By Beth Stephens, Debra Ali, Jacquelyn Kildale and Diane Fiorito
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that is relatively common among children today. It is estimated that there are currently between 3 -7% of school-age children diagnosed with this disorder and these numbers could be rising. This disorder appears to be more prevalent in boys than in girls. Boys seem to be diagnosed with ADHD three to four times more often than girls (Kurtz, 2002). Some of the characteristic symptoms of ADHD may include concentration difficulties, short attention span and distractibility (Manuzza, 2009). These symptoms often make it difficult for these children to follow instructions, stay organized, and effectively participate in the school environment. The features of this condition can create stumbling blocks in a child’s path to learning and school achievement.
When a child is first diagnosed as having ADHD, it can be a difficult time for all participants involved: the child, parents, physicians, as well as involved educators. Since there has been such great debate as to whether or not ADHD is a medical condition or a social one, many people have differing views as to how to best deal with this diagnosis. Should the child be treated with prescribed medication, alternative forms of therapy, such as behavioral strategies, both, or none at all? The answer to this question depends on all persons involved in the decision making process, but will ultimately be based on the individual and their family. Since every child is different, not every child should be treated in the same way.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 56% of all children diagnosed with ADHD now take prescription stimulant medications. There are several prescription drugs available presently to treat ADHD. These are stimulants, such as methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and dextroamphetamine. “These meds usually involve the stimulation of the frontal lobe function” (Kutscher, 2008). They have been proven to significantly increase a child’s ability to listen and focus, stay on task, and think before acting in school. They are also known to reduce impulses and aggressive behavior and limit fidgeting. This leads to an increase in a student’s understanding of schoolwork, academic achievement, test scores and his/ her ability to interact with others, which will, in turn, result in improved behavior and greater self-esteem.
Research studies have recently shown a positive association between ADHD medication usage and academic achievement in elementary school. One recent study done at the University of California, tracked 600 children, all diagnosed with ADHD, from kindergarten through fifth grade (Parker-Pope, 2009). Researchers compared those children taking ADHD medications with those children who were not receiving “drug therapy”. Their findings showed significant gains in the math and reading scores of those children who were taking prescription medications in comparison with the scores of the children who were receiving no medication (Parker-Pope, 2009).
Although several medications have been effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD as well as being “linked to higher test scores” (Parker-Pope, 2009), there are many side effects to these prescription stimulants that should be seriously considered. Some of the possible side effects can include: loss of appetite, tremors and/or tics, headaches, sleeplessness, nausea and psychosis to name only a few (ADHDnews, 2009). In addition, medical doctors have begun recommending routine EKG’s for young patients before putting them on Ritalin due to the fear of heart complications.
Another serious side effect of Ritalin is the trough period in which a child is coming off of the drug and going through withdrawals. “They may become irritable, tearful, emotional, or bratty. This lasts for about 15 minutes, and tends to be worse with Ritalin doses of 15 mg. or more” (My Out of Control Teen.com, 2002). The key to safely and effectively treating a child with medication is to ensure that they are receiving the proper dosage of the drug being prescribed. In addition, parents need to be vigilant about the possible misuse of prescribed stimulants by their teenagers.
Alternative Methods for treating ADHD are available and some specialists claim that these treatments are safer and more effective than using stimulant medication. Some of these alternative treatments may include: change in diet, vitamin supplements, herbs, homeopathy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, yoga and/or exercise. Parents should be well informed before attempting to try any type of treatment before deciding upon a course of action. Needless to say, not all of these treatments are regulated by the FDA and are currently considered to be experimental (ADHDCentral.com, 2009). Parents may also opt for an approach that uses limited amounts of prescribed medication along with other interventions such as parent training and behavioral therapies.
Recently, Olympic champion Michael Phelps was featured in an article in the New York Times (Parker-Pope, 2008). Besides mentioning that the well-known swimmer had “suffered” with ADHD all his life, a number of interesting ideas were touched upon in this short article. Though diagnosed with ADHD and put on medication, his mother, Deborah Phelps, a school principal in Baltimore, chose to stop medicating him at the age of 10. She encouraged him in his talent and aspirations and fully supported his strengths. With his family behind him, extreme structure and rigorous exercise, Michael Phelps achieved beyond anyone’s expectations! She has said that, “the qualities that often accompany the disorder are not always negative, though it may require extra effort and knowledge to help children harness their talents” (Parker-Pope, 2008). Her words have the weight of experience behind them when she urges parents to persevere and not give up hope when dealing with children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
In our society today, where instant gratification and quick fixes seem to be the norm, Phelps’ sentiments are certainly commendable. Therefore, is a drug such as Ritalin the answer to a parent’s prayer? Is prescription medication the way to achieve a well-focused child? Or should parents be working hard to create a structured environment for their ADHD child?
