UNVEILING THE TRUTH ABOUT ADD/ ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).

There are many myths that exist concerning ADHD. According to www.helpguide.org , the following are some of the myths that exist about ADHD and some of its positive effects:

Myths about Attention Deficit Disorder
Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive.
Fact: Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.
Fact: Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD could behave better if they wanted to.
Fact: Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.
Fact: ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.
Fact: Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.

Positive effects of ADD / ADHD in children

In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder:

• Creativity – Children who have ADD/ADHD can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has ten different thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas, or an inventive artist. Children with ADD/ADHD may be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others don’t see.
• Flexibility – Because children with ADD/ADHD consider a lot of options at once, they don’t become set on one alternative early on and are more open to different ideas.
• Enthusiasm and spontaneity – Children with ADD/ADHD are rarely boring! They’re interested in a lot of different things and have lively personalities. In short, if they’re not exasperating you (and sometimes even when they are), they’re a lot of fun to be with.
• Energy and drive – When kids with ADD/ADHD are motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.

Keep in mind, too, that ADD/ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or talent. Many children with ADD/ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted.

Sources:

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-in-children.htm

What teachers can do to help children with ADHD?

Equip yourself with knowledge and proper understanding of ADHD. Find trusted and reliable sources of information. There are many reputable books about ADHD, which can be obtained from your local book shop or library and numerous resources on the internet.

If you think that a child may have ADHD, talk to the parents about the child’s behavior. Make sure that they understand what is happening, what type of treatment the child could receive and what the implications of that treatment could mean for their child’s future and their home life. Recommend that the child is properly assessed by a medical professional. Click here to contact a proffesional

However, it is important to note, that most parents lack the understanding and knowledge about the condition and stigmas that are sometimes associated with ADHD, some parents have difficulty in accepting a diagnosis of ADHD because they feel the diagnosis is a reflection on them as parents. This is understandable and clear explanations and empathetic discussion to inform the parents about ADHD can help to avoid misunderstandings.

Here are a few Practical tips for teachers when dealing with ADHD in the classroom

Famous People with ADHD

Michael Phelps

From ADHD Kid to Olympic Gold Medalist

When Michael Phelps was in the sixth grade, he was fidgety and had trouble paying attention in the classroom. His pediatrician diagnosed him with ADHD and prescribed some medication. His teacher told his mother that her son would never succeed at anything because he couldn't focus on anything for a long enough time. His mother, too, was skeptical that her son could do well. Defying his teacher's and his mother's grim predictions, Michael Phelps went on to become the most decorated athlete in the history of the Olympics with 14 gold medals at the Athens and Beijing Olympics. But swimming isn't just a winning sport for Phelps; it's a way for him to cope with his ADHD.

Phelps' mom Debbie described her son's exhibition of classic ADHD symptoms: not sitting still or being able to focus. However, he channeled that into swimming, and with "continuous praise and positive reinforcement" Phelps had the encouragement he needed to score the golds.

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood. However, experts believe that a combination of factors may be responsible for symptoms of ADHD. ADHD tends to run in families, which implies there may be a genetic link to the condition.

There is some evidence to suggest that alcohol use during pregnancy, premature birth and low birth weight may increase the chance of the child having ADHD. In addition, trauma to the child’s brain or infections of the brain in early childhood may predispose to ADHD.

An imbalance of chemicals (particularly dopamine and noradrenaline) in various areas of the brain is thought to be the specific root cause of the behavioral abnormalities in ADHD. These findings highlight the fact that ADHD is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis and that it can also be effectively treated.

For further information , please read the following articles:
ADHD in children
Symptoms of ADHD
Famous people with ADHD
What teachers can do to help children with ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD manifest themselves in a manner and degree which is inconsistent with the child's current developmental level. That is, the child's behavior is significantly more inattentive or hyperactive than that of his or her peers of a similar age.

The symptoms can be divided into three categories: Symptoms of Inattention, Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Symptoms of Impulsivity.

ADHD IN CHILDREN

A common child disorder is Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks. They may appear to make careless mistakes and don’t seem to pay attention or to listen to instructions. Sometimes, they may appear to be over active, fidgeting or getting up and moving around when they are supposed to be sitting still and concentrating on the school work or other activities. This behavior can be disruptive in the classroom and create stressful situations at home. They commonly underachieve academically and are often labeled as naughty or disobedient. They may suffer from poor self-esteem and have difficulty in keeping friends.

In truth children with ADHD have a medical condition which in part is related to how the chemistry of their brain is working. Because the brain controls personality and behaviour, the behavior of children with ADHD is different from that of other children.

At the Clinic we always believe the” The parent is always right, when it comes to his or her child” Parents are always the first in noticing development problems in their child and with the proper medical and social attention, children with ADHD can be helped. If ADHD is diagnosed at an early age and managed, then this will improve the child’s performance in all areas of life, especially at school and at home.
For further information, Please read the following articles:
Symptoms of ADHD
What causes ADHD
Famous people with ADHD
What teachers can do to help children with ADHD