ADD-ADHD

Advocating for Your Child with LD

2009-04-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

Advocate: you've probably heard the term before. But what does it mean to you?

Advocating happens when you speak on behalf of someone else. You say for them what they can't say for themselves.

When you have a child who has been diagnosed with a learning disability, this is exactly what you must do for them. You must speak on their behalf. You know your child the best of anybody, and you are the best person to speak for them.

It sounds like a tall order, and it is. It is not always an easy thing to do. I know. I've been there. Even with a college degree and a special education classroom of my own, I often felt "less than" the other members of the PET (Pupil Evaluation Team), the group of teachers and administrators that we met with to determine Michele’s program. Sometimes, I felt as if I was being punished for not doing enough for my daughter, since she didn't learn the same way as the other children. Granted, it wasn't the professionals who made me feel that way, it was my own perspective. But, right or wrong, that’s the way I felt.

As a teacher of students with LD, I sat through many PET meetings in which parents sat quietly looking down at their hands, feeling painfully inadequate. They didn't feel qualified enough to realize they had anything to add to the proceedings. After all, they were sitting with people who had college degrees and years of experience and training in teaching. Many felt that, for some reason, they were to blame because their child had a learning disability. Others felt that because they had little or no college education, they weren't as smart as the teachers.

That's not true. Parents can add more to the PET meeting than anyone else.

You know your child better than anyone else. You know what works best with them. You are their parent and you know how they think. Those things qualify you to be able to speak on equal footing with anyone else in the PET. If the PET recommends that your child begin his homework right when he gets home from school, but you know that he needs a break to relax, then speak up. If he is really tired by the end of the school day, then the teachers need to know that. If they recommend that your child do homework in total silence, but you know that listening to music helps your child to shut out the rest of the world so they can concentrate better, then tell the team. All of that information helps them to work with your child in school as well. Don't be shy about letting them know what works.

Don't be afraid to stand up for your child. Sometimes, because the child's progress needs to be discussed at the PET, things can sound somewhat negative. It’s vital to ask for the good things that are going on with the child as well, and when you disagree with something a PET member says, express your feelings. Your child can't do that for himself - he needs you for you to do that for him.

Your child may not be able to tell others what they need. They may not know, themselves. Or they may not have the language to express their needs. Or, they may feel intimidated to tell adults what is going on with them even if they do know how to express themselves. It is up to you to help the PET understand the needs of your child and to speak up for him or her.

Remember, your child's education affects the rest of his life, and it’s in your hands. It is a great responsibility, there’s no doubt about it. But you know your child better than anyone else. You are your child's best advocate. You can do it!

For more up-to-date plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.LDperspectives.com.

About the author:
Sandy Gauvin is a retired educator who has seen learning disabilities from many perspectives - as the parent of a daughter with learning disabilities, as the teacher of children with learning disabilities, and as an advocate for others who have diagnosed and unrecognized learning disabilities. Sandy shares her wisdom and her resources at http://www.LDPerspectives.com
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Adult ADD Myths And Legends

2009-02-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

BY:Tellman H. Knudson

If you have adult ADD or ADHD, you've probably heard it all, and because it was only around 30 years ago that professionals started to recognize that attention deficit doesn't always go away, you may never have been properly diagnosed. Oh, well... you still have adult ADD.

So, let's discuss some of the reasons why or why not your attention deficit came to be:

1. Hyper people are the only ones with ADD

Not true. Even if you're as calm as an azure sky, you may still have attention deficit in one form or another. Three of the subtypes are inattentive, where the slightest thing may draw your attention away from what you're trying to concentrate on; hyperactive, where you just can't seem to stay still; and a combination of both. Just because a person is fidgety and hyper doesn't necessarily mean that they're ADD or ADHD.

2. Poor parenting skills are the reason for attention deficit

Not true. Whether your parents were completely permissive and you were allowed to do anything you felt like doing or whether they were staunch disciplinarians, their parenting skills have nothing at all to do with your attention deficit. Differences in brain chemistry and physical makeup do. It's not their fault.

3. Adult ADD is a Myth

If you have adult ADD, you know better. If you had ADD or ADHD as a child, you know that you still have the disorder, though some adults are able to control the symptoms better than others.

4. Sugar causes attention deficit

Wrong again. There is no scientific correlation between a person's sugar intake and ADD or ADHD.

5. ADD has nothing to do with other conditions

In part, that's true. Certain issues, like mood and conduct disorders or learning disabilities often accompany attention deficit, but not all people with anxiety disorder, for instance, have ADD.

The fact is, if you have adult ADD, you may have learned to control it. If not, adult ADD could be making you miserable. If you suspect you have adult ADD, come to Instant ADD Success.com and take the ADD test. Then, find a counselor or other professional that can help you to deal with your symptoms. Nobody with attention deficit should have to suffer.