References
Kurtz, S. (2002, May/June). Treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in School Settings. Child Study Center, Vol. 6, no. 5, p. 1-3.
Kutscher, M. (2008). ADHD: Misconceptions and the Four Rules of Treatment. The Exceptional Parent, 38(9), 70-72.
Manuzza, S. (2009). Long-Term Outcome of Attention-Deficiti/Hyperactivity Disorder. NYU Child Study Center, p. 1. Retrieved from Proquest database.
Parker-Pope, T. (2008, November 24). Michael Phelps and the Potential of A.D.H.D. New York Times.
Parker-Pope, T. (2009, April 27). A.D.H.D. Drugs Linked to Higher Test Scores. New York Times.
http://www.cpe.ca/caringforkids/whensick/ADHDalternative.html
http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/alternative-treatments-200124-5.html
http://www.myoutofcontrolteen.com/ritalin.html
31 responses so far ↓
kkcassidy // October 19, 2009 at 11:45 pm |
This is definately a good question posed; is ADHD a real medical condition or a social one? It is a hard question to answer, but one answer for sure is that it is challenging on all those associated with the child. The parents are worried about medicated their children and the children might not take well to the medication.
It is a tough question to whether it is real or not, but should we be medicating these children, or placing them in classes or therapy where their needs are met, dealt with, and teach them to cope. The side effects of some of the medications too are something we need to think about, if this ADHD problem can be solved in a non-medicated way the children can progress without suffering physically through these side-effect symptoms. As a mother, I definately would not want my child being wrongly medicated and having withdrawl symptoms. It would make me question if this will lead to them having drug problems in the future. I think it was a great thing that the authors of this article included the story of Michael Phelps, it can be inspirational to parents whose children do suffer from ADHD, or its symptoms.
dmckillen // October 20, 2009 at 9:22 pm |
I am interested to see the percentage of elementary school kids today diagnosed with ADHD or ADD compared to the numbers 15 years ago when I was in elementary school. If I had to guess I would say the number of kids has steadily increased over the years. I feel that this is due to the fact that kids are now subject to all these standardized test, psych evaluations, CSE meetings and so on. If we teachers or parents are looking so hard for something “wrong” with the child we are bound to find something. These students are labeled “ADHD” because they have trouble staying focused in class and are occasionally impulsed to talk with a neighbor? Maybe I was just never diagnosed as a child, but paying attention in class and not fidgeting was never easy, but a phone call home or a smack in the back of the head usually worked in getting me back on track. Today we have drugs for everything; Heart problems, bedroom problems, social anxiety problems and school problems. Enough is enough.
payari // October 29, 2009 at 7:55 pm |
15 years ago the concept alone of ADHD would not have made sense to parents or teachers. There was no industry or audience available to make the idea of it palatable to anyone. Marketers have made the idea accessible to parents, children, and teachers in a way that make the diagnosis seem inevitable for a large percentage of the population.
lovestoteach87 // October 21, 2009 at 2:52 pm |
The medications today are too dangerous….I don’t believe in pumping myself with any less alone my child…the best option here is proper diet, excercise, vitamins, and minerals…today our foods are filled with garbage that our children can get sick from and also all the sugar and carbs can cause a loss of concentration
vgill19 // October 22, 2009 at 2:56 am |
Not everything in life has a quick fix. Before turning to harmful medications, look to other choices. Seek out reputable alternative doctors, stay away from processed and fast foods, exercise, get plenty of rest and simplify your life. These alternatives take time and patience. Educate yourself about healthy lifestyles and vitamins. Learn how to cook. Understand and truly know your child. Devote time to them and give them your unselfish attention. It’s not about you – they are the ones who need you. Help them before you turn to that quick fix. This is not an easy approach but it is a very rewarding one.
robinson682 // October 23, 2009 at 1:18 am |
I love this blog because it does such an even handed job of presenting the details but still shows a particular point of view.
We live in a quick fix society. Why work to achieve an end when pharmaceuticals can do it for you? Better living through chemistry.
