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Do
any of the following “ring a bell”?
“Why
can’t my child ever pay attention in class?”
“My
son always ignores me.”
“Why
can’t my child ever sit still?”
“My
daughter’s teacher thinks she has ADD.”
“Hey,
your kid should be on Ritalin!”
There
are some kids who fidget more than others. Then, there are some kids who
don’t have a long attention span. And, then there are those kids who
actually have ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The main symptoms of ADHD are poor
attention span, hyperactivity, and being impulsive.
The
Academy of Pediatrics has developed ADHD criteria for school age children
(ages 6 – 12 years). Keep in mind that any human being can have any of
the signs and symptoms below. But, the important point is that if your
child has them OFTEN, then he or she may need to be tested for ADHD.
Your
child may have ADHD if he or she has:
6
or more of the following symptoms of inattention:
·
Often fails to give close attention to details, or makes careless
mistakes
·
Often has difficulty maintaining attention
·
Often does not listen when spoken to
·
Often does not organize well
·
Often is reluctant to engage in tasks that require a lot of mental
effort
·
Often is distracted by outside stimuli
·
Often is forgetful of everyday activities
And/or
6
or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity:
·
Often fidgets with hands and feet
·
Often gets up from seat in the classroom frequently
·
Often runs about or climbs when it is inappropriate
·
Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities
quietly
·
Always “on the go”
·
Talks excessively
·
Often blurts out answers before questions are asked
·
Often has trouble waiting his turn
·
Often butts into conversations
Approximately
4 – 12% of school age children have ADHD. Parents and teachers are the
primary people who bring it to the attention of a child’s physician.
Once
your child’s physician knows you have a concern, then he or she can
perform the right testing and make the diagnosis. Some children with ADHD
need medicine, but others don’t. Some children can adapt and "grow
out" of ADHD, but may need medicine until they get older.
If
you have a suspicion, find the answer by bringing it to the attention of
your doctor.
I
hope all parents, teachers, and children are off to a good school year and
will achieve great success this year!
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