Parents of children with ADHD are faced with unique child-rearing challenges -- and issues such as lost homework, unexpected outbursts, and behavioral issues at school can cause these parents to feel as though they're always playing catch-up.

In a Feb. 10 article on examiner.com, Devona Fryer advises parents of ADHD children to use their need for organization as a jumping-off point for revamping the family's behavior patterns for the benefit of all family members:

Map out how you want your mornings, afternoons, and evenings to go. Figure out what goals you are trying to achieve. Having things mapped out in a time scheduled format is best and you have a greater chance at success if you stick to time guidelines. ...

If you are having trouble putting your children to bed, try establishing a bedtime routine; such as, brushing his/her teeth before bed and then settling them down with story time. ... Change will take time. Find out what works best for your family. This new system will help more than just your children; the whole family will benefit and know what to expect.

Labels: behavior, parenting, family, organization

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When Mary Robertson's son was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) she became actively involved in CHADD (Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) a national organization that raises awareness and offers support to families.

She thought she was well-versed in the traits of ADHD, until her daughter was born. Writer Susan Ince reported on Robertson's experience in an article on parenting.com:

Knowing that these kinds of problems tend to run in families, the Lexington, Kent., mother feared a similar ordeal when her second child was born. Instead, daughter Samantha was so laid-back that she never even received a time-out.

Surprisingly, Samantha's transition to school was also tough. Although she sat quietly, Samantha couldn't focus well enough to learn or even to play with the other kids. "There I was, on the national board of CHADD, and I completely missed that my daughter also had attention issues!" exclaims Robertson.

If even this savvy mom was caught off guard, how can less informed parents know when their youngster needs help? Indeed, more and more experts are saying that the way kids with attention troubles have been identified has done American families a disservice.

They're adamant that half of all kids with these difficulties are not being diagnosed, and those like Samantha -- who lack focus but don't exhibit other behavior that attracts notice -- are the most likely to slip through the cracks. (Often confusing is the clinical diagnosis for Samantha's problem: ADHD, predominantly inattentive type. In other words, she has a hyperactivity disorder without the hyperactivity.)

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Sandra F. Rief, MA, has completed a revised guide to her 1997 book, The ADD/ADHD Checklist.

According to a Dec. 7 BusinessWire press release, The ADD/ADHD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers, 2nd Edition "helps parents and teachers to better understand children and teenagers with attention problems and provide the kind of support and intervention that is crucial to kids success. Presented in a concise, easy-to-read checklist format, the book is packed with practical advice and information."

Key topics include in the revised edition include the difference between ADD, ADHD and AD/HD; behavioral characteristics of ADHD; ADHD look-alikes; positive and effective discipline, and; homework tips for parents.

Labels: parenting, teachers

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Training parents of autistic children how better to cope with their offspring's difficult behaviors may also help the children improve, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:

• Researchers from Yale, Indiana, and Ohio State universities as well as the University of Pittsburgh had parents attend 15 or more hour long sessions over a six-month period.
  
• Parents learned to use positive reinforcement, teach better communication, and other techniques. Behavioral therapists also came to their homes twice a week.
  
• Children of parents enrolled in the program improved more than those children on medication alone.

"Because parents are the agents of change, parent training is less expensive than many other forms of psychosocial interventions," the researchers wrote in their report. "The growing population of children with pervasive developmental disorders makes the availability of effective behavioral interventions an urgent need."

Labels: autism, parenting, training

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At the start of a new school year, some parents whose children have been diagnosed with ADHD consider keeping the diagnosis to themselves. Rather than informing the childs teacher, they keep quiet, not wanting to label their child.

In an Aug. 23 article on about.com, ADHD expert Keath Low advises against withholding this important information:

Communication ... is key. Your childs teacher needs to know about any issues that can impair his learning, social situations and general school life. The teachers need to know about your childs interests and strengths, too. Your collaboration and open rapport with the teacher is vital. ...

As this new school year begins (or even before it does), talk with your childs teacher about the ADHD. Share about the strategies that worked in his previous school - as well as those strategies that did not.

"Dont withhold information in hopes this year will be a better one," Low wrote. "Be proactive. Establish a trusting and open relationship early on."

Labels: schools, parenting, teachers

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A concerned mother recently wrote to The Morning Call for advice about ADHD. Her daughter, a third-grader, was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and the mother wanted to know where she can find more information about the condition.