Many of the parents who medicate their young children don’t do it for improved classroom behavior and better school grades, they do it because they can’t control the child at home, or cope with their behavior. I’ve heard Pre-K through 2nd grade teachers make this complaint. Everything is fine at school but the parents decide to add medication all on their own.
By taking the easy way out we all become day trippers.
jacklynbreit // October 25, 2009 at 3:09 am |
I loved this article but I believe that too many issues with students these days are being resolved with drugs to subdue them into a zombie like state. If the students were properly observed, it is possible that these issues can be fixed with a vitamin supplement and some rigorous activity. I know there are cases where students need medications to function, but I also believe that these medications are way overused.
pet915 // October 25, 2009 at 6:06 pm |
ADHD is a very serious behavioral disorder. I have had discussions plenty of times with people who feel that there is no such thing as ADHD and it is just a “brat” disorder. They feel the child is acting out for attention because they are not getting the attention or love that they need. I disagree with this. I know several children that have this disorder and it is very sad for the child, parents and teachers. The parents try to do everything they can to help their child. However, there are not many remedies that work.
One parent I know tried changing the child’s diet after he was diagnosed with ADHD. Unfortunately, that didn’t work. Although she tried other ways to help her child as to avoid medication, that seemed the only way. The child now has to take medication every morning and he knows that without it, he will not be able to concentrate in school. I think this is very sad, being that he is only a 7 year old child. I don’t agree with medicating a child this young. What kind of effects will this have on a child down the road?
jbalsan13 // October 25, 2009 at 6:27 pm |
As someone who works as a pharmacy technician, I constantly see people who are prescribed these drugs. I feel that parents are sometimes too quick to medicate children without putting in the extra effort mentioned by Michael Phelps’ mother. I feel that with a little extra love and care, children can excel in their education. I am a firm believer in trying other methods before medicating, especially children. Children with ADHD need someone who is willing to sit down with them and give them the extra help they need. I agree with robinson682 when he says that parents medicate children because they can’t control their child in the home. A child’s education needs to be a collaborative effort between parent and child.
alyssatesoriero // October 25, 2009 at 10:57 pm |
I agree with several of these prior comments. I think parents are looking for a quick-fix with their child and are willing to prescribe them with unnecessary medications. Some children get hyperactive and impatient after sitting in class all day, which isn’t always a disorder or ailment. Children fidget and sometimes constantly move around not because they have ADHD but because they are young and still adjusting to the school day. I think parents, as well as teachers, should try other methods before going straight to medication.
lgottlieb15 // October 26, 2009 at 12:50 pm |
I agree with Phelps ““the qualities that often accompany the disorder are not always negative, though it may require extra effort and knowledge to help children harness their talents”. We are ignoring in some cases the strengths of certain personality and learning tyoes in an effort to make everybody fit in to a preconceived notion of “normal”. We are too quick to medicate as a first resort, it is easier to dull the symptom than address the need. No wonder kids are so open to self medicating. The lines at the nurse’s office at my kids’ elementary school was incredible at lunchtime, everyone waiting to get their midday meds. Sometimes we need to think and to teach out of the box to exploit and address students capabilities and abilities. Many medications have awful permant physiological side effects, liver damage, heart damage, neurological damage. Parents must make these decisions informedly and carefully. The unusal thinkers, different learners,those who have an aternate point of view, along with those in need of an above average level of physical activity, these may become the innovators, the inventors, the leaders, the star athletes, or even just the guy who goes to the gym everyday before work to settle himself. Must everone present the same in order to be acceptable and accepted at schools?
tsaul07 // October 26, 2009 at 2:38 pm |
In the 21st century we seem to be a generation of pill poppers. If you have a headache then you take some aspirin or if you can’t sleep you revert to taking sleeping pills. I’m not saying medication such as Ritalin won’t help children suffering with ADHD but I think our society is so fast at curing a problem with a pill. Sometimes the quick fix can have long term side effects or even amount to addiction. I think all forms of other treatment should be tried before stimulant medication because the side effects can be harmful. As mentioned in the article, some side effects include appetite changes, weight lose and problems sleeping. There may also be heart problems when taking ADHD medication. The entire team needs to weigh out the pros and cons to see if stimulants are worth the risk.
