Monday 22 July 2019
Sunday 31 March 2019
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Do you find it
hard to pay attention? Do you feel the need to move constantly during times
when you shouldn’t? Do you find yourself constantly interrupting others? If
these issues are ongoing and you feel that they are negatively impacting your
daily life, it could be a sign of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). ADHD is a disorder
that makes it difficult for a person to pay attention and control impulsive
behaviors. He or she may also be restless and almost constantly active.
Warning
Signs
Showing these
signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has ADHD. Many other
problems, like anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities,
can have similar symptoms. If you are concerned about whether you or your child
might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a health care professional to
find out if the symptoms fit the diagnosis. The diagnosis can be made by a
mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist,
primary care provider, or pediatrician.
ADHD is not just a
childhood disorder: Although
the symptoms of ADHD begin in childhood, ADHD can continue through adolescence
and adulthood. Even though hyperactivity tends to improve as a child becomes a
teen, problems with inattention, disorganization, and poor impulse control
often continue through the teen years and into adulthood.
What causes ADHD?
Researchers at the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health
(NIH), and across the country are studying the causes of ADHD. Current research
suggests ADHD may be caused by interactions between genes and environmental or
non-genetic factors. Like many other illnesses, a number of factors may
contribute to ADHD such as:
- Genes
- Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or drug use during pregnancy
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of
lead, at a young age
- Low birth weight
- Brain injuries
People with ADHD
show an ongoing pattern of three different types of symptoms:
- Difficulty paying attention (inattention)
- Being overactive (hyperactivity) Acting without thinking (impulsivity) These symptoms get in the way of functioning or development.
- People who have ADHD have combinations of these symptoms:
- Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities
- Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play,including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading
- Seem to not listen when spoken to directly
- Fail to not follow through on instructions, fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace, or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked
- Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as doing tasks in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, keeping work organized, managing time, and meeting deadlines
- Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort,such as schoolwork or homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers
- Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork,eyeglasses, and cell phones
- Become easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
- Forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands,returning calls, and keeping appointments
- Fidgeting and squirming while seated.
- Getting up and moving around in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or in the office.
- Running or dashing around or climbing in situations where it is inappropriate, or, in teens and adults, often feeling restless
- Being unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly.
- Being constantly in motion or “on the go,” or acting as if“driven by a motor”.
- Talking nonstop.
- Blurting out an answer before a question has been completed, finishing other people’s sentences, or speaking without waiting for a turn in conversation.
- Having trouble waiting his or her turn.
- Interrupting or intruding on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities.
Treating ADHD
Although there is
no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments may help reduce symptoms and
improve functioning. ADHD is commonly treated with medication, education or
training, therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Medication
For many people,
ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability
to focus, work, and learn. The first line of treatment for ADHD is stimulants.
Stimulants: Although it may
seem unusual to treat ADHD with a medication that is considered a stimulant, it
is effective. Many researchers think that stimulants are effective because the
medication increases the brain chemical dopamine, which plays essential roles
in thinking and attention.
Non-Stimulants: These medications
take longer to start working than stimulants, but can also improve focus,
attention, and impulsivity in a person with ADHD. Doctors may prescribe a
non-stimulant if a person had bothersome side effects from stimulants, if a
stimulant was not effective, or in combination with a stimulant to increase
effectiveness. Two examples of non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine
and guanfacine.
Antidepressants: Although
antidepressants are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
specifically for the treatment of ADHD, antidepressants are sometimes used to
treat adults with ADHD. Older antidepressants, called tricyclics, sometimes are
used because they, like stimulants, affect the brain chemicals norepinephrine
and dopamine.
There are many
different types and brands of these medications—all with potential benefits and
side effects.
Sometimes several
different medications or dosages must be tried before finding the one that
works for a particular person. Anyone taking medications must be monitored
closely and carefully by their prescribing doctor.
