Take Proactive Steps before Medication

Children with attention issues can be frustrating. Psychotherapist Pamela Sorensen readily acknowledges the difficulties that parents of inattentive children face. At the same time, she urges parents to try some "home remedies" before turning to ADHD medication.

"'Every family's routine and rhythm are different,' says Sorensen. 'Some families have bath in the evening, some in the morning. What matters is that it happens in the context of a familiar rhythmic routine of family life.' Sorensen says this predictability relaxes children..."

Sorensen also suggests letting even small children make some basic decisions, like what clothes he'll wear or what he'll have for breakfast. Read more at ReadTheHook.com.

A therapeutic boarding school, like Youth Care, can help children dealing with ADD/ADHD. Learn about Youth Care's programs for children with ADHD.

Girls with ADHD may Look, Act Differently

When parents hear the term "ADHD", they typically think of a child running wild through the house or on the playground. For boys with ADHD, that's a fairly accurate description. However, girls are more likely have the inattentive type of ADHD, causing them to daydream or to have trouble concentrating. Because of this difference, their ADHD may go undiagnosed for years.

"The interesting thing is that these girls with inattentive ADHD will do well on standardized tests in some cases. So, parents and teachers recognize their ability, but since they're still underachieving in the classroom, they are called lazy, and it can affect self-esteem."

Symptoms in girls with inattentive ADHD include forgetfulness, disorganization, easy distractibility, and difficulty focusing on material in school. Read more at UnderstandingADHD.com.