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Does your student have an attention disorder?
Proper diagnosis of ADHD is key, expert says.
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By Lindsey Hilty,
Staff Writer
2:03 PM Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Statistically, one to two students in each classroom have some form of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, according to national statistics.
And as the first quarter wraps up for most school districts, specialists from the Affinity Center in Cincinnati say this is a time parents may notice their child may have symptoms of ADHD.
“When parents are concerned that their child is falling behind because of signs of inattentiveness, disorganization, inability to keep up with the work load demand ... it should be a question they raise,” said Doug Pentz, a clinical psychologist.
Often symptoms present themselves in the early elementary school years, but he said it especially becomes apparent by the third- and fourth-grade when children must read more and work more independently.
Sometimes the signs are more difficult to spot, he said, because not all ADHD involves hyperactivity. While some children may be loud, always on the go, taking risks, interrupting or intruding on others, fidgety or chatty, others might be quiet daydreamers who often misplace things, have difficulty working alone, don’t finish tasks and are often lost in their own thoughts. These children may not have behavioral problems, but are lost in school, he said.
If left untreated, students may fall behind their peers academically, and are at a higher risk for engaging in substance abuse in their teenage years, he said.
A proper diagnoses is key, Pentz said, and while parents may first speak to a family physician about the issue, diagnosis and treatment plan may be best accomplished with a specialist. While medication is almost always a benefit, he said parents must weigh the choice carefully. There also are treatments such as counseling and behavioral therapy
“The truth is that most kids diagnosed with ADHD are going to benefit from some sort of treatment,” he said.
And while some might suggest children are over medicated,
“I think that every parent, they shouldn’t be afraid (of medication) but they should be concerned and careful,” he said. “Medication if used properly, can be very effective. If your child is a zombie, your medication is not right.”
Just seeking medication without behavioral modifications is not enough either, he said. Sometimes it is merely a matter of helping a child find organization techniques that work. Sometimes, the child benefits from counseling, do to lower self-esteem or social discomfort.
Psychologist Christine Mayhall said there is a lot parents can do to deal with their child’s frustrations at home and at school. Routines are important, and weekly schedules may be beneficial, she said. Visual reminders at home may cut down in disorganization, such as creating color coding of books and notebooks for homework subjects and a designated study zone. Limiting distractions, especially technological ones, is important, and exercise may help a child better focus or handle stress.
Signs of ADHD in the classroom
Hyperactivity or excessive fidgeting.
The child is “zoned out, ” only hearing parts of directions, so work may not be completed correctly.
The child is working way too hard to keep up.
Trouble with organization beyond age-appropriate levels.
Parents cannot motivate the child to perform a certain skill.
Self-esteem issues – giving up easily.
The child is seen as mean, bossy or immature — not picking up age appropriate social skills.
The child is able to hold it together during the school day, but comes home and melts down or has no energy to get homework done.
The child is distracted or procrastinates; brings home work left unfinished from classroom work time.
The child cannot extrapolate information, understand symbolism or nuances and is unable to sustain focus which impairs reading comprehension.
Short-term and long-term memory acquisition and management is difficult.
The child has trouble making choices and is anxious, especially about going to school.
The child has forgetfulness and memory problems.
The child has a messy desk, backpack or cannot find things.
The child can do something with adult help, but cannot do it on own.
Grades have no consistent pattern.
Child talks over others.
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4:59 PM, 11/19/2009
4:55 PM, 11/19/2009
Thank you for answering my questions. I really appreciate your response. I hope your son continues to do well in the classroom and that his teachers continue to recognize his needs. My granddaughter has more trouble at home with homework in the evening because by that time she is tired and doesn't want to "work" any more. She has a couple of after school activities (chorale and Lego League) that have been very good for her self esteem. It's been nice corresponding. Thanks.
1:05 AM, 11/19/2009
10:02 PM, 11/18/2009
general workforce? for that matter, how many public
employees have been laid off? get it?
8:42 PM, 11/18/2009