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DearGod,
Thank you for this day,
that you have blessed me with.
And, may I show someone else,
you're love in words you said
And in my life let it show,
that you are living there.
And may your light,
shine through me and draw them to your care.
If this must be my last day Lord,
Lets make it all, worth while,
and, may others see new life in me,
since you made me your child.
Shirley McNeilly
NATIONAL RESOURCE GROUPS
CHADD
CHILDREN & ADULTS with ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER
8181 Professional Place, Suite 201
Landover, MD 20785
PHONE 301-306-7070 OR 1-800-233-4050
FAX 301-306-7090
LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION of AMERICA
4156 Library Road
Pittsburg, Pa 15234
PHONE 412-341-1515
FAX 412-344-0224
ADDA
THE NATIONAL ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER ASSOCIATION
1788 Second Street, Suite 200
Highland Park, IL 60035
PHONE 847-432-ADDA
FAX 847-432-5874
NATIONAL CENTER for LEARNING DISABILITIES
381 Park Ave South, Suite 1401
New York, NY 10016
PHONE 212-545-7510
FAX 212-545-9665
DIAGNOSIS
Attention Deficit Disorder
"A physiologically determined impairment of concentration"
How to Understand Attention Deficit Disorders
by Harold N. Levinson, M.D.
Establishing a diagnosis for ADHD requires input of behaviors observed by parents &
teachers and an exam from the childs doctor.
Criteria require that symptoms have been present for at least 6 months. And must be present
in at least 2 areas of life, such as at home and at school, and that it is affecting
social or academic functioning.
A total treatment program would include education of ADD/HD,
behavior management, counseling, and medication when required. Parents, teachers
and/or family may be included in the treatment program.
Consistency is the key to behavior management.
There is no cure and no known cause for ADD/HD.
But with the proper intervention you can learn to manage it.
Attention Deficit Disorder is not a deficit of attention, but an over abundance of it.
The inability to avoid even the smallest distraction.
Adders are very intelligent & creative.
Adhd conditions can only be managed; not cured and although sometimes these children's symptoms subside with age,
often they remain into adulthood.
Other problems that may be associated with ADD/HD
Behavioral
Chemical Sensitivities
Artificial Flavors
Artificial Colors
Artificial Preservatives
Salicylates
Copper
Calcium
Food Allergies
Deficiencies of Vitamins and/or Minerals
Omega 3's-essential fatty acids
Magnesium
Zinc
Vitamin B's
Niacin-vitamin B 3
Pyridoxine-vitamin B 6
Pantothenic Acid-vitamin B 5
Memory Problems
Hyperactivity
Lack of Concentration
Candidias
Learning Disorders
Chronic Ear Infections
There are 3 primary types of ADD/HD
INATTENTIVE
Makes careless mistakes
Short attention span
Does not appear to be listening
Struggles to follow instructions
Unorganized
Loses things
Easily distracted
Forgetful
HYPERACTIVE-IMPULSIVE
Fidgets with hands or feet
Squirms in chair
Has difficulty staying seated
Runs or climbs excessively
Difficulty being quiet
Talks excessively
Difficulty waiting
COMBINED TYPE
Meets both inattentive and hyperactive-
impulsive criteria.
Many people do not realize how serious this disorder is.
ADD/HD prevents kids from being able to focus on academic work which results in underachievement and poor self esteem.
The impulsivity, short attention, and overactivity result in poor socialization and the rejection
by others. In more serious cases, antisocial behavior and an increased risk of drug & alcohol abuse may follow.
Success in school may require a few minor adjustments or modifications, to help cope with
the real classroom instead of a special
room. And it is recommended that all modifications are carried out in the normal classroom,
unless for some reason it can not be achieved properly.
Some of these modifications could include:
Special seating
Break down instructions
Break homework into 15-20 min sections
Reduce homework or give extra time to do it
A buddy
to help them remember to be sure to write down or turn homework
in or to bring books or homework home
A peer tutor
An extra set of books at home
One on one tutorials
Keep down distractions
Set up a check list
Tell it, show it and let do it
Don't bring attention to the special accomodations
These are just a few. Each child is different.
