DOES MY KID HAVE ADHD?

Recently, during my son's parent/teacher conference, his teacher told me how poorly he is doing in school and how he has trouble focusing and "staying on task" and has a poor attention span.  I was thrown for a loop, as his grades are all A's and B's.  She also emphasized how bad, his "test-taking skills" are.  She went on to explain how one time he scored extremely poorly on a reading test and then weeks later, scored above grade level? So, I have a smart kid who gets A's & B's but sucks at test-taking and can't focus during test. Is this her conclusion? What am I to do with this kind of information?

I know my child does not have a learning disability and honestly, I am not oblivious to my child's behavior, because I do know that he is not the "best listener" around, but I never expected such a gloomy outcome to the conference.  

In recent weeks, I have noticed, a change in his behavior, pushing the "limits" more and more, but I thought perhaps he was testing his "behavioral boundaries" with me combined with his near entrance into his "pre-tween years.  Regardless, now I must do something immediately to help him, both academically and emotionally, so he does not fall behind because I know very well, that even if you have a smart child, once a teacher and the "system" start labeling your kid, it does not go well or in the favor of the student.

Since having had my parent/teacher conference, I have already looked into resources at our local school district and I plan on making some calls to a couple of his previous teachers to consult with them, as he had a great rapport with these teachers, as well as the ESE Specialist and the principal of the school, which I have known for years.  Independent of all these things, the conference and the teacher's comments left me wondering now, if my kid actually could have ADHD,(Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.)   

I know that poor-test taking does not equate ADHD,  but it is the combination of the symptoms and patterns of behavior I have noticed, coupled with the teacher's very specific details of his classroom behavior and his overall demeanor recently, that has lead me to my reading and research. Plus, to top it off, I read a list of symptoms that are common in children that have ADHD and I was able to check the majority of the bullet points. Yikes!

Symptoms in Children

Symptoms are grouped into three categories:
Inattention. A child with ADHD:

• Is easily distracted
• Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
• Doesn't appear to be listening
• Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
• Forgets about daily activities
• Has problems organizing daily tasks
• Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
• Often loses things
• Tends to daydream

Hyperactivity. A child with ADHD:

• Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
• Doesn't stay seated
• Has trouble playing quietly
• Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as restlessness.)
• Talks excessively
• Is always “on the go” as if “driven by a motor”

Impulsivity. A child with ADHD:

• Has trouble waiting for his or her turn
• Blurts out answers
• Interrupts others

My online research regarding the topic of ADHD, lead me to an interesting post on alternative (homeopathic ) ways to try to deal with a child's ADHD or at least try to lessen some of the symptoms. I know obviously, these are not cures and many kids have much more serious problems but, I found it to be quite informative and a good alternative to try, even if my child has not been officially diagnosed with ADHD or other behavioral issue.  

I always appreciate alternative methods to medicine and believe that some of these tips can benefit many children, independent of whether they officially have ADHD or not.

After reading the list below, I have to say that I have to make a very conscious effort to implement some of these, especially, No. 1, regarding food-coloring!

1. Forgo food colorings and preservatives

Alternative treatments may help manage some symptoms associated with ADHD, including:

• difficulty paying attention
• organizational problems
• forgetfulness
• frequently interrupting

The Mayo Clinic notes that certain food colorings and preservatives may increase hyperactive behavior in some children. Avoid foods with these colorings and preservatives:

• sodium benzoate, which is commonly found in carbonated beverages, salad dressings, and fruit juice products
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow), which can be found in breadcrumbs, cereal, candy, icing, and soft drinks
• D&C Yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow), which can be found in juices, sorbets, and smoked haddock
• FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can be found in foods like pickles, cereal, granola bars, and yogurt
• FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red), which can be found in soft drinks, children’s medications, gelatin desserts, and ice cream

2. Avoid potential allergens

Diets that restrict possible allergens may help improve behavior in some children with ADHD.
It’s best to check with an allergy doctor if you suspect that your child has allergies. But you can experiment by avoiding these foods:

