Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Characteristics
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders affects as much as six percent of all children.
There are three sub-types or forms: ADHD, ADD, and Combined Type.
A child with ADHD can be extremely frustrating to both parents and teachers or daycare providers.
These children have great difficulty with paying attention at play and school, being impulsive, and may be irritable.
They may not follow directions well, take risks, or self-managing moods.
You might be thinking that all kids are like that.
Yes some of it is typical behavior.
When these behaviors excessive and affects the home, school, and friends.
If your child's behavior is a problem either you or the school can request that testing be done to see if they meet criteria for ADHD/ADD.
There is a variety of treatment options that may help your child to focus, be able to pay more attention, and less impulsive.
The school and your child's doctor may give you their suggestions.
It is important to know that you do not have to take their suggestions.
Generally speaking the most common treatment is stimulant drugs.
The problem is that stimulants have some serious side effects.
Those children who take stimulants may experience headaches, appetite changes and depression.
The long term affects on the maturing brain is not known but these children are more likely as adults to have substance abuse problems and depression.
It may be helpful to you to know that there are alternative treatments available that are safe and effective although not every child will react in the same way to these treatments.
Very often a combination of therapies are employed in order to treat the whole child not just symptoms.
Natural supplements employ the use of herbs, vitamins, minerals that are known to have a positive effect on your child with ADHD/ADD behaviors.
The absence of side effects draws many parents to use supplements rather than stimulants.
Along with supplements, behavioral therapy, and acupuncture may be used.
A healthy diet is important (eliminate sugar, MSG, etc) to your child's well-being.
Being sure that s/he gets enough sleep, and exercise will help your child to focus better.
There are support groups for parents.
You aren't the first or last parents dealing with ADHD and you sure won't be the last.
You will be their best advocates.
Though your child may exhibit attention deficit hyperactive disorder, there is help for all concerned.
There are three sub-types or forms: ADHD, ADD, and Combined Type.
A child with ADHD can be extremely frustrating to both parents and teachers or daycare providers.
These children have great difficulty with paying attention at play and school, being impulsive, and may be irritable.
They may not follow directions well, take risks, or self-managing moods.
You might be thinking that all kids are like that.
Yes some of it is typical behavior.
When these behaviors excessive and affects the home, school, and friends.
If your child's behavior is a problem either you or the school can request that testing be done to see if they meet criteria for ADHD/ADD.
There is a variety of treatment options that may help your child to focus, be able to pay more attention, and less impulsive.
The school and your child's doctor may give you their suggestions.
It is important to know that you do not have to take their suggestions.
Generally speaking the most common treatment is stimulant drugs.
The problem is that stimulants have some serious side effects.
Those children who take stimulants may experience headaches, appetite changes and depression.
The long term affects on the maturing brain is not known but these children are more likely as adults to have substance abuse problems and depression.
It may be helpful to you to know that there are alternative treatments available that are safe and effective although not every child will react in the same way to these treatments.
Very often a combination of therapies are employed in order to treat the whole child not just symptoms.
Natural supplements employ the use of herbs, vitamins, minerals that are known to have a positive effect on your child with ADHD/ADD behaviors.
The absence of side effects draws many parents to use supplements rather than stimulants.
Along with supplements, behavioral therapy, and acupuncture may be used.
A healthy diet is important (eliminate sugar, MSG, etc) to your child's well-being.
Being sure that s/he gets enough sleep, and exercise will help your child to focus better.
There are support groups for parents.
You aren't the first or last parents dealing with ADHD and you sure won't be the last.
You will be their best advocates.
Though your child may exhibit attention deficit hyperactive disorder, there is help for all concerned.
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