ADHD Guide

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Attention Deficit Disorder deals with a dysfunctional aspect of a person who may combine other disabilities as well and thus a child affected by this condition will have a good learning process that works for him much like other human beings who can memorize and retain information; their only problem is having a short attention span so attracting and holding their interest for a sustained period of time is crucial for helping their minds retain facts.

Such a child may typically have a problematic academic record but with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, grades in school and concentration power can shoot up, improving performance and productivity for the ADD-er who may have had a bumpy start to educational life; results, however, may differ from individual to individual.

In very young kids (pre-schoolers mostly), there may be other disabilities exhibited that usually include one or more of the following: auditory problems(limited understanding of sounds and words), speech problems, difficulty with the ‘3 R’s (reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic) besides spelling problems. As is the case of Dyslexia (a reading disorder), ADD is very common in kids too who have have limitations in learning though it is not necessarily true for all ADD-ers to have the above problems.

Parents and care-givers, including teachers, can help ADD-er kids to improve their learning habits and performance in school by guiding them along lines of having a timetable and daily schedule so as to better utilize their time efficiently and thus improve memory and diligency to activities through careful planning and focus on routine things. This is based on the idea of repetition, which includes keeping things in order, in pre-determined places so its easy to locate them and organize papers in binders, folders and files so they are sorted out easily, reducing time and labor besides being daily planning aids.

The cheerful classroom attitude of a teacher with an inter-active manner can also help childer with ADD improve performance as opposed to mere lecturing that can be taken as criticism, since this approach encourages a child to pay attention and reduce distractions so success becomes a habit due to high degree of motivation and understanding offered to the ADD-er.



Irene

Jennifer Koretsky asked:


Copyright (c) 2007 Jennifer Koretsky

In my coaching practice, there are certain weeks that I refer to as “theme weeks.” These are weeks in which many of my clients seem to be dealing with a similar challenge. For the past week, that challenge can best be described as “The Blahs.”

It’s not that things are falling apart, but stress and overwhelm are kicking in for what seems like no particular reason. More than anything, people are feeling tired, bored, and just kinda “blah.” Since this is a recurring theme in my coaching, and I have to admit I’ve felt it a bit myself, too, I can only conclude one thing: this inexplicable blah feeling is a result of season changes.

While not all of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression often brought on by winter), adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are more neurologically sensitive than most. So small changes in our environment can have big effects on our mood. There are about 2 weeks left before winter officially begins, but the days are already much shorter and, for many of us, the temperatures have dropped significantly. The loss of daylight hours alone is enough to make an ADDer feel sluggish, tired, and moody. In other words: blah.

Slowing down in fall and winter is actually quite normal and natural, just as it’s natural to feel more energy in the spring and summer. Rather than beating yourself up over feeling “blah,” why not give yourself permission to slow down a bit?

Adults with ADD have a nasty habit of punishing themselves for not being productive enough. You set big goals, get mad at yourself when you don’t finish them quickly enough (or at all), and you tell yourself that you’re not allowed to have fun until you get all that work done. But does that approach work? Nope.

If you don’t feel up to going out as much, or taking on too many projects, don’t push yourself. If you find yourself getting tired earlier in the evening, get some extra sleep. Humans, like all animals, are programmed to take our cues from nature. So when the sun goes down early, the animals begin to hibernate, and many of the plants around us go dormant, it’s natural for us to want to slow down, too.

Of course, if at any point you find yourself wanting to sleep all the time or feel extreme sadness or hopelessness, then you may be depressed and it’s important to talk to your doctor.

For most of us, however, the seasonal blahs will visit us every year around this time. Instead of pushing yourself to be “productive” and beating yourself up because you’re not getting as much done as you were a month ago, try putting your energy into cooking nourishing meals, enjoying good books, and catching up on the movies you want to see.

I’m willing to bet that when you take the pressure off, those seasonal blahs will begin to fade. Remember, it’s okay to slow down when the seasons change. Just be sure to take good care of yourself!



Jennifer

rushmore1998 asked:


I think I might have Attention Deficit Disorder. I have been reading about how the mercury in immunization shots can cause autism. The last shots I had was the series for hepatitis vaccine in 2001, flu shot in 2001, and flu shots in 2005 and 2006. Since 2001 I have been having symptoms of ADD like trouble concentrating, making careless mistakes at work, job hopping, and have problems with forgetfulness. I am 32 years old.

Mildred

neurotic3109 asked:


My son is almost 7 and is generally a good kid. He’s got a great heart. Lately I’ve noticed that he is starting to have problems focusing on certain things. If I give him a task to do and I don’t make sure that I have his undivided attention while speaking to him, he won’t do it and if I ask him to repeat back to me what I just said, he doesn’t know. I’ve also noticed that if I give him a list of things to remember, he has a hard time retaining that information. Should I have him tested? If so, do I go through his pediatrician for that or a mental health facility?

Bernard

Kathy Kafka asked:


Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.) - Also known as A.D.H.D., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can overlap with other physical and psychological disorders.  There is rarely a case of someone who is all A.D.D.  More often there is a combination expressed by some underlying cause.  A.D.D is not simply a disorder of childhood, but a lifelong condition.  A.D.D. is difficult for everyone involved to deal with.  As well as the difficulty of living with the symptoms, wider society may face challenges.  Some symptoms and characteristics of A.D.D. are learning disabilities, frequent forgetfulness, impaired judgment, excessive talking/interrupting, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, mood disorders, alienation, motor problems, and organization.  A.D.D. is also linked with increased risk of accidents, drug abuse, failure in school, antisocial behavior, and criminal activity.  But others view A.D.D. in a positive light, arguing that it is simply a different method of learning involving greater risk-taking and creativity. Some positive traits of A.D.D. include: creativity, enthusiasm, spontaneity, a quick mind, high energy level, sensitivity and intelligence.

