This article points out that most children have some problem with attention from time to time. However in cases of ADHD this problem is an ongoing issues. However kids with ADHD can focus very well when the topic interests them, they have great energy and can be very creative. There are three types of ADHD, Hyperactive, Inattentive and Mixed. Although we need to avoid overgeneralization, boys more generally have hyperactive, which is noticed and diagnosed earlier. Girls for the most part have Inattentive type, which is not noticed until later, and study habits are more important. Mixed is when a child has characteristics of both types. Medication treatment are two types, stimulant, which is short acting, and non stimulant which last longer. Non medication strategies can also help. Incorporating exercise into the child's day, keeping homework sessions short or breaking up homework, using a timer, trying to do so much homework in an allotted amount of time, staying positive, goal setting, letting kids practice working independently.
Article was written by Sarah R. Cheyette MD and published in Bay Area Parent.
No comments:
Post a Comment