Tag Archives: add

ADHD: To Medicate or not to Medicate–That is the Question

Not long ago I received written warnings about my two stepdaughters’ ADHD medication in the mail. It was sent to me by Rite Aid pharmacy, where I pick up their meds. I decided to investigate the issue further. In April of 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the FDA had voted to issue a “black box warning” for patients taking controlled substances as a treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (The vote had a narrow margin of eight to seven.) What happened was that the FDA had decided to take a closer look at the potential cardiovascular … Continue reading →

ADHD? Or is Your Child Actually Gifted?

Gifted and creative children often have difficulty in the public school system. Their behaviors can mimic ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and they can sometimes be labeled as problem children, daydreamers, or even slow learners. Instead of getting the special educational opportunities that they need and deserve, they are incorrectly classified and improperly held back from achieving their full potential. When gifted children have their talents properly channeled and find an appropriate setting for education, they can make contributions to society which can transform the world. A New Perspective Just think…perhaps your child is not just hyperactive, restless, and reactionary, but … Continue reading →

Parental Concern: Does my Toddler have ADD?

With so much published information out there on attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it’s understandable that parents will have concerns when nothing seems to hold their toddler’s interest for more than a few moments. In fact, when their toddler never seems to sit still and goes from toy to toy, activity to activity without seeming to slow down – concerns may grow and when your helpful co-worker or friend suggests that your toddler is ADD or ADHD – you may panic. It’s Okay It’s very normal for typical toddlers to have short attention spans. In … Continue reading →

ADHD and the Maddening Missing Meds

Yesterday was very rough. Over the weekend, my stepdaughters ran out of their Adderall, a medication that they take for ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It was my fault; they returned from spring break with their mother and I had miscalculated how many pills were left. I tried contacting the after-hours clinic to see if I could get a prescription written during the weekend, but my calls were not returned. It meant that both girls would attend school on Monday without the Adderall. I figured, one day… they can handle it. Sigh. It was a very bad day. Cassidy Without Meds … Continue reading →

Early Test for Autism

Scientists are moving closer to developing a blood test to detect autism early in life—possibly even at birth. Autism is often not diagnosed until a child is three to four years of age, when the characteristic behavior pattern becomes more apparent. Identifying the condition earlier creates an opportunity for researchers to better understand the condition, but also encourages the development of treatments that might reduce the severity of the symptoms. In time, it is hoped that biomarkers for the condition will be developed for use during pregnancy, although this aspect of the research is still in the pipeline. Meanwhile, the … Continue reading →

ADHD and that Dreaded Teacher Phone Call

I have two stepdaughters who struggle quite seriously with ADHD. Both girls take a medication called Adderall, which helps, mostly with the hyperactivity. The older of the two is a sweet, gentle girl with beautiful long hair the color of the sunset. So for the purposes of this post I will call her “Sunni.” I want to protect her privacy, as she is a twelve-year-old nearly entering middle school who is tremendously shy and private. The Phone Call Today Sunni’s teacher phoned. She said, “We are having more problems with Sunni’s attention in class.” She then dropped a bomb, and … Continue reading →

What is AD/HD?

ADD or ADHD; Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a condition resulting in symptoms of inability to maintain attention, impulsive behaviors and/or motor restlessness according to the ADD organization. What does this exactly mean? Ask yourself some questions: • Whenever you are sitting at your desk in the classroom, do ever feel the need to get up, walk around, and sit back down? • Do you find that you are fighting yourself to stay seated for long periods of time? • Do you have trouble focusing on the task at hand? • … Continue reading →