About Author Tellman H. Knudson :
Tellman Knudson is CEO of Overcome Everything, Inc., a certified hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner, and has ADHD himself. Go to his comprehensive site with ADD information at http://instantaddsuccess.com/ and sign up for his free weekly ADHD tips.
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Therapeutic Massage For Autistic Children

2009-02-16T01:07:00.000-08:00

Autistic children are different. Autism can be broadly defined as a kind of brain disorder. Parents become aware that they have an autistic child when he or she is 2-3 years old. From then onwards their life becomes very challenging as they struggle to cope with their child.

Most autistic children shut themselves from the world and like to remain in a cocoon of loneliness. They hate to communicate with another adult and detest being touched. They are unable to use language properly even to express their basic needs. The child is usually unable to form sentences and may repeat a few words that he has heard. Some may be dumb Most have an extremely short attention span unable to concentrate on anything for more than two minutes. The most heartbreaking fact for parents is the child’s inability to express love in the form of kisses hugs or cuddles. Many exhibit behavioral problems by displaying fits of uncontrollable rage

At times an autistic child drives parents crazy. They usually go in for various treatments both conventional and unconventional and hope that it will bring them positive results. More often than not disappointment follows. Research has shown that massage therapy often works wonders for an autistic child. There are many kinds of massage therapies available but the parent has to learn with the help of the therapist what works for their child.

Though most autistic children hate to be touched many react positively to massage therapy. Parents should learn the correct massage techniques from a massage therapist. It is important that the massage is given in the right way to bring positive results. Before you begin the exercise, make the child look at your mouth and say the word massage slowly. By repeating it everyday your child will learn what to expect when you say the word. Massage in the form of long soothing strokes especially on the head, face and neck is very effective. Make a timetable and set aside a particular time each day for massage. Giving a massage before your child goes to sleep works wonders.

Many parents of autistic children reported that their hitherto sleepless child experienced sound sleep for a greater period of time. Parents of autistic children who have practiced massage therapy made glowing reports of their child’s progress. The attention span of most children increased substantially helping them to focus on the task they were doing. The child no longer loathed being touched and was able to bond better with his or her parents and other children. They were calmer and experienced less behavioral problems.

Another benefit from massage that few people are aware of is that it helps to remove toxins from our connective tissue and muscles which makes our child lead a healthier life. Many autistic children have lower levels of the hormone Oxytocin which induces feelings of warmth and emotional connections in our body. According to research massage helps to release Oxytocin in our body which is so necessary for autistic children. Long soothing strokes help drive away stress and make them more relaxed which help them respond in a better way to their environment. Massage therapy makes the autistic child feel that the world is a safe place and helps them relate to it in a better way.

About Author Juliet White :
Author: J. White - For more information on Therapeutic Massage visit: http://www.ifitnessgear.com/massagers Or call: 1-800-746-1191
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Symptoms of ADHD - The Top Signs Your Child May Have ADHD

2009-01-08T03:25:00.000-08:00

By: Austin Andrews

One of the most common questions that parents and teachers ask me

is, “What are the symptoms of ADHD?”This is a very important question. Parents want to understand if their child has a real learning disability or not.

They are also concerned about their child being ADD/ADHD because it

also brings up the discussion of treatment and whether or not their child needs to

be medicated. More and more studies are coming out on the side effects

of ADHD/ADD and parents are concerned. Medication should be avoided at all costs!

Early Symptoms of ADHD

Often, a child starts showing signs and symptoms of ADHD in the

elementary school years when the symptoms are adversely affecting

performance at school. Most medical/health professionals agree that it

is difficult to diagnose children younger than 4 or 5 years old because

typical behavior at this age is much more varying than that of older

children and may often include features that are similar to ADHD

symptoms.

DSM-IV

According to the DSM-IV (which is a guide for mental health

professionals that lists many different mental/physical disorders and the criteria for diagnosing

them) the key feature of ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattentive,

hyperactive, or impulsive behavior that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable stage of development.

There must also be clear evidence that the symptoms of ADHD

interfere with the development of appropriate social, academic, or occupational

functioning. According to professional diagnosis standards, hyperactive behavior

may be demonstrated by fidgeting or "squirming" in one's seat, by not

remaining seated when expected to do so, by excessive running or climbing when in

situations where it is considered to be inappropriate.

Pre-school aged children may display this type of behavior to a much

more marked degree when compared with same-age peers. At this age, the

hyperactive child is constantly on the go, gets into everything, jumping and climbing

excessively.

School-aged children may show hyperactivity in the form of having

trouble remaining seated, getting up frequently, fidgeting with objects,

tapping their hands, squirming in their seats, and shaking their hands,

legs, or feet.

Impulsive Behavior will often appear as impatience, difficulty in

delaying responses, a child who blurts out an answer in class before the

teacher can even complete the question.

Other symptoms of ADHD include not being able to wait one's turn

and, frequently interrupting or intruding on others objects away from

other kids, and handing things they are not supposed to.