The Morning Call's Kathy Lauer-Williams offered the following advice:

There are many places to learn about ADHD. There is a national non-profit organization that provides information and support called CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). ...

[Expert Rochelle] Freedman also recommends ''Putting on the Brakes,'' by Patricia O. Quinn, a book for children ages 9 to 12 that offers strategies for coping with ADHD.

''There are tons of books for parents on ADHD,'' Freedman says. ''This is the time to become self educated. Be so intelligent on the topic, and take all of that and know you are still the expert.

In general, Freeman said, parents who want to educate themselves about ADHD should cast a wide net -- reading books, consulting with doctors, talking to other parents, and contacting ADHD organizations.

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Every fall, the start of a new school year means changes to the family routine. For families with kids who have ADHD, this transition can be decidedly difficult.

In an Aug. 7 article on Health Digest News, developmental pediatrician, author and mother of three children with ADHD, Patricia Quinn, M.D., offered advice to help make back-to-school time less stressful and more productive for ADHD students and their families:

• Set up a morning checklist so that your child knows what needs to be accomplished before she heads off to school.
• If your child is newly diagnosed with ADHD, talk to her teacher, school counselor and principal to make sure they're well informed.
• Above all, be sure your child has a clear understand of your expectations around classroom behavior and homework.
• The fewer surprises, the better the adjustment will be.

Labels: schools, parenting

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Independence Day may have already come and gone -- but that doesn't mean that children won't still have the desire (and occasionally the opportunity) to experiment with firecrackers, sparklers, and other types of legal and illegal fireworks.

For kids with ADHD, this can be an especially dangerous endeavor, as Erika Lyn Smith reported in an article on BellaOnline:

Impulsivity, which is part of being a child, is increased in children and adults living with ADHD ... and is a concern for higher risk of injury. ADD and ADHD people tend to find themselves caught up in the moment and will often do or say things out of character when impulsivity takes over which increases the risk of self-injury.

Parents have the responsibility to protect children from gross obvious dangers to a childs health and wellbeing. That means teaching children not to play with fire, and not only when it is convenient but when necessary.

Parents of children with ADHD should exercise particular caution with fireworks. Keep an eye on sparklers. Make sure you're safely distant from larger fireworks displays, and if you're setting off smaller fireworks at home, only let adults light them.

Labels: dangers, parenting, fireworks

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Switching from daytime activities to nighttime quiet and sleep is difficult for any child. But for children with ADHD it is especially challenging. According to an article by Erika Lyn Smith of the website BellaOnline, parents can take certain steps to make this transition easier, and to help ensure that their child gets a better night's sleep:

Children need a quiet place to snuggle in and settle down after a nice warm shower or bath. A winding down period before lights out can be the key to a restful night's sleep. During the winding down time, encourage children to read quietly. It is not a good idea to allow video games, action movies or television.

Routine is also essential for children with ADHD, Smith noted. Even in the summer, a regular bedtime schedule will be helpful. Establish rules for the morning, too -- such as no video games, television, or computer activity.

Labels: parenting, sleep, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder

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Lisa Christian, a lecturer at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, wants parents to do one thing before treating their kids for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Get their eyes examined.

"An estimated five percent of school-age children suffer from an eye disorder called convergence insufficiency, or CI," Christian said. "People with the disorder, which is treatable, have difficulty seeing things at close range."

People who have CI will avoid reading, because it gives them a headache. They also have poor reading comprehension. Because their vision is hampered, school kids find it hard to concentrate in class, and are likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

Source: The Calgary Herald

Labels: parenting, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder

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Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be difficult to parent. And the challenges that they pose can leave parents feeling ineffective at best - and, at worst, like they're failing. Dr. Anthony Kane, from the Complete Connection Parenting Program, offers some encouragement:

"[Understand that] no child comes into the world completely blank. [They] come with certain personality traits, certain problems, certain skills, certain abilities...ADHD children are much more difficult to raise than the normal, average child...It is not a reflection of your skills [as a parent]..."

Dr. Kane goes on to suggest that if you're learning how to parent based on your child's personality and individual needs, you're fulfilling your role as parent - no matter what anyone else says, and no matter how you may feel at the time. Source: Blip.tv

Labels: parenting, supplements

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A study that appeared in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that couples who have a young child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are at higher risk of getting a divorce. Once the child reaches age eight, however, the divorce rates seem to level off.

