Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Hyperkinetic Disorder and Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)

PART ONE

Over the past 20 years I have been involved with Children (as parent & mentor) with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Hyperkinetic Disorder which is generally considered to be a developmental disorder, largely neurological in nature, affecting about 5% of the world's population.

Lets jump straight into the war zone: Reminding your children endlessly about the same things over & over, arguing repeatedly about daily tasks, school saying to you that your child is not working to their potential, forgotten to their lunch, homework, etc.

We as parents sometimes feel that these issues become overwhelming and lets not beat around the bush here, ADD/ADHD children do place stress on family relationships. Note, I am only covering children & not adults for the purposes of this article.

To understand what we mean by ADD/ADHD and how to really understand it, I would like to suggest that you read the following :

Some website links

http://www.chadd.org/default.htm (Highly recommended)

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd/complete-publication.shtml

http://www.add-adhd.org/ritalin_CHADD_A.D.D.html

http://addadhd.suite101.com/blogs.cfm

http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/medical/add.html

http://www.adhasa.co.za/

http://www.addresources.org/

50 Tips on the Classroom Management of Attention Deficit Disorder

50 Tips for Managing Attention Deficit Disorder in the Classroom

Books to read:

Books 1

http://user.cybrzn.com/~kenyonck/add/books/five_best_add_adhd_books.html

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=2-9780684801285-3

I do strongly recommend that you read:

Driven to Distraction, Hallowell & Ratey: Recognizing and Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood

This book has some of the clearest explanations of what it feels like to be ADD. It is well-written by two psychiatrists who are themselves ADD.

Hardcover, 319 pages
Published by Pantheon Books
Publication date: March 1, 1994
ISBN: 0679421777

Reprint Edition
Paperback, 319 pages
Published by Simon & Schuster (Paper)
Publication date: March 1, 1995
ISBN: 0684801280

Book 2
50 Easy Tips for Parents of Kids with ADHD - by DARREN TAGLIARINI
This book is a wonderful straight forward collection of 50 interventions parents and teachers can do for a child with ADD/ADHD.

Book 3
http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/2728.html

Books 4

Balance Check's Largest List of ADD / ADHD / AD/HD Books A-Z: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

(The books on this page are those that show up in searches for ADD / ADHD Books. This list is not a complete listing of all books on ADD / ADHD. Some of the professional-level books are not listed.)

PART TWO

As parents we need to understand that there are comorbid conditions related to attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). Roughly half of all children with ADHD suffer from conditions like anxiety, depression or OCD. It is very important that you build a good relationship with your Doctor as this will be somewhat of a long term one.

Roughly half of all children with ADHD suffer from a condition like anxiety, depression or Obsessive-compulsive Disorder .

It is at this point where I would like you to read about Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Dyslexia(Bipolar Disorder and the Connection to Dyslexia).

Just a note – It is important to check your child's hearing, eyes, etc. When visiting your Doctor, it is important to take your child's school reports along. A comprehensive history of the child from pregnancy to current will assist your Doctor. Next – gloves off, if you think either you or hubby has had similar experience/challenges as the child has, be brave and discuss this too.