No one is sure what caused A.D.D.  In additon, numerous social factors such as family conflict or poor child rearing practing, while not causing the condition, may complicate the course of A.D.D.  Other causes may be: allergies and sensitivities, anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, mercury poisoning, nutritional deficiencies, sleep disorders, hypoglycemia, and thyroid condition.   Research shows the common factor in all forms of A.D.D. to be a coordination failure in the reticular activating system of the brain.  This system of the brain helps coordinate external stimulus.

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Karl

Susan Jan asked:


Attention Deficit Disorder, otherwise commonly known as ADD, is a psychosomatic condition which is normally characterized by learning and behavioral disorders. ADD is generally diagnosed in children and it affects the male infant population more than girls. Attention deficit disorder not only occurs in childhood but also continues till adulthood in many cases. Anti-social behaviors are common with ADD individuals, but are not seen in children with ADD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disability based on neurobiological factors. However, the real cause of ADHD is still not known. Studies have shown that ADD is due to genetic transmission from parents to children. It can also be the result of deficiency of certain neurotransmitters or a chemical imbalance.

The neurotransmitters are specific chemicals that help the brain to regulate the behavior of a person. Researches have shown that the rate at which the brain uses glucose is lower in individuals who are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder in comparison to people who are not affected by ADD.

Symptoms commonly found among children with ADD are inattentiveness, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder find it difficult to do their homework or any assigned task, and even in holding conversation. Those with ADHD often take part in risky activities and therefore suffer two to four times the rate of accidental injuries as do children or adults without ADD.

Some of the symptoms of inattentiveness include making careless mistakes in homework or activities, difficulty in focusing on completing activities, difficulty in performing tasks, not listening, and being forgetful in daily activities.

Some of the symptoms of hyperactivity include restlessness of hands or feet, excessive fidgeting, problems in playing or focusing on activities, or excessive talking.

Symptoms due to impulsiveness include interrupting a conversation, impatience in waiting their turn, or blurting out answers even before the question is completed.

Adults with ADD are prone to risk-taking, careless or impulsive behavior, and difficulty with time management and organization. They often show an inability to structure their lives and to plan complex daily tasks, and also difficulty in self-control and self-motivation.

ADD is very difficult to diagnose and treat in younger people as it is sometimes related with mood disorders, employment issues, substance abuse, relationship problems or other psychological disorders. Previously it was believed that children and adolescents would grow out of ADD but now it is clear to psychologists that if ADD is not treated in childhood then it can create problems for the patient or his family.



Kathryn

wngtsuwgalc asked:


I understand that stimulants like ritalin and concerta, etc. make non-ADD people act like they are on “speed” but actually works to slow down the mind of someone who is ADD. Does it help someone with ADD focus better, avoid distractions or both?

Claudia

Rhonda Hoffman asked:


In the US more than 5 million children are treated every year with brain disabling narcotics for this mental disorder. Ritalin is the drug most often used but the problem is that it can stunt grwoth, brain atrophy, decrease muscle control, loss of welf regard and/or depression. Dr Fred Baughman, a leading critic and expert of this drug states that rht FDA reported 2,993 adverse reactions to Ritalin in 1990 alone. Of these, 160 were deaths and 567 had to be hospitalized. It also can cause hypertension and rapid heartbeat. Then if the drug is taken from the child they often feel lost or depressed. So the prescription is often worse than the problem!

A growing amount of experts beleive that ADHD and ADD was “made up” by the mental health communtiy and that these symptoms are really creative minds, gifted inventors, scientists and artists of the future therefore many gifted children are being drugged and  and detroyed.

The symptoms of these so called illnesses should be treated as a nutrional issue. Food allergies often trigger hyperactiveness. Eliminate red dye foods and drinks completely. The other most common triggers are milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, chocolate, oranges and sugar.NEVER used substitute sugar! Unless it is stevia or Xlylitol, these are the only safe ones.PROTEIN is good!!

Also environmental toxins can be a factor such as, pesticides and cleaning products.

Another cause could be heavy metal poisoning from mercury or lead. These metal can be introduced into the body through vaccinations and other pollutants. Mercury or silver fillings in the teeth for example.

Look at your childs pupils, if they are enlarged then this signals an excess of sympathetic nervous system  activity so you need calming herbs and vitamins/minerals. STRESS J is a good stress supplement.  Lavendar Oil is also very good for them to smell or rub on the wrists and bottom of feet.

Children that have deficient vitamin Bs have behavioral problems such as mood swings,  temper tantrums, depression, anger, fear, withdrawal and inability to concentrate.

So B COMPLEX is extrememly important to supplement with.

If the pupils are small and contracted then there is an excess of parasymphatetic nervous system activity so stimulants will have a calming effect.

MAGNESIUM is another nutrient that is almost always deficient in children with behavioral problems. It is a nerve tonic and  muscle relaxant. Necessary for brain function and it is used up fast during stress. Important to every cell in the body!

Natures Sunshine has an alternative to Ritalin and other dangerous medications. This formula is 100% natural and safe for your child.

FOCUS ATTENTION

This formula helps to reduce overactivity in the brains neurotransmitter system and provides nutrients much needed. Also protects the brain from toxic chemicals. Supports blood circulation and neurotransitter levels in the brain.Encourages restful and balanced brain activity. It is best to take with Flaxseed oil or omega 3 needed for essential brain function.  Comes in capsule or powder to mix in juice or water.

http://www.mynsp.com/rhondahoffman to order highest quality supplements

 



Rhonda

asorasoul asked:


What schools in the DC area are equipped to handle the needs of such children, without breaking their confidence.

Joy