"Certainly we are not suggesting that having a child with ADHD is the only reason these marriages end in divorce," [Dr. William] Pelham explained. "Disruptive child behavior likely interacts over time with other existing stress in the family to spark conflict in a marriage and, ultimately, divorce."

The study suggests that health professionals who treat children with ADHD should make a habit of asking parents about their marriage. Parents of children with ADHD may want to consider marital counseling to ensure the continued health of their relationship. Source: Reuters Health

Labels: parenting, marriages, divorce

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ADDitude magazine, the leading publication for families and adults who have been affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, recently released a report on non-medical options for treating ADHD symptoms.

"Top ADHD doctors and treatment specialists contributed to the free ADDitude Guide to Alternative ADHD Treatment, which investigates and clearly explains the benefits and risks of natural ADHD therapies like fish oil."

The free guide includes tips for behavior therapy, diet and exercise changes, and the use of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. Source: LifeWithADHD.com.

Labels: parenting, treatment, support

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Lorni Heaven's son and daughter have both been diagnosed with ADHD. When they were first diagnosed, Lorni had trouble finding good information or support. So she started her own support group.

"She added: 'Since my son's diagnosis I have tried to find out as much information about ADHD and related disorders as I can, but information and advice locally was not readily available, [or was] minimal or inconsistent."

Her Bromley ADDvice Group has made information available online, via e-mail and phone. The group has also begun having online discussions at 9 p.m. every Sunday. Source: News Shopper

Labels: parenting, information, support

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In an effort to help parents, teachers, and other professionals better understand what it's like to live with ADHD, the Stowell Learning Center in Diamond Bar, Calif., will offer a two-hour simulation experience.

"Developed by Drs. Joe and Carol Utay from Pittsburg, the simulation will place participants in a classroom setting and it will have them focus through a series of distractions. Throughout the simulation, participants can ask questions and discuss their experience."

One participant called the experience "very valuable," saying it helped her realize how difficult it would be to live with ADHD every day. Though a reservation is required, the experience is free. Read more at www.pr.com.

Labels: parenting, understanding, simulation

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Dr. Martin Kutscher recommended a lot of books to parents of children with ADHD, but few parents had time to read 300-page books. So Dr. Kutscher read several of them himself and boiled them down to a simple, easy-to-ready book titled ADHD - Living Without Brakes.

"In ADHD - Living Without Brakes, Dr. Kutscher gives four basic rules: #1 Keep it Positive, #2 Keep it Calm, #3 Keep it Organized, #4 Keep it Going. These four rules will help both parents and professionals negotiate many of the difficulties associated with ADHD."

Called "realistic and optimistic," Dr. Kutscher's book draws on his 20 years of experience with neuropsychiatric disorders and helping both parents and patients understand the complexities of ADHD. Read more at HealthNewsDigest.com.

Labels: parenting, tips, support

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Nationally-noted parent coach Tina Feigal, M.S., Ed., wanted to offer parents something more than theoretical information about parenting kids with ADHD. She wanted to offer something practical, so she put together a "pocket guide", with step-by-step instructions for improving the behavior of what she calls "intense" children.

"By learning specific methods for turning child behaviors around, parents gain new skills, new self-esteem and often-unimagined success. Feigal, founder of The Center for the Challenging Child, taps her experience as a school psychologist, a parent of three sons and a parent coach to bring a wealth of knowledge and intuition to her work."

The book is unique in that it enables parents to bring out the best in their kids, without having to rely on the "professionals" to do it for them.

Turn About Ranch offers equine assisted therapy for at their teen ranch camp. Learn more at turnaboutranch.com.

Labels: behavior, parenting, support

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A new year often means New Years Resolutions. As a parent with and ADHD child, one of your resolutions could be to keep finding new ways to help your child manage and cope with her ADHD.

"This new year, take stock of your child's life at home and at school - and how you think you are doing as her parent. How can you create an environment that helps your special, wonderful child overcome the obstacles in her path?"

Helping create strong family connections and leaving time for unstructured play are just two of the suggestions offered in this article. Read more at iVillage.com.

Learn about Camp Huntington special needs summer camps.