• chemical additives/preservatives such as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxy-anisole), which are often used to keep the oil in a product from going bad and can be found in processed food items such as potato chips, chewing gum, dry cake mixes, cereal, butter, and instant mashed potatoes
• milk and eggs
• chocolate
• foods containing sali-cylates, including berries, chili powder, apples and cider, grapes, oranges, peaches, plums, prunes, and tomatoes (sali-cylates are chemicals occurring naturally in plants and are the major ingredient in many pain medications)

3. Try EEG biofeedback

Electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback is a type of neuro-therapy that measures brain waves. A 2011 study suggested that EEG training was a promising treatment for ADHD.
A child may play a special video game during a typical session. They’ll be given a task to concentrate on, such as “keep the plane flying.” The plane will start to dive or the screen will go dark if they’re distracted. The game teaches the child new focusing techniques over time. Eventually, the child will begin to identify and correct their symptoms.

4. Consider a yoga or tai chi class

Some small studies indicate that yoga may be helpful for people with ADHD. Research published in 2013 reported significant improvements in hyperactivity, anxiety, and social problems in boys with ADHD who practiced yoga regularly.
Some early studies suggest that tai chi also may help improve ADHD symptoms. Researchers found that teenagers with ADHD who practiced Tai Chi weren’t as anxious or hyperactive. They also daydreamed less and displayed fewer inappropriate emotions when they participated in tai chi classes twice a week for five weeks.

5. Spending time outside

Spending time outside may benefit children with ADHD. There is strong evidence that spending even 20 minutes outside can benefit them by improving their concentration. Greenery and nature settings are the most beneficial.
A 2011 study, and several studies before it, supports the claim that regular exposure to outdoors and green space is a safe and natural treatment that can be used to help people with ADHD.

6. Behavioral or parental therapy

For children with more severe cases of ADHD, behavioral therapy can prove beneficial. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that behavioral therapy should be the first step in treating ADHD in young children.
Sometimes called behavioral modification, this approach works on resolving specific problematic behaviors and offers solutions to help prevent them. This can also involve setting up goals and rules for the child. Because behavioral therapy and medication are most effective when used together, it can be a powerful aid in helping your child.
Parental therapy can help provide parents with the tools they need to help their child with ADHD succeed. Equipping parents with techniques and strategies for how to work around behavioral problems can help both the parent and the child in the long term.

What about supplements?

Treatment with supplements may help improve symptoms of ADHD. These supplements include:

• zinc
• L-carnitine
• vitamin B-6
• magnesium

However, results have been mixed. Herbs like ginkgo, ginseng, and passionflower may also help calm hyperactivity.

Supplementing without a doctor’s oversight can be dangerous — particularly in children. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in trying these alternative therapies. They can order a blood test to measure current levels of a nutrient in your child before they start taking supplements.

There are a lot of natural remedies out there, and each day, different natural remedies come out promising great things. Caveat emptor! Discuss treatment options with your doctor, as some natural remedies may interfere with remedies that your physician is providing.

– Timothy Legg, PhD, CRNP

(Note:  Read more on L-carnitine)


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ADDENDUM:   Also, if you have a child who happens to have a learning disability, here is a
guide that provides information on specific rights and services offered to help families of children with learning disabilities such as:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• Individualized Education Program
• 504 Plans

Sometimes families may be forced to pay out of pocket for treatment costs so their child can get the help they need. To help with this issue, The Simple Dollar created a resource that outlines treatment plans and how to afford them based on the type of disability, including ADHD.

RESTLESS KIDS

Recently, I read an article about why kids can't sit still in school anymore and I thought it was so on point, I forwarded it to all my friends and family via email and now I will share it with you on this blog.

It is so very true that kids now-a-days do not get enough exercise or activity of any kind. Sure, we are all busy with running around taking our kids to sports-related activities but that is not a substitute for the old-fashioned way kids use to play and run around outside.

Between children's lack of activity/movement and teacher's lack of patience with hyper ("ADHD") kids, some classrooms are a nightmare!