The DSM-IV-TR provides mental health professionals with a list of

general behaviors that are exhibited by those with ADHD and hyperactivity.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity are noted together below, with children

needing to display at six of the behaviors listed below and persisting

for at least a period of 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and

inconsistent with developmental level.

Due to the medical nature of ADHD, only health professionals are

qualified to determine if the behavior the child is exhibiting meets the following

qualifications for ADHD as an official diagnosis:

--Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

--Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

--Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate

--Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

--Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

--Often talks excessively.

ADHD Symptoms of Impulsivity include:

--Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

--Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

--Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations

or games).

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For more information on helping your child with ADHD succeed without

using harmful medication, visit http://adhdanswers.org/. Your child’s

ADHD can be treated naturally!

How are ADD and ADHD Different?

2008-12-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Story by: Keith Londrie

Attention Deficit Disorder is a very complex, and often times
misunderstood, disorder. Its basis is physiological, but it can have a
host of ramifications that come along with it. That aside, what are the
differences between ADD and ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder, with the main symptoms being visible
hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. These are the symptoms that
stand out to the objective observer. ADD stands for Attention
Deficit Disorder with the main symptoms being inattention. Now
many other things can come along with both of these subtypes of ADHD,
but those are the distinguishing features of both.

For many years, the typical picture of Attention Deficit Disorder has
been the little boy that is bouncing off the walls and driving his
teachers and parents crazy. ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of
the two subtypes because it is so much more visible than ADD. Since
hyperactivity creates a lot more distraction and problems for
classrooms, it gets the most attention and will be picked up on a lot
faster. Unfortunately, even though ADD is less invisible, the results
of the disorder can just as destructive.

With inattentive attention deficit disorder, or ADD, the person
suffering from it will seem spacey and disorganized. Most often,
sufferers with this type will be staring out the window during classes
and will appear as if they are never quite present. It is much
more difficult to diagnose and many people with this form of ADD go
years without even knowing they have it. But the results of the
wandering mind can be just as destructive.

For many years, it was thought that only boys had ADHD. This myth
has been shattered recently, though. It is now known that both
boys and girls can have attention deficit disorder, and many do not
grow out of it in adulthood. One difference that has been noted is that
girls tend to have the inattentive version of ADD, and many times it is
misdiagnosed as depression. Because inattentive ADD does not
cause obvious problems and distractions to the surrounding environment,
many suffer in silence for years before they find out the real cause of
their troubles.

With both ADHD and ADD, diagnosis early is very important.
Although problems with academics is the most obvious symptom, some
sufferers do not have significant issues with getting school work
done. Keep track of your children, not just academically, but
socially and emotionally as well. Do they have trouble with other
children? Does it seem as if they have trouble organizing or are
excessively messy? Do they have trouble sitting still for a period of
time? Are they excessively quiet or excessively talkative? Now any of
these symptoms do not specifically signify ADD or ADHD, but they do
point to asking for outside help from a counselor or therapist. Your
child's psychological health is just as important as their physical
health and how they do in school. Check it out if you feel like
something is off. If left for years undiagnosed, ADD can cause
lots of other secondary problems that can take a long time to undo and
can be prevented.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on ADHD, please visit ADHDfor a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site athttp://keithlondrie.com/

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ADD Can Be Treated With Fish Oil

2008-12-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

I am reading this information with great interest that ADD can be treated with fish oil by Michael Byrd

A natural way to treat ADD is the use of fish oil. And here’s how and why it works.

Scientific research has shown that people with deficiency of essential fatty acids develop symptoms which are similar to those seen in children with ADD and ADHD.

An information published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that children “with lower compositions of total omega 3 fatty acids had significantly more behavioral problems, temper tantrums, and learning, health, and sleep problems than did those with high proportions of omega 3 fatty acids.” [Vol. 71, No. 1, 327S-330S]

This is definitely good news for parents who are looking for a natural way to deal with their child who may have ADD.

Parents love the idea that they have a lot of options. It is much easier for them and gives them the chance to try the natural approach first.

There are medications of course, but some may be apprehensive to use it due to the side effects that it may bring. In the case of fish oil, the only side effect it can give is the extended list of remarkable health benefits it gives from childhood through old age.

Scientists have now started promoting this natural treatment for ADD and ADHD children.

Take for instance, a research publish in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, the authors specified that using omega 3 fatty acids as treatment for ADD and ADHD is “safe compared to existing pharmacological interventions” [Vol. 63, No.1-2, pp. 79-87]

It has become more exciting, as one scientist took time to review all available studies on omega 3s, and posted a statement in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry [Vol. 48:195-203], “that higher dosages of omega-3 fatty acids (2 to 4g daily) may ameliorate the symptoms of several psychiatric conditions” ? that includes ADD and ADHD.