Call your doctor
right away if you have any problems with your medicine or if you are worried
that it might be doing more harm than good. Your doctor may be able to adjust
the dose or change your prescription to a different one that may work better
for you.
Therapy
There are
different kinds of therapy that have been tried for ADHD, but research shows
that therapy may not be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. However, adding
therapy to an ADHD treatment plan may help patients and families better cope
with daily challenges.
For Children and
Teens: Parents
and teachers can help children and teens with ADHD stay organized and follow
directions with tools such as keeping a routine and a schedule, organizing
everyday items, using homework and notebook organizers, and giving praise or
rewards when rules are followed.
For Adults: A licensed mental
health provider or therapist can help an adult with ADHD learn how to organize
his or her life with tools such as keeping routines and breaking down large
tasks into more manageable, smaller tasks.
Education and
Training
Children and
adults with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their parents, families,
and teachers to reach their full potential and to succeed. Mental health
professionals can educate the parents of a child with ADHD about the condition
and how it affects a family. They can also help the child and his or her
parents develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to each other.
Examples include:
- Parenting skills training teaches parents the skills they need to encourage and reward positive behaviors in their children.
- Stress management techniques can benefit parents of children
with ADHD by increasing their ability to deal with frustration so that they can
respond calmly to their child’s behavior.
School-based
Programs
Some schools offer
special education services to children with ADHD who qualify. Educational
specialists help the child, parents, and teachers make changes to classroom and
homework assignments to help the child succeed. Public schools are required to
offer these services for qualified children, which may be free for families
living within the school district. Learn more about the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), visit http://idea.ed.gov/.
Finding Help
The National
Resource Center on ADHD, a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (CHADD®) supported by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), has information and many resources. You can reach this
center online at www.help4adhd.org or by phone at 1-800-233-4050.
You can also visit the NIMH’s Help for Mental Illness page at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.
Monday 14 January 2019
Learning Disabilities and Disorders
Learning Disabilities and
Disorders
While every Child has trouble with homework from time to
time, if a certain area of learning is consistently problematic, it might
indicate a learning disorder. By understanding all you can about learning
disabilities, you can ensure your child gets the right help to overcome
classroom challenges and succeed in life.
What are learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities, or learning disorders, are an
umbrella term for a wide variety of learning problems. A learning disability is
not a problem with intelligence or motivation. Children with learning
disabilities are not lazy or dumb. In fact, most are, just as smart as anyone.
Their brains are simply, wired differently. This difference affects how they receive
and process information.
Children and adults with learning disabilities see,
hear, and understand things differently. This can lead to trouble with learning
new information and skills, and putting them to use. The most common types of
learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning,
listening, and speaking.
Children with learning disabilities can, and do,
succeed
No parents want to see their children suffer. You may
wonder what it could mean for your child’s future, or worry about how your kid
will make it through school. Perhaps, you are concerned that by paying
attention to your child's learning problems he or she might be labelled
"slow" or assigned to a less challenging class. The important thing
to remember is that most kids with learning disabilities are, just as smart as
everyone else. They just need, to be taught in ways that are tailored to their unique
learning styles. By learning more about learning disabilities in general, and
your child’s learning difficulties in particular, you can help pave the way for
success at school and beyond.
Signs and Symptoms of Learning
Disabilities and Disorders
If you suspect that your child's learning difficulties
may require special assistance, please do not delay in finding support. The
sooner you move forward, the better your child's chances for reaching his or
her full potential. Learning disabilities look very different from one child to
another. One child may struggle with reading and spelling, while another loves
books but cannot understand math. Still another child may have difficulty
understanding what others are saying or communicating out-loud.
The problems are very different, but they are all
learning disorders. It is not always easy to identify learning disabilities.
Because of the wide variations, there is no single symptom or profile that, you
can look to as proof of a problem. However, some warning signs are more common
than in others at different ages. If you are aware of what they are, you will
be able to catch a learning disorder early and quickly take steps to get your
child help.
