This article from Parenting.com gives a good overview of ADHD which includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, medication and prevention. Though not very comprehensive, the article gives important information any parent suspecting their child has ADHD should know. I find the section on the Child's Experience very useful.
Read the full article here: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Showing posts with label adhd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adhd. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
When to Test for ADHD
This article from Parenting.com has helpful basic information on when to get your child tested for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. I found that we made the right decision for our son.
When to Test for ADHD
How many red flags do you see?
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are two signs of ADHD (although not all children with ADHD are hyperactive). But other symptoms include difficulty in paying attention, completing tasks, following directions, taking turns, remembering things, or sitting still (all of which can apply to most any kid). The key: Are they interfering with his ability to function?
Does he have other developmental issues?
If he's generally immature, he may grow out of his antsiness at his own pace. But if he has marked delays in motor, language, or other skills, you may not want to wait. Those delays may be tied to ADHD, but they also can be a sign of learning disabilities, and the earlier those are diagnosed, the better for your child. If ADHD runs in your immediate family, that's another good reason to test your child earlier.
What kind of school is he going to?
There's a stronger argument to wait on testing if your child is going to a low-key kindergarten rather than a highly structured environment. But either way, consider giving him three to six months to adjust. And try simple changes, too: An assigned seat at the front of the classroom or a behavior-intervention program may be all he really needs.
Is he falling behind?
If he's lagging socially or academically, is constantly being reprimanded, or his behavior is unsafe (regular ER visits are a big clue), don't wait. Yorba Linda, CA, mom Debra Ann Afarian held off on getting her son evaluated until fourth grade; by then, he was suffering from intense anxiety from ADHD-related school problems. Looking back, she says, "I wish we would have tested earlier."
When to Test for ADHD
Factors to consider when deciding to get your child tested for ADHD
By Christina Breda Antoniades, Parenting
Your kid has a classic case of ants in the pants. And he never seems to listen or follow directions. You've been hoping he'll outgrow it, but you have a nagging suspicion that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be to blame. Is it time to find out for sure? Consider these factors from Baltimore pediatrician Lawrence Pakula, M.D.:How many red flags do you see?
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are two signs of ADHD (although not all children with ADHD are hyperactive). But other symptoms include difficulty in paying attention, completing tasks, following directions, taking turns, remembering things, or sitting still (all of which can apply to most any kid). The key: Are they interfering with his ability to function?
Does he have other developmental issues?
If he's generally immature, he may grow out of his antsiness at his own pace. But if he has marked delays in motor, language, or other skills, you may not want to wait. Those delays may be tied to ADHD, but they also can be a sign of learning disabilities, and the earlier those are diagnosed, the better for your child. If ADHD runs in your immediate family, that's another good reason to test your child earlier.
What kind of school is he going to?
There's a stronger argument to wait on testing if your child is going to a low-key kindergarten rather than a highly structured environment. But either way, consider giving him three to six months to adjust. And try simple changes, too: An assigned seat at the front of the classroom or a behavior-intervention program may be all he really needs.
Is he falling behind?
If he's lagging socially or academically, is constantly being reprimanded, or his behavior is unsafe (regular ER visits are a big clue), don't wait. Yorba Linda, CA, mom Debra Ann Afarian held off on getting her son evaluated until fourth grade; by then, he was suffering from intense anxiety from ADHD-related school problems. Looking back, she says, "I wish we would have tested earlier."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Priceless!
Last week, my son D finally answered the question "What's your name?"
You see, my son is 3 years old and has GDD (Global Developmental Delay). This means his development is delayed in most milestones/developmental areas. His doctor said he is like a 2 year old in terms of his current capacity.
Before he would just echo whatever you tell him. If you ask him "What's your name?", he will say "What's your name?" back. Sometimes it gets frustrating especially when he's in a bad mood and you don't know what he wants. He also babbles a lot.
D also has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). This makes it hard for him to learn how to speak correctly because his attention is very limited. He can sit and listen to you for 2 minutes tops! That's the longest he's been able to pay attention. After that, he'll get distracted by something else or run around the room.
After being in therapy for almost a month, it was very heart-warming to finally hear him answer that question. A very big milestone for him and for us. We're hearing good feedback from his teachers as well so I hope this continues on :-)
You see, my son is 3 years old and has GDD (Global Developmental Delay). This means his development is delayed in most milestones/developmental areas. His doctor said he is like a 2 year old in terms of his current capacity.
Before he would just echo whatever you tell him. If you ask him "What's your name?", he will say "What's your name?" back. Sometimes it gets frustrating especially when he's in a bad mood and you don't know what he wants. He also babbles a lot.
D also has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). This makes it hard for him to learn how to speak correctly because his attention is very limited. He can sit and listen to you for 2 minutes tops! That's the longest he's been able to pay attention. After that, he'll get distracted by something else or run around the room.
After being in therapy for almost a month, it was very heart-warming to finally hear him answer that question. A very big milestone for him and for us. We're hearing good feedback from his teachers as well so I hope this continues on :-)
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