AD/HD
We’ve all been guilty of fidgeting, getting distracted, and not paying attention. The majority of us, however, can control those behaviors to a large degree. Individuals with AD/HD, try as they might, simply cannot.
Research has shown that AD/HD affects 5% to 8% of school-age children and persists into adulthood for about 4% of adults. Having an AD/HD diagnosis does not mean that the individual is destined to failure. In fact, many highly successful and influential people carry a diagnosis. It is important to understand, however, that it has the potential for serious consequences if not dealt with properly. School failure, depression, delinquency, and job failure can all be associated with AD/HD.
A diagnosis of AD/HD remains somewhat controversial. It is not unusual to hear someone say, “The only thing wrong with that kid is that they need some discipline!” Although undisciplined children can exhibit the same behavior, true AD/HD symptoms will continue in spite of excellent parenting skills. In fact, in situations where a child with AD/HD is persistently punished for their hyperactive and/or impulsive behavior, other mental and emotional problems may arise.
AD/HD must be diagnosed by a medical professional. Although there are controversial claims that AD/HD brains exhibit unique brain scans, there remain no universally accepted tests that can detect whether a person has the disorder or not. Generally, doctors use questionnaires or screeners filled out by the child’s parents and teachers to make a diagnosis. Other things can cause inattention and hyperactivity:
The fact that AD/HD kids don’t seem to learn from their mistakes is one of the most difficult aspects of AD/HD for parents to deal with. It seems that no matter how many times you tell them something, or even punish them, they continue to make the same mistakes over and over. This is because even though they know the correct way to behave, their impulsivity – acting without thinking – overwhelms them.
The many medications available to treat AD/HD symptoms can be extremely helpful, but should never be prescribed without careful deliberation. There are many helpful behavioral strategies, such as a highly structured routine, consistent positive reinforcement, and teaching problem-solving skills, that should always be a major part of any intervention. Your child’s school counselor can be very helpful in developing an effective plan.
©2010 raise a kid R.IG.H.T.
Research has shown that AD/HD affects 5% to 8% of school-age children and persists into adulthood for about 4% of adults. Having an AD/HD diagnosis does not mean that the individual is destined to failure. In fact, many highly successful and influential people carry a diagnosis. It is important to understand, however, that it has the potential for serious consequences if not dealt with properly. School failure, depression, delinquency, and job failure can all be associated with AD/HD.
A diagnosis of AD/HD remains somewhat controversial. It is not unusual to hear someone say, “The only thing wrong with that kid is that they need some discipline!” Although undisciplined children can exhibit the same behavior, true AD/HD symptoms will continue in spite of excellent parenting skills. In fact, in situations where a child with AD/HD is persistently punished for their hyperactive and/or impulsive behavior, other mental and emotional problems may arise.
AD/HD must be diagnosed by a medical professional. Although there are controversial claims that AD/HD brains exhibit unique brain scans, there remain no universally accepted tests that can detect whether a person has the disorder or not. Generally, doctors use questionnaires or screeners filled out by the child’s parents and teachers to make a diagnosis. Other things can cause inattention and hyperactivity:
- Anxiety
- Other learning problems
- Lack of discipline
The fact that AD/HD kids don’t seem to learn from their mistakes is one of the most difficult aspects of AD/HD for parents to deal with. It seems that no matter how many times you tell them something, or even punish them, they continue to make the same mistakes over and over. This is because even though they know the correct way to behave, their impulsivity – acting without thinking – overwhelms them.
The many medications available to treat AD/HD symptoms can be extremely helpful, but should never be prescribed without careful deliberation. There are many helpful behavioral strategies, such as a highly structured routine, consistent positive reinforcement, and teaching problem-solving skills, that should always be a major part of any intervention. Your child’s school counselor can be very helpful in developing an effective plan.
©2010 raise a kid R.IG.H.T.