Physicians should first discuss with the families who have children suffering with ADHD other possible approaches before filling out a prescription. Other forms of treatment can be anywhere from counseling to making accommodations in the the students classroom. I think counseling might be a good approach if a child with ADHD has coexisting problems, such as suffering with anxiety or depression. Support groups and parent training groups can help educate the families more about ADHD, hear first hand from other families battling with the same problem and it provides a network of social support. The educators are also a big part of the team. I think once they become aware of the situation, it is there job to make the environment of the classroom least distracting for that student. Parents need to also make sure the child is on a regular schedule for meals and bedtime. The team of physicians, parents, educators and even therapist needs to be on the same page and work together for the child to better cope with ADHD.
lisapratt17 // October 26, 2009 at 4:41 pm |
We have to stop looking for quick fixes and labels to combat life’s ills. Hard work and discipline aren’t sexy but they are the best way to cure many of society’s problems.
I recently spent time observing in a 4th-6th grade gifted and talented program; several children also suffered from ADHD. I have no way of knowing if they are on medication but I did observe that when these children began acting out the teacher took swift action to minimize their control over the curriculum. Perhaps they were shocked to be disciplined; too often parents are charmed by behavior that is disruptive in a classroom setting. Before we reach for medication, perhaps a little discipline in the home will help minimize behavior problems in school.
bns129 // October 26, 2009 at 5:55 pm |
Lgottlieb15 makes a great point about our need in society for students to conform to an ideal. Parents and educators generally do not respond well to ADHD types of behaviors because these children generally require extra attention. In addition, disciplining these children in a classroom takes quality time away from other students. Unfortunately, disciplining children is not easy nor “sexy” but may be necessary in the long term if we want our children to succeed.
Perhaps educators and parents should strive for more acceptance of these students’ learning abilities and/or disabilities. How do educators react when faced with a child who is distracted, unfocused and often disruptive? Patience for children with behavioral difficulties paired with consistent discipline might benefit everyone involved.
graciet2 // October 27, 2009 at 12:43 pm |
I doubt we really know whether ADHD may be some kind of a medical condition or social disorder. We are still in the dark ages when it comes to mental health. How can you really evaluate a situation like this scientifically? I just wonder why it was unheard of when I was a child. Children all develop at different rates. Is this taken into consideration when they are diagnosed with the disease?
Children should be very active. I think children are placed on medication too quickly and too frequently. Our society believes in quick fixes and therefore the drug companies have great customers. Does the child have adequate time to be physically active at home and during recess and gym class? Some schools want to do away with recess and gym, not realizing how important play is for children.
If the child does seem to have a problem, why can’t doctors try alternative methods first? There are a lot of remedies out there including diets, yoga, herbal supplements, acupuncture, etc. The drug companies are a big money making business and while we’re on the subject, I think it’s wrong that they advertise drugs for every ailment on TV. There are other healthier ways to deal with every type of ailment. I feel sorry for the children that have been placed on medication. We really don’t know the long term effects and every drug has side effects. I hope doctors and parents stand up to the drug companies by trying alternative methods first.
aek32087 // October 28, 2009 at 2:10 am |
I believe parents and teachers need to really examine a child’s behavior and how they are performing in school before giving their child medication. We can’t keep giving children medication because we may think they have ADHD. Maybe the child needs to be in a different classroom setting. The child may need counseling to help resolve problems that the child could be experiencing in school and at home.
demitra008 // October 29, 2009 at 1:11 pm |
Children have always been active, yet today if they are not sitting quietly and attentively in classrooms they are diagnosed as ADD, ADHD, Bipolar, or something else. Parents and educators often attempt to find quick fixes to this matter and settle on medication. The article confirms this by pointing out that “56% of all children diagnosed with ADHD now take prescription stimulant.” Just by reviewing some possible side effects these medications administered cause, why would anyone want to medicate children? There is the possibility that there could be long term effects. Parents and educators should collaborate to seek alternative ways of helping these children. Michael Phelps is an excellent example. His mother took him off of ADHD medication and inspired him to pursue his interests.
lpastore2 // October 30, 2009 at 3:40 pm |
This is a highly debatable topic amongst all involved including the child, family, educators, and doctors. While some continue to push hard for medicating a child, others may choose to go in a more homeopathic direction. This blog does a great job of introducing both sides of the spectrum with the pros and the cons. While growing up in elementary school, I do not remember much controversy of ADHD meds, but I don’t know if this is because it wasn’t a big deal then or if I was just too young to realize. However, over the last decade, we all have been bombarded with the latest news for ADHD medications. For myself, I find it difficult to take a stance. I have seen first hand accounts of college students “fake failing” the doctor administered ADHD tests in order to get adderall and ritalin to either sell or take during final exam weeks. On the other hand, I have worked with many special education students in BOCES schools and have seen a tremendous increase in attentiveness and learning among those who take meds. For these students, medication has helped them make significant gains in their educational careers when they couldn’t sit still in their chair or stop fidgeting with the closest distraction. I have seen the good and the bad ADHD medication has brought to our communities. In the end, I believe parents should take into consideration the advice teachers, therapists and doctors are giving them, but the decision is ultimately up to the family.
