childhood disorders

ADHD/ADD: Tips for Parents

Submitted by Dr. Anjum Bashir
ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. It is easy to feel frustrated, exhausted, and angry if you are living with a child who has ADD/ADHD. Parents often blame the child for willfully behaving in an inappropriate manner. However, the child is as frustrated as the parents. The child doesnt want to forget things, blurt out inappropriate comments, ignore directions, or be in constant motion. The child wants to please their parents but no matter how hard they try, they cant do it on their own. Fortunately, there are many things parents can do to help control their childs problem behaviors. The first step is to get a correct diagnosis and be sure that your child has ADHD rather than some other condition with similar symptoms. ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because every child is unique, and the usual method of evaluating behavior symptoms is very subjective. A new technology is now available that can diagnose ADHD with greater certainty. The Quotient ADHD System provides doctors and parents with an objective measurement of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity for clinical assessment of ADHD. The test, which only takes about 15 minutes, involves the child sitting at a speciallydesigned computer workstation. The System uses a patented Motion Tracking System to measure an individuals movement while focusing on visual stimuli and accurately measures motion and analyzes shifts in attention state. Treating ADHD is a team effort that includes the child, parents, caregivers, other family members, physicians, and teachers. Following are some specific strategies that parents can implement to help a child with ADHD. S  chedule: Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible. O  rganize everyday items: Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys. L  imit distractions: Turn off the TV and radio, mask outside noises, monitor computer use, etc. U  se homework and notebook organizers: Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing
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down assignments and bringing home the necessary books. Stay in close contact with your childs teacher. Older children may find electronic organizers to be very useful.  Be clear and consistent: Children with ADHD need consistent, simple rules they can understand and follow.  Pay attention to nutrition: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes lots of fresh food is important for everyone. Children with ADHD may be especially sensitive to sugar, dyes, and artificial ingredients commonly found in many processed foods. Become a label detective! Youd be surprised at the healthy-sounding foods that contain an abundance of added sugar.  Allow for enough sleep: This is something that is often overlooked. Many ADHD symptoms may actually be due to lack of quality sleep.  Follow up with your physician: Medication can usually help control the symptoms of ADHD, but any medication must be monitored very closely. As a child grows and changes, medication may need to change also. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child overcome the challenges of having ADHD. While there is no cure, proper diagnoses and treatment can eliminate or control many of the symptoms so that family life is less stressful and your child can be successful in school and go on to lead a productive life. For more information, please contact Anjum Bashir, MD at 309-8082326. His office is located at 205 N. Williamsburg, Suite D in Bloomington. He is one of the few physicians in Central Illinois offering Quotient Testing for ADHD diagnosis. More information on Quotient testing, is available online at www.biobdx.com.

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November 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 43