Labels: parenting, support groups, families

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A study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders determined that children with ADHD are more likely to respond positively to a parent's request if the parent maintains eye contact for an extended period of time. Seventy-six families participated in the study and were divided into three groups: one that used behavioral techniques without extended eye contact, one that included eye contact, and one control group. The control group was the only one that didnt receive standard behavioral treatment instructions.

"For parents receiving the standard instructions, children's non-compliance ratings declined by 32%. Among parents who received standard instructions + the stare technique, children's non-compliance scores declined even more substantially, by a full 44%, which was significantly greater than the reduction reported by parents receiving standard instructions alone."

The study shows that parents who maintain eye contact when giving their children instructions, then maintain eye contact for 20-30 seconds afterwards obtain a more agreeable response from their children. Read more at HelpforADD.com.

Copper Canyon Academy is a high school boarding school for girls with ADHD. Learn more about Copper Canyon Academy.

Labels: parenting, treatment, eye_contact

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Cape May County Department of Human Services is holding a free seminar on July 18th for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD and ADD.

"All parents of children with ADHD, ADD and similar learning disabilities are encouraged to attend this free workshop, which will take place at the Cape May Court House Campus of the Atlantic-Cape Community College, according to Freeholder Gerald Thornton, liaison for human services."

The workshop will run from 6 to 8:30pm and is sponsored by the Atlantic Cape Family Support Organization and Cape Assist, among others.

Read more at CapeMayCountyHerald.com.

Labels: parenting, seminars

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Parents of children with ADHD know they need support and guidance, but don't always know where it can be found. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) has developed a class called Parent to Parent, to help equip parents and other family members.

"Parent to Parent provides educational information and support for individuals and families dealing with AD/HD... The entire course includes 14 hours of time and is usually offered as a seven week class, meeting for two hours once a week."

The curriculum covers parenting strategies, ADHD assessment, educational strategies and more. Courses are offered in local communities across the country. Read more at CHADD.org.

Still looking for a summer camp for your ADD/ADHD child? Visit the ADD Summer Camps page at SummerCampsInfo.com for a full list of camps.

Labels: parenting, support groups, families

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On Thursday, May 10th, Debra Sale conducted a 30-minute presentation about an ADHD behavioral method called The Respect Effect®. The method helped her improve her son's "at risk" behavior by 70% in just three weeks.

"Wendler's presentation covers groundbreaking information about ADHD. Why there's a disconnect between your loving intentions and your child's cooperation. How to prevent your child's embarrassing behavior meltdowns. How to steer clear of the 15 words that cause kids to rebel. And what causes ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) and how to prevent it."

Wendler's presentation took place at the Business and Learning Work at Home Expo in Austin, Texas. Read more online.

Labels: behavior, parenting, relationships

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A doctor in Britain has identified fifteen different health risks associated with excessive television watching. Among them is ADHD. In light of this, Dr. Aric Sigman, an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society, has developed guidelines for how much television children should be allowed to watch.

"'Many believe that we shouldn't make parents feel guilty about the amount of time children spend in front of a screen and the early age at which they start', Dr. Sigman said. 'But we must now make a clear judgment that child health is more important than parental guilt.'"

Dr. Sigman recommends no television at all for children under three and no more than two hours a day for anyone 16 and over. Read more online.

Schools geared for children with non-verbal learning disorders can provide the education and the structure you child can't get at public school. At Cedars Academy boys and girls with non-verbal learning disorders succeed with their comprehensive academic, behavioral, affectively-based social skills building program.

Labels: parenting, tv_watching, non-verbal_learning_disorders

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In 2005, CHADD - the nation's leading organization for people affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, established a program called Parent-to-Parent. The purpose was to connect parents of children with ADHD, giving them a forum in which to share not only their challenges, but successful parenting practices.

"Parent-to-Parent is a unique educational program for parents and individuals who are dealing with ADHD; many participants, or their family members, have recently received a diagnosis of AD/HD and are searching for reliable, evidence-based information on the disorder. Courses are offered in 38 states and online by certified Parent to Parent teachers who have received training through CHADD."

A typical course is seven weeks long, meeting once a week for two hours. Topics include diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, behavioral/parenting strategies, and school issues. Read more online.

Labels: education, parenting, support groups

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You might expect a book called "Shut Up About... Your Perfect Kid" to be a confrontational attack on parents who say their kids are perfect. In reality though, the book was written to encourage parents whose kids struggle with everything from Asperger's to ADHD.