It can really be a bold statement to make for a scientist. We do not normally see it daily in the scientific world that they became so excited and even used the word “ameliorate” to illustrate a natural nutrient found in food.

“Ameliorate” simply means to improve your health or make better (much like a “cure”) and is often used only for prescription medicines.

Science supports your search for ADD fish oil treatment for your kid. And truly omega 3 fish oil can be a very easy solution. You just need to add more oily fish to your family’s daily dietary intake to begin with.

But this should not mean fish sticks and fish patties. They are of course made of whit meat fish, and do not contain that much omega 3s.

What you need to provide is salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel or herring. The more you serve it, the better. It can be a challenge to get 2 to 4 grams of fish oil daily just by eating those fishes.

There is an easier alternative, and that is by supplementing only the finest quality fish oil capsules to your family’s diet.

Should you prefer a natural approach rather than traditional medicines, you will have to look for a pure fish oil product (does not contain toxins), with a balanced potency and has all the eight members of the omega 3 family.

It certainly is a solution confirmed to work for ADHD and ADD fish oil treatment.

About the Author:

The truth about fish oil is finally revealed! Learn more about fish oil and get all the free insider information

No More Medication For Add-Adhd - An All Natural Alternative For Children With Add-Adhd

2008-11-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

By: ronj

There are about 24 million children who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and now there are many adults being diagnosed also. Most of them if most all are on some form of medication like Ritalin. There are other ways to get relief other than medication. There are many cases where medication has even made things worse. That is what this is about an alternative for those parents who do not like the affect medication is having on their children.

There is a foundation to good health that most people have never heard of before, mainly because there is not a lot of money in the medical field for staying healthy. Basically there is a whole industry centered around ADD/ADHD and billions of dollars to be made with the medication. Do we want our children medicated or healthy?

With that being said the question arises what is the key foundation to good health? It is actually pretty simple it is "alkalizing the body." When the body is at the proper ph level that is alkalized it is brought to a natural state of balance which leads to optimal healthful condition. The ph scale measures the acidity or alkalinity in the body. The scale goes form 1-14. The lower the number the more acidic the higher the number the more alkaline our bodies are. We need to be in between 7-9 to be at our healthiest. When the body is too acidic it leads to ill health like cancer, disease and other common illnesses. Natural unpolluted lake water is at about 7.5, which is where the body should be. By the way soda is at about 3 which is very acidic which is unfit for human consumption.

Another question is what leads to an acidic body? Life itself can lead to being acidic like, stress, metal attitudes, certain foods, exercise, environmental pollution and other sources. In the case of ADD/AADHD the child's body is too acidic. Once the child's body is alkalized he or she calms down and is able to function better mentally which leads to becoming a happier and healthier child or adult.

So the next question is how do you alkalize the body. Taking proper nutrition. Mainly taking minerals which do the alkalizing like calcium, magnesium and the other minerals we need in our bodies. Which most of us do not get through the foods we eat, especially processed foods.

How does all this tie into ADD/ADHD? What we are finding out is that with proper nutrition for alkalizing we are seeing parents decreasing medication and in many cases stopping medication all together. Which parents are thrilled about. We advise using the nutrition in conjunction with the medication. That is when parents are seeing the dramatic changes and decide to decrease or stop medication. Of course this is done with keeping the Physician informed.

If you are not satisfied with the medication your child is on this may be an alternative for you.

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Ron Randall
“New Amazing Breakthrough Program Shows You How Your Child Can Have Relief From ADD/ADHD Naturally In 30 Days Without Medication”
Visit blog to find out how http://www.naturalreliefforadd.wordpress.com

Adults with ADHD: Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment?

2008-10-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Story by: Jennifer Koretsky

I hate to say it, but a lot of adults with AD/HD have an attitude problem. Many of us are negative thinkers with low self-esteem.

It's understandable; life with AD/HD can have us feeling bad for being so "different" from everyone else. And we feel worse when we try to improve our lives using the wrong systems.

Mainstream advice doesn't account for the unique wiring of AD/HD brains, and when this advice fails, we feel like we've failed. It chips away at our self-esteem.

As a result, many people with AD/HD grow up to be BMWs—people who constantly B*tch, Moan, and Whine! This is one of the reasons that adults with AD/HD often have trouble making new friends and maintaining relationships. It's also why so many of us struggle to get along with our family members, coworkers, and neighbors.

No one likes to hang out with a BMW. Their constant brooding, complaining, and finding fault can quickly bring a happy person down or zap that person's energy. Simply put, BMWs are a drag!

If you are a BMW, then don't fret. With a little work, you can adjust your attitude and improve your social skills. Here are three practical things you can do right away to overcome being a BMW.

1. Accept compliments with grace and gratitude—even if you don't agree with them.

If you're a BMW, then chances are that your self-esteem can use a pick-me-up. Accepting the compliments that are paid to you will go a long way in helping you feel better about yourself.