The
following checklist lists some common red flags for learning disorders.
Remember that children who do not have learning disabilities may still
experience, some of these difficulties at various times. The time for concern
is when there is a consistent unevenness in your child’s ability to master
certain skills.
Signs
and symptoms of learning disabilities: Preschool age
- Problems pronouncing words
- Trouble finding the right word
- Difficulty rhyming
- Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes, days of the week
- Difficulty following directions or learning routines
- Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors, or colouring within the lines
- Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, learning to tie shoes
- Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds
- Unable to blend sounds to make words
- Confuses basic words when reading
- Slow to learn new skills
- Consistently misspells words and makes frequent errors
- Trouble learning basic math concepts
- Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences
- Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills
- Trouble with open-ended test questions and word problems
- Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud
- Poor handwriting
- Poor organizational skills (bedroom, homework, desk is messy and disorganized)
- Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud
- Spells the same word differently in a single document
Developmental milestones can help you
identify learning disorders
Paying attention to normal developmental milestones
for toddlers and pre-schoolers is very important. Early detection of
developmental differences may be an early signal of a learning disability and
problems that are, spotted early can be easier to correct. A developmental lag,
might not be considered a symptom of a learning disability until your child is
older, but if you recognize it when your child is young, you can intervene early.
You know your child better than anyone else does, so if you think there is a problem,
it does not hurt to get an evaluation. You
can also ask your paediatrician for a developmental milestones chart.
Problems with Reading, Writing, and Math
Learning disabilities are, often grouped by
school-area skill set. If your child is in school, the types of learning
disorders that are most conspicuous usually revolve around reading, writing, or
math.
Learning disabilities in
reading (dyslexia)
There are two types of learning disabilities in
reading. Basic reading problems occur when there is difficulty understanding
the relationship between sounds, letters and words. Reading comprehension
problems occur when there is an inability to grasp the meaning of words,
phrases, and paragraphs. Signs of reading difficulty include problems with:
·
Letter and word recognition
·
Understanding words and ideas
·
Reading speed and fluency
·
General vocabulary skills
Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia)
Learning disabilities in math vary greatly depending
on the child’s other strengths and weaknesses. A child’s ability to do math
will be, affected differently by a language learning disability, or a visual
disorder or a difficulty with sequencing, memory or organization. A child with
a math-based learning disorder may struggle with memorization and organization
of numbers, operation signs, and number “facts” (like 5+5=10 or 5x5=25). Children
with math learning disorders might also have trouble with counting principles (such
as counting by twos or counting by fives) or have difficulty telling time.
Learning disabilities in writing (dysgraphia)
Learning disabilities in writing can involve the
physical act of writing or the mental activity of comprehending and
synthesizing information. Basic writing disorder refers to physical difficulty
forming words and letters. Expressive writing disability indicates a struggle
to organize thoughts on paper. Symptoms of a written language learning
disability revolve around the act of writing. They include problems with:
- Neatness and consistency of writing
- Accurately copying letters and words
- Spelling consistency
- Writing organization and coherence
Learning disabilities in motor skills (dyspraxia)
Motor difficulty refers to problems with movement and
coordination whether it is with fine motor skills (cutting, writing) or gross
motor skills (running, jumping). A motor disability is, sometimes referred to,
as an “output” activity meaning that it relates to the output of information from
the brain. In order to run, jump, write or cut something, the brain must be able
to communicate with the necessary limbs to complete the action. Signs that your
child might have a motor coordination disability include problems with physical
abilities that require hand-eye coordination, like holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt.
Learning disabilities in language (aphasia/dysphasia)
Language and communication learning disabilities
involve the ability to understand or produce spoken language. Language is also,
considered as an output activity because it requires organizing thoughts in the
brain and calling upon the right words to verbally explain something or
communicate with someone else. Signs of a language-based learning disorder
involve problems with verbal language skills, such as the ability to retell a
story and the fluency of speech, as well as the ability to understand the
meaning of words, parts of speech, directions, etc.
