| Let me begin by saying when I began researching this | | | | - Have a difficult time controlling their emotions. |
| issue I was a bit of a skeptic. It seemed to me that far | | | | How do I know if my child has ADHD? |
| too many children were being diagnosed with ADHD | | | | Unfortunately there is no simple blood test or simple |
| when they were "just being kids." The conversation | | | | test of any kind that can tell you if your child has |
| usually goes something like this: "Doctor, my child | | | | ADHD or not. There are doctors who specialize in this |
| doesn't pay attention, he can't stay still for two minutes, | | | | area but even with a specialist it may take several |
| and he talks non-stop." Sound familiar? Well, some of | | | | months for a doctor to determine if your child has |
| them are just being kids, but some children who exhibit | | | | ADHD or not. The doctor will need time to observe |
| these symptoms may actually suffer from attention | | | | your child, talk to you and your family, perhaps even |
| deficit disorder. Children with ADHD will often have | | | | your child's teacher. I would be a bit skeptical of any |
| trouble paying attention or focusing on a task. While | | | | doctor who spends thirty minutes with my child and |
| these symptoms may be simply annoying in a young | | | | diagnoses him or her with ADHD. You may consider |
| child they can make it difficult for a child to perform | | | | asking your doctor about ADHD if your child has been |
| well in school and may result in disruptive behavior at | | | | having trouble in school or at home and exhibits over |
| home. | | | | six of the symptoms listed above. |
| No one seems to be sure what actually causes | | | | Is there a cure for ADHD? |
| ADHD. Some people believe that sugar causes ADHD | | | | Unfortunately there is no cure for ADHD but there are |
| and although this theory hasn't been borne out by | | | | treatments available to help children get better. |
| most research it certainly can result in ADHD like | | | | Treatment options available today include three basic |
| symptoms. Other people believe the chemicals found | | | | approaches: |
| in such food additives as artificial coloring may also | | | | Medication |
| worsen the symptoms. | | | | Medications, frequently stimulants, can help a child to |
| There are many symptoms that children with ADHD | | | | focus and stay calm and there are several available. |
| may exhibit. Often it just seems like normal childhood | | | | However common side effects from these |
| behavior in a young child but in children with ADHD the | | | | medications include sleeplessness and stomach |
| symptoms will be significantly worse and are likely to | | | | problems. You and your child's doctor will need to |
| occur more often. For many first time parents it is very | | | | closely monitor your child once he or she begins to |
| difficult to distinguish between a child who exhibits | | | | take medication. It may also require experimenting with |
| "normal" behavior and one who has ADHD. Most | | | | a few different medications to determine which one |
| people today believe that a child with ADHD will exhibit | | | | works the best and has the least side effects. Of |
| at least six of the symptoms below before the age of | | | | course, medication can decrease common symptoms, |
| five or six. But remember, it's not a science at this | | | | but it doesn't change behavior. |
| point. | | | | Therapy |
| Children with ADHD may: | | | | There are different approaches to therapy available |
| - Be easily distracted and forgetful | | | | which you can discuss with your doctor. Behavioral |
| - Be constantly switching from one activity to another | | | | therapy can help children learn to control their behavior |
| - Have trouble following directions | | | | better and this approach frequently includes improving |
| - Daydream frequently | | | | parenting skills as well. If your child has ADHD, a new |
| - Not complete tasks like homework | | | | set of parenting skills may be required on your part as |
| - Often misplace toys | | | | well. |
| - Squirms a lot and constantly fidget | | | | Medication and therapy combined |
| - Interrupt people and talk nonstop | | | | It has been demonstrated that behavioral therapy has |
| - Be constantly running around | | | | been successful with a large number of children. And |
| - Have to touch and play with everything | | | | even if the child ultimately requires medication as well |
| - Often be very impatient | | | | he or she can frequently get by with a smaller dose. |