You would have to talk to your school to get it started.
ADHD Reference Materials
References. This page includes resources that professionals, teachers and families have told us are particularly helpful.
... for parents and children. Books/videos for Adults with ADHD. Books for Adults with ... Large group
community-based programs for families of preschoolers ...
Dr Sears ADD & ADHD
Topics in this section are:
ADHD WHAT IS IT?
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER/ HYPERACTIVE
BEATING ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER
What's It Like to have ADD?
under ADD and other web pages
ATTENTION DEFICIT - HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
http://gnc.mondosearch.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=49120562&EXTRA_ARG=&host_id=1&page_id=3156&query=adhd&hiword=ADHD+
What kind of Dr should I see?
|
Speciality |
Can diagnose ADHD |
Can prescribe medications, if needed |
Provides counseling or training |
| Psychiatrists |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Psychologists |
yes |
no |
yes |
| Pediatricians or family physicians |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Neurologists |
yes |
yes |
no |
http://mentalhealth.about.com/library/mh/add/bladd2.htm?terms=adhd+and+caffeine
DOORPOSTS
Bible based, parent designed, family tested products to help you apply
scripture in your family.
Charts, patterns, checklists and worship.
Grey Olltwit's Free EDUCATIONAL FREEWARE
The Story of D
I got something from this story, I hope you do too.
Click on the menu to read the story.
Bob has a very good website as well, I have him on my list of links.
Bob has a knack for explaining ADD/HD
Everything you ever wanted to know about ADD.....
but could never remember to ask.
ADHD AND THE MILITARY
ADHD NEWS
November 1997 issue --under subtitle "UNDER MILITARY"
FREE E- BOOK
THE ADD E-BOOK
by Martin L Kutscher MD
A must if you want to be thoroughly informed
A PARENTS VIEW
If you have a website let me know and I will add it.
ADHD-ABILITY OR DISABILITY
MomtoJessica
The Complete
ADD ADHD BOOKSTORE
CHECKLIST
Below is a checklist containing 18 items which describe characteristics frequently found in people with ADHD. Items 1-9
describe characteristics of inattention. Items 10-15 describe characteristics of hyperactivity. Items 16-18 describe characteristics
of impulsivity.
In the space before each statement put the number that best describes your childs (your students) behavior
(0=never or rarely; 1 = sometimes; 2 = often; 3 = very often).
___1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
___2.
Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
___3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
___4.
Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional
behavior or failure to understand instructions).
___5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
___6. Avoids,
dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
___7.
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
___8. Is easily
distracted by extraneous stimuli.
___9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.
___10. Fidgets with hands or feet or
squirms in seat.
___11. Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
___12.
Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective
feelings of restlessness).
___13. Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
___14. Is on the
go or often acts as if driven by a motor.
___15. Talks excessively.
___16. Blurts out answers before questions have
been completed.
___17. Has difficulty awaiting his or her turn.
___18. Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts
into conversations or games).
Count the number of items in each group (inattention items 1-9 and hyperactivity-impulsivity items 10-18) you marked 2
or 3. If six or more items are marked 2 or 3 in each group this could indicate serious problems in the groups marked.
This checklist was taken from
It's about Time: Promising Practices for Children and Adolescents with ADHD
Prepared by Harvey C. Parker, Ph.
http://addwarehouse.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/article10.html
The ADD-ADHD Page
ADD/ADHD What Every Parent Should Know
From the National Institute of Mental Health
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
People with ADD/HD lack intelligence
Medicine cures ADD/HD
All children outgrow the symptoms as they become adults
You should punish your child for behavior he or she can't control
It is the parents fault that the child acts this way
The child is just being lazy
All behavioral problems are ADD/HD
Communication between the parent, teacher and doctor are not important
GIRLS AND ADHD
Girls with ADHD, don't get diagnosed as often as boys. At least twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
This could be because boys are more aggressive than girls. Girls tend to suffer in silence. The longer either
child, whether boy or girl, go undiagnosed or untreated, the worse they feel about themselves and the more difficulties they
have. Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, psychotherapist, and co editor of ADDvance, a magazine for women with ADD, specializes
in girls & women with ADHD. Dr. Nadeau, lists three categories that girls with ADDHD fall into.
