Avoiding ADHD during bedtime

If your child's teacher says he/she isn't paying attention in class, adjusting the bedtime routine may be your best solution. Research shows some kids with ADHD simply have bad bedtime routines. I think that's amazing news! I do have a child who has a hard time paying attention and I do not want to give him medicine unless it's absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, he does not come in to our room to sleep, but he does have some sleep issues. So I am going to look into it further. What do you guys think about this sleep and ADHD symptoms connection?

FROM NBC:Doctors say managing kids' bedtime routines is key in controlling symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- and may cure something doctors are calling "Faux ADHD."

Irritability, easily distracted in class, loss of focus- these are hallmark signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. While medication helps many kids with ADHD -- some doctors are prescribing a change in bedtime routine.

And it's working for kids with so-called "faux adhd." Dr. Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman - New England Center for Pediatric Psychology: "That is a condition that looks exactly like ADHD except for one very important difference. It does not respond to medication."

Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman and her colleagues at the new England center for pediatric psychology have been treating ADHD cases for decades. They found getting kids into bed -- and then making them stay in their bed all night long -- was a major problem for parents. Dr. Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman - New England Center for Pediatric Psychology: "This was a real mini-disaster in the house every evening."

Doctors assessed the families, and gave parents tailored techniques on how to enforce regular bedtimes and keep kids from crawling into bed with them in the middle of the night. It alleviated those mini-disasters and daytime ADHD symptoms for many kids. Experts say this gives children a level of self-confidence they can't get any other way. Dr. Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman - New England Center for Pediatric Psychology: "When children are able to control staying in their room all night and self-soothe, then they are able to control themselves during the day."

Other doctors say it makes sense -- and can help moms and dads, too. Kate Eshleman, Psy.D. - Cleveland Clinic: "If parents are better able to manage kids' sleep behaviors, they're better able to manage other behaviors also." Making daytime and nighttime a little easier for the whole family. Experts say if improved bedtime rituals don't help symptoms, it may be true ADHD, and a neurological assessment is warranted.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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What you don't know about ADHD

I no longer think my first grader has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I think he is just hyperactive! We did a little test to see if he is at risk for ADHD and he is not. I think this new study on ADHD is really interesting and it makes sense when you hear about the misdiagnosis of ADHD. I am also posting an article on the truth about ADHD from Dr. Joy Miller. I did not realize the seriousness of the disorder. She was a great resource for me!

FROM NBC: A new study finds the youngest kids in class are more likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder than the oldest.

What's unclear -- is whether those youngest children truly have ADHD or whether they're simply more immature than the older kids -- making it seem like they have a clinical problem. The new research from Michigan State University finds those younger children are 60-percent more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than their older classmates.

Younger children diagnosed with ADHD were also more likely to use an ADHD medication.

From Dr. Joy Miller:

What do Issac Newton, Pablo Picasso, John F. Kennedy, Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Jordon, Winston Churchill, Abe Lincoln, Walt Disney, Van Gogh and Albert Einstein all have in common? Would you believe this famous group all had a disorder called Attention Deficit Disorder. Normally viewed as a negative diagnosis, many famous individuals with the disorder have changed the world with their vision, passion, and talents.

Unfortunately, many people view Attention Deficit Disorder as nothing more than a fad, an excuse for lazy behavior, or a lack of discipline within the home and school environment.
What is the truth about attention deficit disorder?

• Attention deficit disorder is a proven psychological diagnosis which is a hereditary, neurobiological condition causing difficulties with concentration, organizational planning, memory, impulse control, hyperactivity, and distractibility. Generally these symptoms are noticed in early childhood with an onset as young as age 4 or 5. Diagnostically, ADD has been divided into two categories--those who have difficulty with inattention and distractibility, and those who experience difficulty with impulses and hyperactivity.

Many people believe that ADD has become the catch-all for all types of disruptive behaviors in school age children, teens, and even adults. But, the common characteristics are very specific. Following is a list of some of the more common characteristics:
• Difficulty with careless mistakes, not giving close attention to detail.
• Difficulty with follow-through on instructions, often with problems completing projects.
• Tendency to lose things
• Easily distracted by external stimulus and trouble focusing attention
• Mood swings
• Fidgeting and restlessness
• Often creative, intuitive, and highly intelligent
• Sense of insecurity and low-self esteem
• Always “on the go’ or “driven by a motor”
• Forgetfulness
• Impatience or a low tolerance for frustration
• Difficulty with organization
• Family history of ADD, depression, substance abuse, or impulse control

What can we do if we suspect our child has attention deficit disorder? First, it is important to find a professional who specializes in attention deficit disorders. Typically, the professional will assess the client by gathering a history, evaluating of symptoms present, interviewing parents, teachers, or significant others, and through psychological testing. It is important to access a professional evaluation because other conditions may easily be mistaken for an ADD diagnosis. Treatment includes diagnosis, education, structuring, coaching, and the use of medication.

What are some specific things that parents can do if their child has been diagnosed with ADD? The most important thing is to educate yourself about the disorder and methods of treatment. The more you know about the disorder, the more you can do to help with structuring and coaching to enhance your child’s learning. It is important for parents discuss the diagnosis with their child’s teacher. If the school district appears to have resistance to working with your child, it is essential you advocate for changes and assistance. Children with ADD are protected under the law, and school districts are required to provide individualized services as necessary.

Need some tips to help your ADDer?
1. Use praise and feedback to enhance self esteem and performance.
2. Teach organizational skills with the use of schedule books, highlighters, notepads, underlining & outlining, alarm clocks, and computers.
3. Create visual reminders and cues
4. Structure is a key to success. Create lists, reminders and visual cues to enhance performance
5. Give your child responsibility whenever possible
6. Negotiate versus struggling
7. Be specific about any requests or tasks. Use short sentences and be direct about what you want accomplished.
8. Exercise is a key for a balanced lifestyle.
9. Join the local CHADD (Children with Attention Deficit Disorder) group by calling 655-0686.

Children spend the greatest part of their day in schools. What are some specific things schools can do to assist children with ADD?
• arrange for study buddies
• encourage reading aloud
• repeat, repeat, repeat
• use daily progress reports
• watch for “sparkling moments” (creative, spontaneous)
• use computers whenever possible
• teach test-taking
• make a game of things
• break down tasks
• teach tricks for memorization(slogans, rhymes, symbols)

Dr. Joy Miller is an internationally known licensed psychotherapist, professional trainer and author. You can find more articles from Dr. Joy at JoyMiller.com

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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ADHD and Drug Addiction

A strange, but promising new study..

FROM NBC: A drug commonly used to treat ADHD may help combat drug addiction. Researchers at Yale University discovered the active ingredient in Ritalin was able to boost impulse control in cocaine addicts. When addicts were given the Ritalin compound, they were able to perform better on a computer test measuring impulse control -- than addicts not given the compound. MRI brain scans also showed activity in the part of the brain linked to inhibitory control. The research is still preliminary -- doctors are not suggesting Ritalin can help treat drug addicts.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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