ADHD: A neuro-developmental disorder?

  My interest in ADHD is not only due to the line of work that I am involved with, it also runs in my family. I know, I know, many people think this disorder is already over-diagnosed. Maybe. However, if we know how to look for it in DNA testing, would it not make sense that we can figure out ways to cope with it?

Homer Simpson's brain is not your brain! D'Oh!

  A study that was published September 30th of last year, used DNA testing to find the strands that were missing or duplicated that indicates that ADHD is a developmental neurological disorder and that is it quite possibly inheritable.

I found an interesting site on actual brain scan images of the ADHD brain and how medication can help smooth out the appearance of an overactive brain.

  So what is a parent and a teacher supposed to do? Here are a few things that I have noticed that help these students succeed in the classroom.

1.      Don’t underestimate the student’s capability. These children are very bright but are prone to afflictions like OCD, Disobedience Defiance Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depression. The student may not exhibit all of these symptoms but don’t pigeonhole these kids.

2.      ADHD kids need a highly structured environment. Schedule changes, classroom changes, changes in student’s social structure, and more can all affect distractability.

3.      Use centers to enhance the classroom, at home or in school. These kids can stay on subject and focused if centers are used all the way into high school. Why? They change activities every 15 minutes. Use Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences as often as you can in the classroom. As many as 1 out of every 50 kids can have ADHD!

4.      Engage them in conversation. These kids, in general, love to talk and share. Cooperative learning strategies work best with them.

5.      For Parents: Nightly homework and notebook check is a must. This is how you can help guide them and create a structured environment. Get creative with the notebook or binder. Allow them to pick and choose how they want to organize using colors and decorations. I find the plastic pockets work best for them so that when they get home, you can look through the pockets and help them keep their notebook organized.

  There are plenty more online resources and books to help you, your student, and your teacher have a successful and memorable school year. If you think your child might have ADD or ADHD, please talk to your doctor or neurologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. There is no cure for ADHD, but we can minimize the effects with the proper care and treatment.