasks or activities. Impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity can also be present and seem to be inheritable. These latter symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in the daily functioning of the person in at least two settings: at home, in school, in the community or in the workplace. Symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression may produce behavioural disturbances resembling ADHD. The good news is, with proper treatment, children with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

How To Live With ADHD

Treatment strategies such as rewarding positive behaviour changes and communicating clear expectations of those with ADHD have also proven effective. Clinical experience has shown that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication (when necessary), therapy or counselling to learn coping skills and adaptive behaviours, and ADD coaching for adults. Treatment rates are much lower for selected groups such as girls, minorities, and children receiving care though public service systems.

Conclusion- Coping With ADHD

ADHD is certainly not a death sentence. ADHD is not the result of “bad parenting” or obnoxious, wilful defiance on the part of the child. ADHD is known to occur in various cultures and in individuals from all socioeconomic levels. Neither is it the result of a family stress, divorce, excessive TV viewing or video game playing, or diet, although some of these factors can exacerbate a pre-existing condition. ADHD is diagnosed by a healthcare professional, usually a child psychiatrist or paediatrician. While ADHD is not curable (at the moment), the good news is that ADHD is manageable. These children can learn to manage their symptoms, achieving a measure of success in their lives. The bottom line is ADHD is a medical disorder and it needs to be recognised and treated. If you need more advice, the site below will help you to cope with ADHD.

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