is mainly a family journal, I could type my feelings here without telling the whole world.
Last week Griffin was offically diagnosed with ADHD. He's met with a Child Psychologist
a few times, he was given lots of different kinds of tests. Going over the results I felt like
it all 'clicked'. Now I understand why he is the way that he is. Not that he's bad or anything,
he's just a little different than your average kid. Since he spent so much time with Griffin and
did so many different tests, we are confident that the Psychologist results are correct.
How do we feel? Well, I'll speak for myself (mom) I'm a little sad, overwhelmed, but happy to
know, and knowing is half the battle !
I quickly started doing some research to find out as much information as I could. I talked to my
oldest brother who also has ADHD. He was able to share his wealth of Knowledge with me.
Here is some intresting information that I came accross, it helps describes what both
ADD & ADHD are, I've found the information very valuable.
Myths about Attention Deficit Disorder
Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive.
Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.
Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to.
Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.
Medication is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.
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The three primary characteristics of ADD/ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms a child with attention deficit disorder has depends on which characteristics predominate. Children with ADD/ADHD may be:
Which one of these children may have ADD/ADHD?
The hyperactive boy who talks nonstop and can’t sit still.
The quiet dreamer who sits at her desk and stares off into space.
Both A and B
The correct answer is “C.”
Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.
Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.
Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD).
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Symptoms of inattention in children:
Doesn’t pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes
Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
Appears not to listen when spoken to
Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items
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Symptoms of hyperactivity in children:
Constantly fidgets and squirms
Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
Moves around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately
Talks excessively, has difficulty playing quietly
Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor
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Symptoms of impulsivity in children:
Blurts out answers without waiting to be called on hear the whole question
Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
Often interrupts others
Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games
Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
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Positive effects of ADD & ADHD in children
In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder:
Creativity – Children who have ADD/ADHD can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has ten different thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas, or an inventive artist. Children with ADD may be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others don’t see.
Flexibility – Because children with ADD/ADHD consider a lot of options at once, they don’t become set on one alternative early on and are more open to different ideas.
Enthusiasm and spontaneity – Children with ADD/ADHD are rarely boring! They’re interested in a lot of different things and have lively personalities. In short, if they’re not exasperating you (and sometimes even when they are), they’re a lot of fun to be with.
Energy and drive – When kids with ADD/ADHD are motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on.
Keep in mind, too, that ADD/ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or talent. Many children with ADD/ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted.
For now we are not going to medicate him. In talking with people & doing research
we feel like there are other things we can try & do to help him first.
1. We are starting a behavior modification program ( the Psychologist is helping set this up next week)
2. We've signed him up for karate ( to help with his focus & respect)
3. We are trying some all natural chewables (that all suppose to help with attention)
4. We are going to be working with him 100% making sure we give him one task at a time
to work on, then moving on to the next task.
As my brother said "it will be an uphill battle." We ADORE this little boy, so no matter how hard
it is we are going to do everything we can so that he can be successful in life!
*Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Knowing really is half the battle, we can now understand him a lot better!