You'll find that most people genuinely mean what they say. If your friend says she likes your haircut, believe it! If you argue with her compliment by disagreeing and saying something like "This is the worst haircut I've ever had!", then you're essentially telling your friend that her opinion is wrong.

2. Avoid putting yourself down in front of others.

People often view self-deprecation as "fishing for compliments" and feel a responsibility to lift you up and make you feel better. After a while, this becomes annoying, and you can easily lose friends who might view you as high maintenance.

There's a big difference between expressing your challenges, and putting yourself down for them. It's perfectly okay to say "I would have liked to have the house cleaned up by the time you got here, but unfortunately I didn't have enough time." In contrast, a BMW might say something like "I'm such a slob! My house is always a mess and no matter what I do I can never get it together!"

3. Surround yourself with positive, happy people.

One of the easiest ways to adjust your attitude is to surround yourself with people worth emulating. When you choose to spend time with other BMWs, you're choosing to be a BMW.

Make a concerted effort to ditch the BMW within, and then invite a pleasant coworker to join you for coffee, take a walk with a friendly neighbor, or reconnect with a supportive friend. You'll absorb the positive energy of these good influences. And positive, happy people will be much more understanding when you do find yourself running late for lunch or forgetting a birthday!

When you adjust your attitude by increasing your self-esteem and adopting a more positive perspective, you'll find that you have an easier time creating and maintaining social connections. People will enjoy spending time with the real you, and you'll feel better about yourself, too!

Copyright (c) 2008 Jennifer Koretsky

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Jennifer Koretsky is the Founder of the ADD Management Group, LLC, author of Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD, and Co-Founder of the upcoming Virtual AD/HD Conference. Jennifer and her team work with ADD adults who are overwhelmed with everyday life in order to help them simplify, focus, and succeed. To learn more, visit http://www.ADDmanagement.com

ADD/ADHD Medication Is Not The Only Alternative There Is Another Way

2008-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

By: ronj

Millions of children and now even adults are suffering with the condition of ADD/ADHD. The only answer the healthcare industry has is the use of medication, how sad. If we could focus on preventative measures instead of big money people would be healthier and our children would not be full of drugs.

Let’s take a look at this for a moment. What is really happening here?

Well for one thing as long as healthcare is considered an industry we are all in trouble. Industry usually means money making machine, profits only. And that is exactly what we have here in the US. It is all about the bottom dollar for the big Pharmaceutical companies and the health insurance companies. Money first people second. Truly a sad state of affairs for the average person.

It is bad enough for adults and even worse for children. Just imagine millions of children all over the country and even the world are on medication for ADD/ADHD. Big Pharmaceutical companies have Doctors and everyone else believing that medication is the only approach for ADD/ADHD. They are only dealing with the symptoms not the real focus, the underlying problem. They have billions of dollars riding on the propaganda and it is working. With no one able to go up against so much money and tell the truth.

The truth is that alkalizing the body is the true foundation of good health. When people are too acidic this is when the body starts to breakdown. There is extensive research that was done on this back in the 1930s. You can google this topic and find out for yourself. Big drug companies already know that alkalizing the body will bring it back to normal operating condition.

Many people do not know this but when someone has a heart attack and the paramedics arrive on the scene they give an IV bag to the patient. Well what is inside the IV bag alkalizes the body right in the spot to bring the body back to normal real quick. Now why wait until you are half dead? Alkalize your body before you have any kind of serious illness.

I know what you are asking. How does this apply to ADD/ADHD? We have seen in many cases that when the child’s body is alkalized they can either decrease the medication or stop it all together. This also holds true for adult ADD/ADHD. You see the body is too acidic and this is when illness occurs and the body is out of whack.

In summary medication is not the only way. It is the only way you are being told. Medication should be the last resort not the first.

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Ron Randall
Natural Health Advisor
“New Amazing Breakthrough Program Shows You How Your Child Can Have Relief From ADD/ADHD Naturally In 30 Days Without Medication”
Visit Website to find out how http://www.naturalreliefforadd.com

This program has been helping children for years all across America and it can help your child too.

Things To Know About Using Stimulants For ADD or ADHD

2008-08-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

By: Jonathan Lim ,

One important fact about stimulant medications is that they do not cure ADD or ADHD. They merely help people with ADD or ADHD in such a way that they are able to be as productive as possible, whether at home, in school or in social surroundings. Hence, stimulant drugs can be said to be just a half-way measure in alleviating the problem. To be effective, treatment should be multi-pronged and involves both medication and behavioural therapy.

When recommended that their children take stimulant drugs, most parents immediately become concern about the possible side effects. There are quite a number of possible side effects. The common ones are:

* Appetite is suppressed, which may lead to eventual weight loss or stunted growth.
*Those on medication may feel uneasy and have problems sleeping.