skennedy101 // October 30, 2009 at 7:30 pm |
I for one have had ADHD all my life. I wouldn’t say I “suffer” from it like phelps. It’s just something you deal with. I have been on all kinds of meds but I have also taken karate to better my awareness and to use that extra energy in a positive way. Since I have taken the medications I feel personally that it has helped me in many ways. Though there have been complications or you simply grow out of a medication, it took time to find the right one. I feel that the medications were a great help and it would help other kids as well, but I do feel that they should stick to a sport to use that extra energy. It truly is a team effort to figure out the right medications so the doctors and parents should be involved. Is the medication for everyone? It depends on the chemistry of the person. It worked for me, but that doesn’t mean it would work for someone else. They have to figure that out with their parents and doctor.
gioannou // November 2, 2009 at 6:27 pm |
I have seen first hand, the different faces of ADHD from family members to friends children to my own border line child. Most cases were ignored and the child turned out fine. My one relative was treated with Ritalin and the effect was noticable, he became calm quiet and behaved. How boring! Another friend got her two boys who were diagnosed onto organic diets with no junk food whatsoever. Their energy levels stayed up, and their focus improved. In my opinion a better alternative. My own son is border line, but his grades are so good that he has no self esteem or confidence issues regarding school. My opinion is this, the teacher must work to keep him occupied and focused while in school, I have to when he’s home.
I have one last question to pose. Why are there so many diagnosis today? Are we poisoning ourselves to the extent that our youths are suffering, or are the pharmaceutical companies looking for a quick buck?
littleman6 // November 3, 2009 at 4:27 pm |
It seems as though the minute a child is diagnosed with ADHD, physicians, educators, and even parents are ready to prescribe a “magical” pill! Why are we in such a rush to shove pills down a child’s throat? What if in some cases it is just a phase? We are very much a society that looking for the “quick fix” and are only satisfied with instant gratification.
A few years ago, my nephew (at the time he was about 10) was diagnosed with showing slight signs of ADHD. Immediately the school was pushing for him to be put on medication to help him stay focused. My sister refused because she would not have her son walking around like a zombie. With a lot of extra effort and support from family, friends, and teachers he was able to overcome these “signs”. He is now doing very well in school and is involved in a ton of extracurricular activities.
Nice job on illustrating both sides of the argument yet still taking a side. Love the inclusion of the Phelps success story.
azack329 // November 4, 2009 at 4:43 pm |
I have ADD, and unfortunately growing up it was overlooked. I tried many things to avoid medication, but eventually medication seemed like the only way. With out taking medication I cannot sit still and do something as simple as watch a television show, let alone concentrate in school.
I know there are cases where students need medications to function, however, I also believe that these medications are overused and thought of as a “quick fix”. There are so many issues with students are being drugged in order to calm them. If students are properly observed, it is possible that many issues can be fixed with a vitamin supplement and some rigorous activity. I think parents and teachers should try everything in order to remedy the situation before resorting to medication.
tamn327 // November 7, 2009 at 7:28 pm |
I beieve that ADD/ADHD is a ligitimate disorder. I also believe that it is being over diagnosed in our society because, as many people have stated, we want a quick fix. I feel that medication should be a last resort. As far as I am aware, this disorder remains with you throughout your life. If we start children on medication at 7 and 8 years old they may be on medication for the rest of their lives. What are the long term effects of such prolonged use of these medications? I believe that our society is quick to make a diagnosis without first taking a look at how society has changed. It may be that the increase in diagnosis has more to do with the amount of time spent inside playing video games and the lack of time spent outside running around. Maybe the amount of processd foods and sugars that our children eat today in place of home cooked meals with real fruits and vegetables has something to do with it. I believe that we should look for the reason to find the solution that will best help the children.
niasia // November 9, 2009 at 3:09 am |
I say friend. I have several students in my class who have been labeled as having ADHD and they each behave differently. The young girl who has it just talks a lot. They boys that have it seem to misbehave mostly all of the time. It is very difficult for the students in the class period, let alone the “labeled” students, to focus when they are misbehaving. So I am supporting the Ritalin and other meds available to treat this disorder. When the students are alert they are more attentive, they participate more and things run so much smoother in general.
