Tag Archives: guns

Autism? Aspergers? ADHD? How Auditory Training Can Help

Several years ago, I read an astonishing book about a girl with autism, Georgie, who was only attached to inanimate objects and had no interest in human beings. She was completely withdrawn into her own world seemed unreachable. She had strange reactions to ordinary sounds and events. Eventually she shut out everything as though she were deaf. Well, her mother, Annabel Stehli, was determined to get answers. She took her daughter to numerous specialists and was either told to “just love her,” or was given several more-than-subtle hints that she was a bad mother. The book is fascinating, detailing Annabel’s … Continue reading →

Strategies To Improve Coping for Kids–STICK It to ADHD

The number one medication during the past 50 years for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, ADHD has been oral medication containing Methylphenidate. Parents and schools have been administering pills to children in order to help with the symptoms of ADHD for years with many children finding great benefits. But, as is the case with many helpful medications pill taking often comes with negative side effects as well as social issues. As a mother I have tried to avoid medicating my children any more than is absolutely necessary. I have a hard time giving my grade school child pills in the morning, … Continue reading →

Stimulant Therapy for ADHD

Stimulant therapy is one of the most popular treatments for adults and children with ADHD. You’ve probably heard of drugs like Ritalin and Adderall; these psychostimulants help regulate impulsive behavior and improve attention span in adults, adolescents, and children with moderate to severe ADHD. So what do psychostimulants do? They help your brain increase levels of chemicals like epinephrine and norepineprhine — these chemicals transmit signals between nerves. The end result is that you can focus better, pay attention longer, and rein in those impulses. Stimulant therapy works in approximately seventy percent of adults and up to eighty percent of … Continue reading →

ADHD or Sleep Apnea?

My son Jeremiah is 4 years old and has had sleeping difficulties from the day I became his adoptive mother at the age of 1 year. Last April he and I spent the night at Oregon Health and Sciences University to have a Sleep Study done. The results have been interesting and the next step will be a Tonsillectomy in order to correct obstructive sleep apnea. Our hope is to avoid a diagnosis and the treatment that goes along with ADHD. The National Sleep Foundation estimates 30-40 million Americans have sleep disorders affecting health and daily functioning. This may be … Continue reading →

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 →

Managing Adult ADHD

Managing ADHD goes beyond just taking your medicine every day. Yes, your medications are important; missing a dose can have negative consequences. Help yourself remember to take your medicine — set an alarm, or use a daily pill holder so you can see quickly and easily whether or not you’ve taken your medicine. If your medicine has side effects that seem worse than the condition they are supposed to help, talk to your doctor about a change. There are other changes you can make to your life to help make your ADHD more manageable. Get organized. It isn’t easy to … 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 →

Toddler in the House? Get the Gun Out

For a moment I need to get on a soapbox because I am a firm believe that guns are bad – period. While there are plenty of arguments on both sides of this issue, my argument is going to focus far more astringently on the household with a child in it. You’ve seen the headline – we’ve all seen it – the one where it says “Tot shoots baby” or “Tot shoots play friend”. Tragedies involving small children and guns happen with a deplorable regularity. The idea of it happening at all is enough to make any rational person sick. … Continue reading →

Ten Ways to Help Your Child With ADHD Succeed in School

Children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are often extremely frustrated in a classroom setting. They cannot keep focused on their work, and drift into daydreams and wandering thoughts. They have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time. They tend to be impulsive and reactionary, not taking the time to consider a response before giving it. They might blurt out answers, pester other students, noisily kick their chairs, or sit aimlessly staring off into space. Teachers often get irritated and repeatedly scold these kids. They are painted as the class troublemakers or the “slow learners.” Pursuing Adaptations for … Continue reading →

Five Things to Consider Before Adding a Gun to Your Emergency Kit

One item that people may consider including in their preparedness kits is a gun of some sort. Most people would consider a rife or shotgun for hunting. This is a personal choice that needs to be made each family. Here are five things that you need to take into consideration when thinking about purchasing a gun. 1) You should think about why you want the gun. Do you want the gun for protection or to go hunting in times of need? If you want it for hunting do you know how to hunt? Do you have a place that is … Continue reading →