These two side effects should be noted with much seriousness, but more often than not they can be remedied by altering the dosage level or changing the time of taking the medication. If remedies are necessary, the best people to approach are the ones who prescribed it as they should be familiar with the medications. If these problems continue to persist, present prescription may need to be discontinued.

There are also some other concerns that parents have when their ADD or ADHD children take stimulant drugs. Possibly their worst fear is that their children's intelligence and creative flair may be curtailed after taking stimulant medication. While these concerns are understandable, the truth is that current findings do not support such concerns. Some people claimed that medication improves their intelligence or creativity. Todate, there is also no evidence to support such claims.

One other concern which parents have is the resultant side effects upon taking medications for the very first time. Sometimes, these kids, or even adults, may undergo some behavioural upheaval such as feeling withdrawn or even over-focused. Often, these side effects are merely the body's way of responding to foreign elements (medication) for the first time. The usual scenario is that these problems are temporary in nature and may disappear after a couple of hours. If they do however persist, it is best to sought the advice of a medical practitioner.

Many parents of ADD or ADHD children often ask if their children need to be on stimulant medications for the rest of their lives. At present, no one can give a clear cut answer. The primary aim of medication is to lend support to the kids so that they can function just like any `normal' kids. The majority of ADD/ADHD children do show significant improvements in their early teens, and when this behavioural change gains ground, these group of children find that they can cope without further medication. But for the rest of them, including adults who have ADD or ADHD, they may require continuous medication to asist them to function more effectively.

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Do you know that there are many ADD or ADHD myths?. Find out what they are now by visiting ADHD Facts and Myths

How Do You Know if Your Child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

2008-06-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

By: Greg Frost

There are more than 2 million children suffering from ADHD in America, and the figures are set to increase exponentially every 4 years. Despite this, most parents are unaware of how to recognize ADHD, or how to treat it. The symptoms of ADHD are also easily mistaken for a child misbehaving, making it even harder for a parent to differentiate between the two.

ADHD is a form of Attention Deficit Disorder, and is the most common neurological disease that children suffer from, with up to 5% of the children in America afflicted. As a parent, learn to recognize the symptoms so that you can seek professional help for your child. The main symptoms of ADHD are aggression, impulsiveness, restlessness, learning disabilities, an inability to focus and hyperactivity. Hence, even for parents who know the signs to look out for, it is often difficult to draw the line between normal misbehavior and ADHD.

How to you differentiate between the various forms of ADD? Add simply means that your child is unable to concentrate, and likely to forget what you have told him less than 10 seconds ago. ADHD on the other hand, means that not only has he forgotten what you have said, he is also likely to be running around instead of staying still whilst you address him. If you suspect that your child may be suffering from ADHD, it is better to err on the side of caution and visit your doctor for a professional opinion. It is treatable, and if identified early you can make a difference in helping your child learn and cope with life.

There are many symptoms of ADHD, such as forgetfulness, restlessness, aggression, agitation, depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior and an inability to focus. However, these are highly common and often confused with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, thyroid, or a stressful environment. Excessive sugar and allergies may also cause the same symptoms, as well as if your child is highly intelligent causing him to be easily bored and hence restless.

Fortunately, more parents are gaining greater awareness of the problem, and schools have also played a major role in the dissemination of information regarding ADHD. Whilst it is a significant problem for a child suffering from ADHD, keep in mind that you are never alone and that there is help available readily. Often times, medication is the first answer that parents look to for solving the problem. However, there are other alternatives as well.

Parents should try to keep a closer watch over the child’s diet, and cut off foods with high sugar content, or possible allergies. Give the child more attention and time, and help him to feel connected to the environment. He knows that he is different, and you should try your best to help him feel that he belongs. Whilst medication can treat the symptoms, it is equally if not more important to ensure that the child’s emotional and mental health is well taken care of.

About The Author

Greg Frost is a leading innovator in the field of ADHD and the founder of http://www.Attention-Deficit-Disorder.net which specializes in providing a whole range of ADHD Medications topics to improve the quality of people's lives and help them concentrate.

Natural Treatment for ADHD or ADD

2008-05-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

By Mary Freeman

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or vaccines. ADHD is diagnosed approximately three times more often in boys than in girls. ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by pervasive inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity and resulting in significant functional impairment. ADHD is linked to an imbalance in the chemicals used to regulate mood, behavior and energy level in the body.

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy.

Children who are successfully treated for the disorder live happier, more secure lives, and are better able to succeed in their educational and career goals.

Symptoms include excessive worry, fear, or panic, which can also lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea. Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, and include Impulsiveness a child who acts quickly without thinking first. Children who have been exposed to high levels of lead also may display ADHD symptoms. Some children with ADHD show symptoms of inattention and are not hyperactive or impulsive. Most, however, show symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Since Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is thought to be a neurologically based disorder, we would expect that, outside of acquiring its symptoms from a head injury, the individual with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder would have been born with the disorder.