The eyes and the ears are the primary means of
delivering information to the brain, a process sometimes called “input.” If
either the eyes or the ears are not working properly, learning can suffer.
Auditory processing disorder –
Professionals may refer to the ability to hear well as “auditory processing
skills” or “receptive language.” The ability to hear things correctly greatly
effects the ability to read, write and spell. An inability to distinguish
subtle differences in sound, or hearing sounds at the wrong speed make it
difficult to sound out words and understand the basic concepts of reading and
writing.
Visual processing disorder –
Problems in visual perception include missing subtle differences in shapes,
reversing letters or numbers, skipping words, skipping lines, misperceiving
depth or distance, or having problems with eye–hand coordination. Professionals
may refer to the work of the eyes as “visual processing.” Visual perception can
affect gross and fine motor skills, reading comprehension, and math.
Hope for learning disabilities: The Brain
can change
Using a telephone analogy, faulty wiring in the brain
disrupts normal lines of communication and makes it difficult to process
information easily. If service was down in a certain area of the city, the
phone company might fix the problem by rewiring the connections.
Similarly,
under the right learning conditions, the brain has the ability to reorganize itself
by forming new neural connections. These new connections facilitate skills like
reading and writing that were difficult using the old connections.
Science has made great strides in understanding the
inner workings of the brain, and one important discovery that brings new hope
for learning disabilities and disorders called neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s natural, lifelong ability to change.
Throughout
life, the brain is able to form new connections and generate new brain cells in
response to experience and learning.
This knowledge has led to ground breaking new
treatments for learning disabilities that take advantage of the brain’s ability
to change. Innovative programs, such as the Arrowsmith program, use strategic
brain exercises to identify and strengthen weak cognitive areas. For example,
for children who have difficulty distinguishing between different sounds in a
word, there are new computer-based learning programs that slow down the sounds
so that children can understand them and gradually increase their speed of
comprehension.
These discoveries about neuroplasticity provide hope
to all students with learning disorders, and further research may lead to
additional new treatments that target the actual causes of learning
disabilities, rather than simply offering coping strategies to compensate for
weaknesses.
Diagnosis and Testing for Learning
Disabilities and Disorders
Diagnosing a learning disability is not always easy.
Do not assume you know what your child’s problem is, even if the symptoms seem
clear. It is important to have your child tested and evaluated by a qualified
professional. You should trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong,
listen to your gut. If you feel that a teacher or doctor is minimizing your
concerns, seek a second opinion. Do not let anyone tell you to “wait and see”
or “don’t worry about it” if you see your child struggling. Regardless of
whether or not your child’s problems are due to a learning disability,
intervention is, needed. You cannot go wrong by looking into the issue and
taking action.
Keep in mind that finding someone who can help may
take some time and effort. Even experts mix up learning disabilities with ADHD
and other behavioural problems sometimes. You may have to look around a bit or
try more than one professional. In the meantime, try to be patient, and remember
that you would not always get clear answers. Do not try getting caught up in
trying to determine the label for your child’s disorder. Leave that to the
professionals. Focus instead on steps you can take to support your child and address
his or her symptoms in practical ways.
The
diagnosis and testing process for learning disabilities
Diagnosing a learning disability is a process. It
involves testing, history taking, and observation by a trained specialist.
Finding a reputable referral is important. Start with your child's school, and
if they are unable to help you, ask your insurance company, doctor, or friends
and family who have dealt successfully with learning disabilities.
Types
of specialists who may be able to test for and diagnose learning disabilities
include:
- Clinical psychologists
- . School psychologists
- Child psychiatrists
- Educational psychologists
- . Developmental psychologists
- Neuropsychologist
- Psychometrist
- Occupational therapist (tests sensory disorders that can lead to learning problems)
- Speech and language therapist
Sometimes
several professionals coordinate services as a team to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
They may ask for input from your child's teachers. Recommendations can be, made
for special education services or speech-language therapy within the school system.
