| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders affects as | | | | changes and depression. The long term affects on the |
| much as six percent of all children. | | | | maturing brain is not known but these children are |
| There are three sub-types or forms: ADHD, ADD, and | | | | more likely as adults to have substance abuse |
| Combined Type. A child with ADHD can be extremely | | | | problems and depression. |
| frustrating to both parents and teachers or daycare | | | | It may be helpful to you to know that there are |
| providers. | | | | alternative treatments available that are safe and |
| These children have great difficulty with paying | | | | effective although not every child will react in the same |
| attention at play and school, being impulsive, and may | | | | way to these treatments. |
| be irritable. They may not follow directions well, take | | | | Very often a combination of therapies are employed in |
| risks, or self-managing moods. | | | | order to treat the whole child not just symptoms. |
| You might be thinking that all kids are like that. Yes | | | | Natural supplements employ the use of herbs, vitamins, |
| some of it is typical behavior. When these behaviors | | | | minerals that are known to have a positive effect on |
| excessive and affects the home, school, and friends. If | | | | your child with ADHD/ADD behaviors. The absence of |
| your child's behavior is a problem either you or the | | | | side effects draws many parents to use supplements |
| school can request that testing be done to see if they | | | | rather than stimulants. |
| meet criteria for ADHD/ADD. | | | | Along with supplements, behavioral therapy, and |
| There is a variety of treatment options that may help | | | | acupuncture may be used. A healthy diet is important |
| your child to focus, be able to pay more attention, and | | | | (eliminate sugar, MSG, etc) to your child's well-being. |
| less impulsive. The school and your child's doctor may | | | | Being sure that s/he gets enough sleep, and exercise |
| give you their suggestions. It is important to know that | | | | will help your child to focus better. |
| you do not have to take their suggestions. | | | | There are support groups for parents. You aren't the |
| Generally speaking the most common treatment is | | | | first or last parents dealing with ADHD and you sure |
| stimulant drugs. The problem is that stimulants have | | | | won't be the last. You will be their best advocates. |
| some serious side effects. Those children who take | | | | Though your child may exhibit attention deficit |
| stimulants may experience headaches, appetite | | | | hyperactive disorder, there is help for all concerned. |