Helping and ADHD Person To Succeed

A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD does not mean a life sentence of failure to succeed. People with ADD/ADHD can be successful, and parents and teachers can help these kids on their journeys toward a successful life. Here are some tips that may help.

Specific Directions

One of the things that can be challenging for kids with ADHD is not knowing how to make things happen. Children with this disorder are not acting willfully, experts assure us; rather, they simply don't know how to do the things they're asked to do.

They may also find it hard to remember directions. So when you're asking a child with ADHD to do something, remember that he or she may need really specific advice on how to get that task done. For example, instead of saying, "Clean your room," you could break it down into simple steps. Instead, you might say something like, "Let's clean your room. First, let's pick up the Legos off the floor, put them in the bin, and put the bin on the shelf." This language also includes you as the overseer and helper, which can help motivate a child with ADHD to stick to the task.

It's Okay to Help

While most experts agree that it's not a good idea to do everything for a child, your active participation may go a long way in helping an ADD/ADHD child complete his or her tasks. As you're breaking things down into manageable steps, follow through and encourage the child along the way. It may help to show him or her how it's done (without taking over and doing it all yourself).

Structure and Routine

Whether at home or in school, sources note that routines and structure can be a tremendous help to those with ADD/ADHD. While it's a good idea to be somewhat flexible and know when to compromise, a routine and structured activities can help a child with ADD/ADHD feel calmer and better able to focus.

Communication between Teachers and Parents

Parents should remember that teachers are busy - there's more than just their child in the classroom! But parents can help their ADD/ADHD child succeed by meeting with the teacher and accepting feedback from him or her throughout the school year. It can help your child do better in school if you the parent are involved and actively working with the teacher and staff of the school.

Goals and Reinforcement

Children with ADD/ADHD need clear directions and daily goals, say experts. As you make a behavior plan with your child, make sure your expectations are clear and that you reward success with positive reinforcement.

ADHD - The Connection With Chemical Exposure

Is There a Connection between Chemical Exposure and ADHD?


A growing body of evidence links chemical exposure to the development of ADD/ADHD in children. Some chemicals are more strongly implicated that others, and some of the studies are inconclusive. However, the possible connection between toxic chemicals and ADD/ADHD cannot be ignored.

Following is a list of common chemicals implicated in the development of ADD/ADHD.

Phthalates

These ubiquitous chemicals are used to soften plastics and in cosmetics. They are often present in scented products as "fragrance stabilizers," and they also can be found in lotions and make-up. Studies have shown that pregnant women who used phthalate-containing cosmetics while pregnant were more likely to report behavioral problems with their children over the course of several years. Korean studies have also shown a probable link between phthalate exposure and the development of ADHD.

Pesticides

The role of pesticides in ADHD is becoming more and more well known. Organophosphates are the specific type of pesticide that are indicated in ADHD, and some telling studies showed the presence of organophosphates in the urine of ADHD-positive children even though the children did not live in an agricultural community. This means that the children were exposed by a means other than proximity to a farm where organophosphates were being sprayed.

Studies show that children with higher levels of organophosphates in their urine are more likely to have the symptoms of ADHD. Organophosphates inhibit a vital brain chemical in insects - acetylcholinesterase, or AChE - resulting in the death of the insect. Research shows that, in humans, if AChE does not function correctly, symptoms of ADHD may result.

Heavy Metals

Exposure to heavy metals is known to have a profound effect on the brain, and research suggests that such exposure may result in ADHD.

* Lead - Several studies have indicated that lead's interference with neurological function can result in ADHD. Lead paint in old houses and on some imported toys are the usual means of exposure in children.

* Mercury - This controversial metal was once used as a preservative in certain vaccines and as a component in dental fillings. It is used in batteries, thermometers, and other items. Mercury is liquid at room temperature and turns to vapor rather rapidly if it's heated, so regions where trash is burned in industrial incinerators may be at greater risk of mercury exposure. Mercury poisoning sometimes manifests with ADHD-like symptoms.

Cleaning Products

Many household cleaning products come with cautionary labels. As consumers, many of us have gotten so used to these warnings that we may shrug them off, or we figure that if we're not drinking large amounts of the cleaner then it's harmless. But toxic means toxic, and even if you're not actively ingesting the substance, you and your family may be ingesting, inhaling, and absorbing (through the skin and mucous membranes) low levels of the toxic substance.

Over time, these toxins may accumulate in the body, which might result in ADHD-like symptoms. Because the ADHD does not follow immediately upon exposure to a cleaner, it's often not considered as a possible cause.

Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD in Adults and Children

Do you think your child may have ADD/ADHD? What about your spouse or yourself? ADD/ADHD can present differently in children than in adults, and the symptoms for both age groups can mimic those of other problems. Here is a brief list of symptoms of ADD/ADHD in children and in adults.

Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD in Children

According to experts, most signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD in children appear before the age of seven. It's a good idea to distinguish between "normal childhood behavior" and ADD/ADHD, which is something a qualified health professional can help you with. Here are some of the signs of this disorder in children.

* Staring off into space - This is a symptom of ADD that many people may not recognize, since many people associate these disorders with hyperactivity. One of the reasons why there is a distinction made between ADD and ADHD is because hyperactivity is not necessarily a component of ADD. A child who is a "dreamer" and seems detached from reality, staring out the window for long periods rather than paying attention, may have ADD.

* Chronic fidgeting - Yes, nearly all children fidget. In children with ADD/ADHD, though, it may be a compulsive, repetitive behavior that is distracting and disruptive. When a child feels like he or she has to fidget, it may be ADD/ADHD rather than just childish wiggles.