TOMBOYS-hyperactive girls,physically active, risk takers, explorers, less attractive to girlish activities.
DAYDREAMERS-inattentive,try not to draw attention to themselves, forgetful and disorganized.
CHATTY KATHY-combination of hyperactive & inattentative. higher activity level than daydreamers, but not necessarily
tomboys, hyper-talkative, silly, exciteable, over emotional, chatter constantly, interrupts frequently, have trouble organizing
thoughts, during teen year become hyper social, taking risks to compensate for poor academics.
checkout the ADDvance website
A Resource for Women & Girls with ADD at
THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO
1.Learn all that you can about ADD/HD, 504's, IEP's, and IDEA, you are your child's
only advocate
2.Set limits and enforce them
3.Be loving
4.Be patient
5.Praise for achievements
6.Encouragement for trying
7.Daily structured routine
8.Pace your day
9.Simple chores & instructions
10.Don't expect a perfect job
11.Be consistent
12.Too many activities lead to confusion
13.Don't talk about the child's problems in front of them
14.Concentrate on strengths, not weaknesses
15.Give the child a special place to show off work-
refridgerator,cabinet,wall
16.Never allow your child to make fun of another child,
AND
never allow another child to make fun of your child
17.Keep communication open with the doctor and the eacher
18.Keep experimenting.
If one way doesn't work, ask teachers, doctors,
friends,
join a support group, do research, ask a school
counselor
for suggestions.
Keep searching. Keep asking.
19.Reward them for effort and accomplishment
20.Remind them a few minutes before time for an activity
to start or end: ie-in 10 minutes it will be time
for bed
21.Set up a hand signal such as a baseball signal as a warning
when out in public or with friends for misbehavior
-your
purpose is not to humiliate
22.Break down homework or activities into 15-20 minute
segments
23.Use daily checklists
24.If on medication follow instructions and keep all
follow up appointments
25. Use lots of timers and/or alarm clocks
26.Have a specific place for activities ie: tv, eating,
homework
27.Have a punching bag or pillows for them to punch
and vent their frustrations on. It can be in their room,
or out side as long as they don't take it out on a living
thing or damage property.
28.Choose your battles.
29.Provide unconditional Love.
30.Find time for yourself. Enlist friends, family, babysitters,
and / or daycare.
31.Pray, give thanks.
32.Make them be responsible for their behavior.
33.Don't belittle them, or call them names.
34.Be a good role model.
35.Cut down on caffeine, refined sugar, artificial colors, preservatives
and add more fruits, vegetables, fish, beans
and fiber.
36.Don't bring attention to the special accomodations.
37.Take a video of their bad behavior and show it to them.
Ways to get your child
to open up
and
talk to you
We live in the fast lane and sometimes it is hard to
spend quality time with family like we want to. We
have small talk between all of the hustle and bustle,
but do we actually sit down and talk to our children
and find out what they think, what they've done or what their favorite hobby is? Do we ask How was you're day
today?, because we are really interested or just as a habit? Do we ask their opinion and really want to hear it? I know I
need to work on this area so I thought I would share a few ideas on the subject.
It may start out slow but given time they will open up.
1. Take a walk with them. Ask about the things that you see as you are walking. The
birds, do you know what kind of tree that is, look at the clouds in the sky, do they remind you of something?
2. Invite them to help you cook, bake or do a chore. Teach them measurements, ask do they want to measure the
ingredients, choose the shape, roll it out,
cut it out, what color?
3. Read and enjoy a book together. Get excited with the story. Look at the pictures, laugh with them.
4. Watch tv together. You would be surprised at the so called childrens shows that are not appropriate.
Watch a special together, share your thoughts.
What is your favorite part? Eventually they won't even miss that show that you just said they couldn't watch
because of the content.
Children are very influential.
5. When they are playing, ask what they are playing, can you play? They have quite huge imaginations.
6. Let them decide what activity to do tonight or what game to play. Have a family night.
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