"The book approaches with honest and humor the dashed expectations and Herculean challenges that can come with have a child with disabilities Among other things, the sisters write about the dreaded calls from schools, visits to the hospitals and the yin and yang of medication and therapists."

The sisters are Gina Gallagher and Patty Konjoian, whose daughters have been diagnosed with Asperger's and bipolar disorder respectively. Though much of the book contains their personal stories, they also talked to over 50 other families while conducting research for the book. The over-arching message of the book is that "while my daughter may be imperfect, she is wonderful..." Read more at Telegram.com.

Labels: aspergers, parenting, support groups

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A 4-year-old diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity and bipolar disorder died Dec. 13 of an overdose of prescribed drugs. Her parents have been arrested on murder charges, accused of intentionally overmedicating their daughter to keep her quiet and out of their hair. Read more online.

Labels: medications, parenting, mental_health

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Teenagers are challenging. Teenagers with ADHD can be especially challenging. Not because they determine to be unusually difficult, but simply because of the nature of ADHD. Arthur, L. Robin, PhD offers some suggestions for effectively guiding your teen through these difficult years.

"The principles outlined... are meant to be general guidelines, not rigid rules. They will work some of the time but certainly not all the time. I would urge you to consider them especially when you are stumped by your adolescent's actions, and derive your actions from one of these principles rather than reacting impulsively."

Some of the suggestions include ways to maintain adequate structure, facilitate independence, and use consequences wisely. Read more at ADD.org.

Labels: parenting, teens, tips

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A study conducted by a team of Swedish researchers has found some unusual connections between ADHD medication and socio-economic factors. The study reviewed medical records of nearly 8,000 Swedish children who were taking medication for ADHD.

Women who had only received the most basic education were 130 percent more likely to have a child on ADHD medication than women with university degrees.

Children were 54 percent more likely to be on ADHD medication if they came from a single parent family rather than having both parents at home. Coming from a family on welfare benefits increased the [likelihood] of ADHD medication by 135 percent … Source: PhysOrg.com

Researchers have yet to draw solid conclusions from the study’s results. Some speculate that difficult socio-economic factors could increase stress in the home, thereby exacerbating ADHD symptoms and making medication necessary. Others hypothesize that medication becomes a behavioral modification tool for parents that are stressed out and don’t have as much time to care for their kids.

 

Labels: medications, education, parenting

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

When it comes to effective treatment for children with ADHD, there are a multitude of options. Different kids need different treatment programs. Consumer Reports recently surveyed more than 900 parents of kids with ADHD, to find out what’s working for their kids.

“’Eighty-four percent of those in the survey had tried medication and, of those, two-thirds said that it helped a lot,’ said Consumer Reports Dr. Orly Avitzur. But medication alone is not a cure all. The survey found that children like Amanda who were treated with both drug and non-drug therapies had better results than those who used drugs alone.” [Source: KABC-TV (Los Angeles)]

Behavioral therapy, consistent schedules, and special school accommodations are some of the non-drug approaches that have helped kids with ADHD improve and mange their symptoms.

Labels: parenting, treatment

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 2 Comments

Parents are sometimes hesitant to have their children evaluated for what look like ADHD symptoms. Kids don’t want the label, out of concern that they’ll be picked on at school.

But those fears may be fading:

“According to a survey quoted on the Consumer Reports Health Blog, parents are no longer embarrassed to admit their children take Ritalin and the like.” [Source: About.com]

Unfortunately, some students actually want to be diagnosed with ADHD because it gives them additional time for exams and other special treatment at school. Despite the selfish reasons that non-ADHD students may want to be diagnosed, the decreased stigma around ADHD is good for those kids who actually have it.
 

Labels: students, parenting, diagnosis

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

Children with autism disorders have unusual eye movements, but so do some of their parents, according to a new study from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Professor Matthew Mosconi and his colleagues tested 57 parents or siblings of people with autism syndrome and 40 people unrelated to anyone with autism.

"Family members reported more communication abnormalities and obsessive-compulsive behaviors than the control group," Dr. Mosconi said. "The differences we found were very subtle. These are not the kinds of differences in eye movements that you would ever detect during a conversation with someone."

He said the tests may someday be a factor in identifying the brain systems at work in autism.

This study appears in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
 

Labels: autism, parenting, communication

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