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Information on A.D.D./A.D.H.D.
INFORMATION ON ADD/ADHD
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ADD is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3-5 percent of all North American children. It interferes with a person's ability to sustain attention or focus on a task and some patients may be unable to control impulsive behavior. Some of the warning signs of ADD include failure to listen to instructions, inability to organize oneself at school or work, fidgeting with hands and feet, talking too much, leaving projects, chores and homework unfinished, and having trouble paying attention to both minor and important details.
What Causes ADHD?
People used to think that ADHD was the result of some type of brain damage. We now know that the brain structure of persons with ADHD is normal. However, there appears to be a predominance of slow brainwave activity in proportion to to fast brainwaves. As well, there is some evidence in support of hereditary predisposition (i.e. inheritance) for ADHD.
ADHD isn't caused by bad parenting, but a disorganized home life and school environment can make the symptoms worse. Although many parents and teachers suspect that sugar plays a part in causing ADHD, research has not supported this belief, nor has it supported a clear link to diet or food additives. There is little support for theories that ADHD is caused by pregnancy and birth complications, acquired brain damage, toxins, or infections. Also, there is little or no research support for theories that ADHD results from social or environmental factors, too much television, fluorescent lights, or video games.
How Can I Help My Child At Home?
Children with ADHD are frequently difficult to parent. They may have trouble understanding important directions. Children with ADHD are usually distractible or in a constant state of activity. This can be a challenge to adults.
The Following Suggestions May Prove Helpful:
- Organize a schedule for your home. Set up specific times for waking up, eating, playing, doing homework, doing chores, watching TV or playing video games, and going to bed. Write or draw the schedule on a blackboard or a piece of paper and hang it where your child will always see it. Explain any changes in routine in advance. Make sure your child understands the changes.
- Set up house rules which are simple, clear and short. Rules should be explained clearly, with consequences. It's important to explain what will happen when the rules are obeyed and when they are broken.
- Be positive. Tell your child what you want rather than what you don't want, and reward your child regularly for any good behavior - even little things such as getting dressed and closing doors quietly. Children with ADHD often spend most of their day being told what they are doing wrong. All children need to be praised for good behavior.
- Make sure your directions are understood, by getting your child's attention, and asking him to repeat the directions.
- Be consistent. Only promise what you will deliver. When your child breaks the rules, warn only once in a quiet voice. If the warning does not work, follow through with the punishment that you promised.
- Because they are impulsive, children with ADHD need more adult supervision than other children their age. Make sure your child is supervised by adults all day.
- It's hard for children with ADHD to learn social skills and social rules. Reward good play behaviors often. Most of all, don't allow hitting, pushing, and yelling in your house or yard.
- Help with school activities. Get ready the night before. Allow enough time for your child to get dressed and eat a good breakfast.
- Set up a homework routine. Pick a regular place for doing homework. This place should be away from distractions such as other people, TV, and video games. Break homework time into small parts and have breaks.
- Talk with your child's teachers. Find out how your child is doing at school - in class, at playtime, and at lunchtime. Ask for daily or weekly progress notes from the teacher. These notes should include good things and not so good things.
Will My Child Outgrow ADHD?
We used to think children would "grow out" of ADHD. We now know that is not true for most children. Children with ADHD get better as they grow older. Many learn to adjust for their problems. Hyperactivity usually stops in the late teenage years. But about half of children with ADHD continue to be easily distracted with wide mood swings, hot tempers, and an inability to complete tasks. Children with loving, supportive parents who work together with school staff, mental health workers, and their doctor have the best chance of becoming well-adjusted adults.
THE FOLLOWING ARE SITES WITH INFO ON ADD/ADHD
THE ADD ACTION GROUP A New York based ADD group
ADDERS.ORG A UK group with information on ADHD
ADHDNEWS.COM Useful information for parents
HEALTH NAVIGATOR A brief guide to sources of health info
ADDO FOUNDATION Attention Deficit Disorder Ontario Foundation
ADD 101 Information from Dr. David Cowan of CA
ONE ADD PLACE A ONE PLACE resource for ADD
INTERNET MENTAL HEALTH Based in B.C., a wealth of info
MEDLINE PLUS Links include the National Institute of Health