See the article below as it was posted in the Washington Post

Why so many kids can’t sit still in school today

By Valerie Strauss July 8, 2014

 

The Centers for Disease Control tells us that in recent years there has been a jump in the percentage of young people diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD: 7.8 percent in 2003 to 9.5 percent in 2007 and to 11 percent in 2011. The reasons for the rise are multiple, and include changes in diagnostic criteria, medication treatment and more awareness of the condition. In the following post, Angela Hanscom, a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of TimberNook, a nature-based development program designed to foster creativity and independent play outdoors in New England, suggests yet another reason more children are being diagnosed with ADHD, whether or not they really have it: the amount of time kids are forced to sit while they are in school. This appeared on the TimberNook blog.

State-based Prevalence Data of ADHD Diagnosis (2011-2012): Children CURRENTLY diagnosed with ADHD (Centers for Disease Control)

By Angela Hanscom
A perfect stranger pours her heart out to me over the phone. She complains that her 6-year-old son is unable to sit still in the classroom. The school wants to test him for ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder). This sounds familiar, I think to myself. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve noticed that this is a fairly common problem today.
The mother goes on to explain how her son comes home every day with a yellow smiley face. The rest of his class goes home with green smiley faces for good behavior. Every day this child is reminded that his behavior is unacceptable, simply because he can’t sit still for long periods of time.
The mother starts crying. “He is starting to say things like, ‘I hate myself’ and ‘I’m no good at anything.’” This young boy’s self-esteem is plummeting all because he needs to move more often.
Over the past decade, more and more children are being coded as having attention issues and possibly ADHD. A local elementary teacher tells me that at least eight of her twenty-two students have trouble paying attention on a good day. At the same time, children are expected to sit for longer periods of time. In fact, even kindergarteners are being asked to sit for thirty minutes during circle time at some schools.

The problem: children are constantly in an upright position these days. It is rare to find children rolling down hills, climbing trees, and spinning in circles just for fun. Merry-go-rounds and teeter-totters are a thing of the past. Recess times have shortened due to increasing educational demands, and children rarely play outdoors due to parental fears, liability issues, and the hectic schedules of modern-day society. Lets face it: Children are not nearly moving enough, and it is really starting to become a problem.

I recently observed a fifth grade classroom as a favor to a teacher. I quietly went in and took a seat towards the back of the classroom. The teacher was reading a book to the children and it was towards the end of the day. I’ve never seen anything like it. Kids were tilting back their chairs back at extreme angles, others were rocking their bodies back and forth, a few were chewing on the ends of their pencils, and one child was hitting a water bottle against her forehead in a rhythmic pattern.
This was not a special-needs classroom, but a typical classroom at a popular art-integrated charter school. My first thought was that the children might have been fidgeting because it was the end of the day and they were simply tired. Even though this may have been part of the problem, there was certainly another underlying reason.

We quickly learned after further testing, that most of the children in the classroom had poor core strength and balance. In fact, we tested a few other classrooms and found that when compared to children from the early 1980s, only one out of twelve children had normal strength and balance. Only one! Oh my goodness, I thought to myself. These children need to move! 

Ironically, many children are walking around with an underdeveloped vestibular (balance) system today–due to restricted movement. In order to develop a strong balance system, children need to move their body in all directions, for hours at a time. Just like with exercising, they need to do this more than just once-a-week in order to reap the benefits. Therefore, having soccer practice once or twice a week is likely not enough movement for the child to develop a strong sensory system.

Children are going to class with bodies that are less prepared to learn than ever before. With sensory systems not quite working right, they are asked to sit and pay attention. Children naturally start fidgeting in order to get the movement their body so desperately needs and is not getting enough of to “turn their brain on.” What happens when the children start fidgeting? We ask them to sit still and pay attention; therefore, their brain goes back to “sleep.”

Fidgeting is a real problem. It is a strong indicator that children are not getting enough movement throughout the day. We need to fix the underlying issue. Recess times need to be extended and kids should be playing outside as soon as they get home from school. Twenty minutes of movement a day is not enough! They need hours of play outdoors in order to establish a healthy sensory system and to support higher-level attention and learning in the classroom.

In order for children to learn, they need to be able to pay attention. In order to pay attention, we need to let them move.