A non-public school that specializes in treating learning disabilities might be
a good alternative if the public school is not working out. For a list of non-public
schools in your area, go to the website for your state's Department of
Education.
Integration, sequencing and
abstraction: Terms for how the brain works
A professional learning disorders specialist might
refer to the importance of “integration” to learning. Integration refers to the
understanding of information that has been, delivered to the brain, and it
includes three steps: sequencing, which means putting information in the right
order; abstraction, which is making sense of the information; and organization,
which refers to the brains ability to use the information to form complete
thoughts.
Each of the three steps is important and your child
may have a weakness in one area or another that causes learning difficulty. For
example, in math, sequencing (the ability to put things in order) is important
for learning to count or do multiplication (as well as learn the alphabet or
the months of the year). Similarly, abstraction and organization are important
parts of numerous educational skills and abilities. If a certain brain activity
is not happening correctly, it will create a roadblock to learning.
When it comes to learning disabilities, it is not
always easy to know what to do and where to find help. Turning to specialists
who can pinpoint and diagnose the problem is, of course, important. You will
also want to work with your child's school to make accommodations for your
child and get specialized academic help. Do not overlook your own role. You
know your child better than anyone else, so take the lead in looking into your
options, learning about new treatments and services, and overseeing your
child's education.
Learn the specifics about your child’s
learning disability. Read and learn about your child’s type of
learning disability. Find out how the disability affects the learning process and
what cognitive skills are involved. It is easier to evaluate learning
techniques if you understand how the learning disability affects your child.
Research treatments, services, and new
theories. Along with knowing about the type of learning
disability your child has, educate yourself about the most effective treatment options
available. This can help you advocate for your child at school and pursue treatment
at home.
Pursue treatment and services at home. Even
if the school does not have the resources to treat your child’s learning
disability optimally, you can pursue these options on your own at home or with
a therapist or tutor.
Nurture your child’s strengths. Even
though children with learning disabilities struggle in one area of learning,
they may excel in another. Pay attention to your child’s interests and passions.
Helping children with learning disorders develop their passions and strengths will
probably help them with the areas of difficulty as well.
Social and emotional skills: How you can help
Learning disabilities can be extremely frustrating for
children. Imagine having trouble with a skill all of your friends are tackling
with ease, worrying about embarrassing yourself in front of the class, or
struggling to express yourself. Things can be doubly frustrating for exceptionally
bright children with learning disabilities – a scenario that is, very common.
Kids
with learning disabilities may have trouble expressing their feelings, calming themselves
down, and reading nonverbal cues from others. This can lead to difficulty in the
classroom and with their peers. The good news is that, as a parent, you can
have a huge impact in these areas. Social and emotional skills are the most
consistent indicators of success for all children—and that includes kids with
learning disorders. They outweigh everything else, including academic skills,
in predicting lifelong achievement and happiness.
Learning disabilities, and their accompanying academic
challenges, can lead to low self-esteem, isolation, and behaviour problems, but
they do not have to. You can counter these things by creating a strong support
system for children with learning disabilities and helping them learn to
express themselves, deal with frustration, and work through challenges. By
focusing on your child’s growth as a person, and not just on academic achievements,
you will help him or her learn good emotional habits that set the stage for success
throughout life.
Finding support while helping a child with learning
disabilities
All children can be both exhilarating and exhausting,
but it may seem that your child with a learning disability is especially so.
You may experience some frustration trying to work with your child, and it can
seem like an uphill battle when you do not have the information you need After
you learn what their specific learning disability is and how it is affecting
their behaviour, you will be able to start addressing the challenges in school
and at home. If you can, be sure to reach out to other parents who are
addressing similar challenges, as they can be great sources of knowledge and
emotional support.
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