nicolem1126 // November 10, 2009 at 4:57 pm |
I feel that medication is used too often to treat ADHD. I think that if you practice structure and organization with kids from a young age that the “disorder” would become almost non-existent. A lot of times I think it is a lack of effort on behalf of parents and schools to help a child suffering from ADHD that leads to students being on medication because they view it as an easy answer. The medications may be shown to work, but I don’t like the idea of medicating children for something non-life threatening or physically debilitating. I think there are better ways to handle this problem than prescription drugs.
kathrynfitz // November 10, 2009 at 6:34 pm |
I really don’t condone using medication on children especially when we are not aware of the long term side effects it can have, not to mention the side effects mentioned in this article. I know that there are severe cases when this disorder can really disrupt a child and his/her family but I really think many people jump the gun to place a child in category of disorder. I find it quite obvious that children may have trouble concentrating in class or are distruptive because they are bored with subject matter and the way in which its taught. I think children aren’t given enough time for free play and time for active excersise and it can effect the way they act in class. Placing over active children in extra curricular activities and sports I’m sure could really help them manage their energy in a positive, natural, drug-free way. Don’t be too sure to use the easy way out with drugs when the affects are still unknown.
shannon1031 // November 11, 2009 at 1:42 am |
Each case needs to be dealt with on an individual basis and there really shouldnt be any deviation from that. In some cases behavioral training may work, and in some cases it may not.
I feel that medication is something that should be the last resort if the child is really struggling in thier classes. Also, the stimulants should not be the “end all be all”, they should be administered with behavior training as well.
More importantly, the child should be talked to and possibly in therapy so that they understand why they take the medication that they take, and how it may or may not be a lifelong thing.
The biggest thing here is communication between the parent and child (given that the child is of a decent age ) and if the child isn’t of age where communication is possible; then medication most likely shouldnt be the answer.
pbssteno // November 11, 2009 at 5:42 pm |
My oldest child was diagnosed with ADHD when she was four years old. Over the years, many things have been tried to help her, including medication. The problem with the medication is there are always side effects. At one point, she experienced alot of nausea and stomach pain, and the Strattera had to be discontinued. We have worked with various psychologists and psychiatrists over the years, often at great expense. What seems to have helped the most though, is her advancing years. She is almost 14 now, and has an awareness of her deficiencies and tries to develop strategies herself to overcome them. She is smart in her own way, and I have no doubt that she will overcome this. Personal will is a valuable thing.
jamsmar // November 16, 2009 at 2:16 am |
I feel like sometimes medication is used as a solution to quickly. If your child is acting out or can not pay attention automatically it must be ADD/ADHD and let’s give them drugs! NO. There could be other things going on and until someone looks into it and actually shows real concern, no one will ever know the truth about what is going on, and what other possible solutions there are.
joanne10 // November 17, 2009 at 10:06 pm |
As a parent of a child with ADHD combined type, I must say life can be quite challenging, difficult yet fun and free spirited. Having gone through the testing process with my son I do want to let those that do not know this – The doctor must inform the parents of their options, such as the availability of medications and alternative approaches-. The parent can opt out of the medication discussion as I did. I have chosen to limit certain preservatives in my son’s foods, eliminate certain food dyes that have been known to cause an array of symptoms in ADHD children as well as continually remain in contact with my sons teach on his school performance. His IQ is quite high and having the right fit with a teacher can make a world of difference. I as a parent then must in the home attempt to create n environment that will help my child. It is not easy, often stressful but I know that my son is learning and creating and that is all that I as a parent can ask for!
lrankin01 // November 18, 2009 at 3:24 pm |
When I was a kid, and a student was antsy, or out of control, they were just a pain in the butt, and a phone call home to Mom usually fixed the problem right away. There was no such thing as ADHD. Maybe what’s missing is more attention at home in a creative way. Lets stop letting the TV babysit our children. More outside playtime, and less junk food. I feel like some of these kids who are labeled with ADHD are just acting out because they need some attention at home. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world-I would never dispute that. But teaching our children to rely on medications to solve problems is not the way to hide from parental shortcomings. What will happen to them as they get older? A generation of pill-poppers! The long term side effects of which are unknown at this point. Good for you Mrs. Phelps-see what a little TLC can do!!
You must be logged in to post a comment.