| The symptoms of attention deficit disorder are set out | | | | too. |
| in the DSM Vol IV. Depending on the type of ADHD, | | | | Hyperactivity, another one of the symptoms of |
| symptoms will range from inattentiveness, | | | | attention deficit disorder can play havoc with family life. |
| hyperactivity, distractability to forgetting things, inability | | | | A great coping mechanism is to get 'green time' and |
| to focus and failure to concentrate. The method of | | | | sports activities into the daily routine. You will be richly |
| diagnosis is not exactly rocket science and has been | | | | rewarded as the 'feel good' endorphins do wonders |
| criticised as not being objective enough and neither is it | | | | for the child's mood, as indeed it does for any adult |
| a diagnostic test. | | | | who practices any physical activity. Choosing the right |
| Parents will have to decide early on what kind of | | | | type of sport is very important though. It seems that |
| medication is going to suit their child best. Whatever | | | | where concentration is demanded (for example in |
| the medication, it will not cure ADHD. But any | | | | football, basketball and baseball), ADHD children |
| medication should be safe in the long term, not lead to | | | | definitely do less well. They tend to excel in swimming |
| any type of addiction or substance abuse and above | | | | (look at Michael Phelps), martial arts, gymnastics and |
| all, should not have nasty side effects like disturbing the | | | | wrestling. |
| child's sleep. Most of the ADHD psychostimulants used | | | | Even if some of the ADHD medications may help the |
| in controlling the symptoms of attention deficit disorder | | | | child to stay alert and focus much better, again the |
| fall short of those criteria and there is much | | | | parents can do so much to help. First they should |
| controversy about how damaging they are. Parents | | | | check out what is going on in the school and actively |
| should be able to find out about alternative treatments | | | | seek out the teacher to find out exactly what |
| for ADHD such as homeopathy ADHD which has no | | | | strategies and behaviour plans she has implemented. |
| side effects. | | | | They also need to resist any attempt by teachers |
| When ADHD is diagnosed, parents can do so much to | | | | who may recommend some ADHD medication such |
| help the child come to terms with attention deficit | | | | as psychostimulants. The parents have to make an |
| disorder symptoms and can do it so successfully that | | | | informed choice. To help you do that, look at the link |
| it can be seen as a gift rather than a curse. Giving | | | | below for a safe and effective ADHD treatment |
| positive feedback is one way. Never concentrate on | | | | which is excellent at controlling symptoms of attention |
| the negative things but try to give praise every day. | | | | deficit disorder. |
| Spending time with an ADHD child is very important | | | | |