Treatments

The good news is, with proper treatment, children with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

If your child has ADHD and a coexisting condition, the doctor will carefully consider that when developing a treatment plan.

When determining the correct treatment for your child, the doctor might try various medications in various doses, especially if your child is being treated for ADHD along with another disorder.

A number of other alternative therapies are promoted and tried by parents including: megavitamins, body treatments, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one "talking" psychotherapy.

Another natural treatment for ADHD is herbal therapy. Certain herbs such as Panax Ginseng which has been known to decrease stress, increase energy and reduce fatigue. Centella asiatica is another herb which is a natural treatment for ADHD. It increases memory function and clarity of though. Finally, there is Rosemary, which is known to be an energizer and increases cerebral blood flow.

Counseling, special accommodations in the classroom, and family and community support are other key parts of treatment.

The best treatment for ADHD is a matter of debate. The options range from traditional synthetic medications to a combination of traditional medicine and holistic medicine , or one could choose to simply try an all natural treatment to ADHD through herbs.

Whatever you decide, please work with your medical practitioner to decide which is the best option for you or your childâ€™s particular situation.

If you live within 30 miles of a grocery store you can cure your or your childâ€™s ADD ADHD without the expense or terrible side effects of traditional drugs.Click Here!

About the Author

Mary Freeman is an accomplished Author who writes articles on Natural and Home Remedies. To access her remedy website, please visit eRemedySpot.com

School and a Child with ADHD

2008-03-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

By: Keith Londrie

What teacher an ADHD child has is critical to their success in school. As a parent, you want to research what teacher your child will have to see what their background is. You want a teacher who understands the disorder or who is willing to learn about ADD. You want a teacher who will keep in regular contact with you, the parent. You will want a teacher who is encouraging, motivating and has clear and consistent rules and goals. You want a teacher who is dynamic and switches their teaching up quite a bit (ADHD children are much more prone to boredom). You want a teacher who will teach slowly and clearly, and who will repeat things if necessary. ADHD children often need to have things repeated because their minds wander. And you definitely need to have a teacher who will not undermine treatment your child is getting outside of the classroom.

Keep in mind that under federal law, a handicapped child must have whatever modifications that are needed. With ADHD, a child is often handicapped in many ways in the school environment. But often, the disorder is overlooked and children with ADHD suffer from this oversight in education. Because there is not enough funding and people to help, ADD is ignored unless parents step up and advocate for their children.

Parents need to be the main ones advocated for their child. They should not rely on teachers, social workers, psychologist and other personnel at the school. Because of this, parents need to be educated as to what they can do for their children. If the school does not listen to your demands or talks down to you, do not give in. This is your child’s education, and you have a right to speak up.

If it is difficult for you to speak for your child, it is possible to get a school advocate. This is a person who knows how to deal with schools and can help your child out. To find out more about this, contact CHADD (a national support group for people with ADD) or the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.

Specifically, for the teacher, there are a few tips that will help in teaching a child with ADHD. The main thing is you want to minimize any distractions that will catch the child's attention. Do not use bright, shiny colors on the walls; this will distract the child. Put the child up front to decrease their straying attention. Write the rules of classroom and display it clearly. Help the ADD child know that it is ok to ask for additional help. Positive encouragement works wonders, especially with children with ADD. In regards to projects, allow more time for ADD children. Let the ADD children have frequent breaks to give their attention span a break.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on ADHD, please visit ADHD for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site at keithlondrie.com/

The Difficulties Of Making An Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis With Infants

2008-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

By: Sandra Manningham

The fundamentals of correctly assessing Attention Deficit Disorder early with children is very important for their lifelong wellbeing; however it's easier said than done. This syndrome often affects youngsters from four years old and older. One of the biggest difficulties is the fact that many of the symptoms are the same things youngsters normally do. Among them include running all around their home, screaming as loud as they can, becoming bored fast at any particular thing and impatient TV viewing. Would you find any of these alarming? These are things that little ones do.

Life with a toddler around the house is bound to be bumpy and though most parents try to let go and give their kids some freedom to find their own way in life, the growing child would be just as busy charting out his or her own course in life.

Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis Why Early Diagnosis is Important

Children with untreated Attention Deficit Disorder will often wear on all those that have to take care of them. Often running about, being loud, interrupting, and constantly on the go will often clash with structured environments. Those around them will often ridicule, steer clear of, or otherwise push them away for the behavior they really have no control over. This will have serious negative long term emotional effects on the child with Attention Deficit Disorder. Without diagnosis and treatment early these effects will consequence their whole life.

While Attention Deficit Disorder was once considered a mental disorder solely of childhood, within the past decade it has become clear that adults also suffer from residual Attention Deficit Disorder that was present in childhood but might have gone undiagnosed.

Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis Determining

Medically speaking diagnosis of attention deficit disorder isn't that complicated. However diagnosing it in infants is much more difficult. It requires strong attention from the parent(s), guardian(s), and others closest to the child. These are the people that observe the child enough to see all the symptoms of ADD. They are often more seen in emotions than actions, making it even more difficult for these people. Young young ones, seldom converse at deeper levels. Often their replies are simple single syllable words. Even for these people, strong observation will be needed for a good efficacious Attention Deficit Disorder diagnosis.

In order to unravel the mystery that surrounds this conjuncture, one needs to understand the theory as well as history that causes attention deficit disorder.

The signs that need to be observed are hyperactivity, low attention span, and often impulsive acts in big ways. These at times are things all young ones do, however for those that basically are given an attention deficit disorder diagnosis, they will often go overboard on them.

Often teachers can be more instrumental in finding an attention deficit disorder diagnosis. They see the child in a structured environment, interacting with a section of peers. In this controlled setting they can observe behavior in various activities. Signs show in the child's attention to learning, behaviors, and interactions. Observations at school can assist encourage a referral for a medical attendant to make a professional attention deficit disorder diagnosis.

Doctors have an inclusive checklist they use for making an attention deficit disorder diagnosis. To be productive they will need your full socialism, as you are indeed the source of their observations. Once through the checklist, if a proper diagnosis is made, as a result of this treatment can begin immediately. In the long term, this will assist your child to learn and grow much more like others without ADD do, and should bring them as many opportunities in life as the other little ones. Untreated, they stand to lead a miserable life missing out on many opportunities.

Actually it is easier to recognize the symptoms of attention deficit disorder in schools than at home because the little ones are more focused on the task at the school than they will ever be at home, and hence it will be difficult for a parent to really catch on that their child is unable to concentrate on any given task at hand.

When it comes to your little ones, they are the future. When it comes to attention deficit disorder, it will hold them back. Diagnosis and treatment early may be all that stands between the two of you, and the future. Don't hesitate to be sure!

Article Source: http://add-articles.com

Perhaps you would like to know more about the history of attention deficit disorder For this and much much more please visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Site today which provides comprehensive help and advice on all ADD OR ADHD issues. Sandra thoroughly recommends this site so check it out today here: - www.attentiondeficitsdisorder.com

Frequently Asked Questions About ADD

2008-02-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

By: Keith Londrie

1. What is ADD?

ADHD is a neurobiological disorder located in the prefrontal cortex, and it is also a type of brain wiring different than the general population. It can be considered a disorder and a gift, and it affects all areas of functioning to a degree. But the main area of life it will affect is your executive function, or the area of the brain that organizes, plans and executes goals.

What is generally focused on with ADHD is a short attention span, or the inability to focus for long periods of time. People with ADD have minds that tend to wander, drift and get distracted by other things. What is very interesting about ADD is that sufferers can pay attention very well to things that are new, very stimulating, interesting or upsetting. These events provide enough stimulation in and of themselves that they activate the part of the brain that enables concentration. This is because people with ADD do not have enough adrenaline and need this in order to focus.

People with ADD have trouble paying attention to daily, routine activities that do not provide high stimulation such as chores, homework, and paperwork. Unfortunately, these activities are everywhere and are needed in order to function in society.

2. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorderis a very complex, and often times misunderstood, disorder. Its basis is physiological, but it can have a host of ramifications that come along with it. That aside, what are the differences between ADD and ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, with the main symptoms being visible hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. These are the symptoms that stand out to the objective observer. ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder with the main symptoms being inattention. Now many other things can come along with both of these subtypes of ADHD, but those are the distinguishing features of both.

For many years, the typical picture of Attention Deficit Disorder has been the little boy that is bouncing off the walls and driving his teachers and parents crazy. ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of the two subtypes because it is so much more visible than ADD. Since hyperactivity creates a lot more distraction and problems for classrooms, it gets the most attention and will be picked up on a lot faster. Unfortunately, even though ADD is less invisible, the results of the disorder can just as destructive.

With inattentive attention deficit disorder, or ADD, the person suffering from it will seem spacey and disorganized. Most often, sufferers with this type will be staring out the window during classes and will appear as if they are never quite present. It is much more difficult to diagnose and many people with this form of ADD go years without even knowing they have it. But the results of the wandering mind can be just as destructive.

3. What about Adult ADD?

For many years, ADHD was thought to be a child disorder, and more specifically a disorder only found in young boys. But with medical technology and research evolving, it has been found that many children with ADD do not grow out of it when they become adults. Although some of the hyperactivity tends to decrease, the core symptoms of the disorder do not disappear. Hyperactivity can turn into impulsivity in adulthood, which can potentially be very destructive.

92 percent of adults diagnosed with ADHD who were treated after age 18 wish they had been diagnosed sooner, according to research done by Harris Interactive surveys. Research also indicated that 90 percent of teachers felt that late diagnosis affected both academic and social development in students.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on ADHD, please visit ADHD for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site at keithlondrie.com/