When parents suspect that their child may have ADHD, the next step is usually a clinical interview. The interview is conducted by a doctor experienced at recognizing signs of ADHD, but parents often want more verifiable information.

According to an article on the website of Pennsylvania's WPVI-TV, that additional information may be at hand:

A new computerized test called Quotient can objectively measure the core symptoms of ADHD. To do the test, [a child has] to pay attention, and control his impulses, while an infrared camera [records] subtle body movements.

When the test is complete, a computer printout reports the results. The test has been available for about a year and is gradually becoming more widespread.

Labels: diagnosis, computers, testing

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

A number of studies have explored the effects of media and computer games on children. Many have made supposed discoveries that increased ‘screen time’ exacerbates ADHD symptoms. What the studies don’t report is that limited exposure to educational or interactive content, monitored by a parent, can actually be good.

“Unless your family chooses no screen time (a perfectly fine choice, but clearly not feasible for all), the best payoff is choosing TV shows, websites, mobile apps and games that suit your own children’s age, developmental stage, needs, interests and abilities.” [Source: The Huffington Post]

Your kids will only benefit from limited screen time if the time away from TV and media is spent doing something active and/or productive. If you don’t want your child playing video games, get out an old school board game and play with him. If you don’t want him playing Wii Soccer, play the real thing with him outside.

 

Labels: computers, screen-time

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 4 Comments