* Excessive talking - Children with ADD/ADHD tend to blurt out things at inappropriate times, and the things they blurt may be inappropriate. Even if corrected, children with ADD/ADHD seem unable to control this impulse.

Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD in Adults

* The workaholic - Adults with ADD/ADHD may be driven to work, work, work. This may tie in with "hyperfocus," a somewhat ironic symptom of ADD/ADHD in adults. They may get so focused on a task or project that they completely lose track of the passage of time, the needs of their families, and so forth.

* Extreme disorganization - In this day and age, many adults juggle many roles, and it's not unusual to feel or be disorganized. In an adult with ADD/ADHD, however, it's a chronic problem that may seriously inhibit their productivity. They are "buried" in clutter in the car, home, and office, and can't seem to get out from under it.

* Poor time management - If an adult has ADD/ADHD, he may feel like he can never "get it together." Charts, notes, and lists only add to the clutter, and the person often feels overwhelmed by organizing even small tasks.

If any of these symptoms seems to describe you and/or your child, it's important to seek out medical advice to get a proper diagnosis and to rule out nutritional deficiencies, low blood sugar, and other issues that may present similar symptoms.

ADHD - Alternative Treatments

There are alternative treatments available for ADHD - some of them quite effective. This may come as a relief to parents and caregivers who want to avoid medication, or for those who simply want to explore alternative treatments.

Biofeedback

This relatively new treatment option involves measuring the brain waves of a person with ADHD, and translating those brain waves into a discernable consequence.

For example, a child with ADHD plays a video game, and as long as he pays attention, he can play; but if his brain waves show that his attention beginning to wander, the game stops. This type of treatment is said to make the patient aware of his or her brain activity and the resulting symptoms so that the patient can take control and make changes to his or her concentration and focus.

Nature

"Nature Deficit Disorder" is becoming an accepted term these days. Interestingly, there is evidence that nature deprivation may in fact play a role in ADHD. Children who regularly experience time outdoors in a natural setting may find their ADHD symptoms decreasing.

Diet

Studies have shown that changes in the diet can improve ADHD symptoms. For a dietary plan that meets your and your family's needs, it's a good idea to work with a professional in this field. But generally speaking, the "ADHD Diet" emphasizes whole, fresh, organic foods, a decrease in sugar consumption, and the elimination of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Many ADHD diets also cut out gluten.

Behavioral Therapy

Often suggested in combination with medication, behavioral therapy teaches parents and kids alike on how to shape the behavior of the child with ADHD. Parents are instructed as to how to speak to and teach their ADHD child, and the child learns through positive rewards for appropriate behavior while working to eliminate inappropriate behavior. Skills like time management and organizational skills are taught in behavioral therapy.

Talk Therapy

Considered particularly helpful for adults with ADHD, talk therapy can help an ADHD patient work through his or her feelings and receive some coping advice from the therapist. Talk therapy can help with some of the frustration and depression that ADHD patients sometimes experience.

Exercise

Children who get regular exercise may be less likely to exhibit ADHD symptoms, sources say - and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD may experience a decrease in symptoms if they participate in regular exercise.

Environmental Changes

Some people choose to alter their environment and/or that of their ADHD child(ren) in order to decrease symptoms. Environmental changes that may be of benefit in managing ADHD symptoms include:

* Establishing a daily routine
* Establishing a regular bedtime
* De-cluttering the home and the child's room
* Reducing exposure to pesticides and other potentially problematic chemicals

ADHD - The Nutrition Connection

The issue of the nutrition connection with ADHD has been subjected to multiple studies, and generally, those studies have pointed to strong connections between this disorder and nutrition. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, food allergies, pesticide exposure from non-organic produce, etc. all have implications in the symptoms of ADHD.

Here are some of the ways that nutrition is connected to ADHD, and the dietary considerations involved.

Artificial Colors and Preservatives

Sources say that artificial colors and preservatives are not necessarily instrumental in exacerbating ADHD symptoms; but for those who do have sensitivities to these substances, removing them from the diet has been known to produce dramatic results. Cutting out artificial colors and preservatives does not cause harm, so eliminating these things from the child's diet and watching for symptom improvement is a viable course of action.

Gluten Sensitivity

The possible connection between gluten sensitivity and ADHD is interesting. Many children with ADHD also have celiac disease, or gluten intolerance. In this disorder, gluten (a protein found in wheat and other grains) inflames the intestinal lining and can eventually permeate the intestinal walls, creating leaky gut syndrome. This causes proteins and other undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, where they can cause a host of problems.

Many parents of children with ADHD have found success in eliminating gluten from their child's diet, allowing the gut to heal and stopping the cycle of inflammation.

Iron Deficiency

Symptoms of iron deficiency (poor attention span, behavioral problems) can mimic those of ADHD. Some doctors recommend an iron supplement for all children regardless of ADHD diagnosis. So it's a good idea to test for iron deficiency if your child is exhibiting symptoms reminiscent of ADHD.

Low Blood Sugar

Another problem that can mimic ADHD symptoms is low blood sugar. The inability to concentrate, "the shakes" and jitters, and hyperactivity are all symptoms of low blood sugar. Not all kids react to low blood sugar with these symptoms, and not all kids suffer visibly from long periods of not eating (or eating the wrong kinds of foods). But in some children, low blood sugar can present dramatic symptoms.

The best way to alleviate these symptoms is with a healthy, whole foods diet that is low in sugar and includes healthy snacks. Children should always have an adequate breakfast, too.

Organic Foods

Because of recent studies linking ADHD and pesticide exposure, many parents choose to have their families eat only organic produce. This minimizes pesticide exposure by ingestion.