Attention: Dealing with AD/HD

October 31, 2:18 AMHealth ExaminerAngela Spears

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Positive behavior intervention can be critical.

Parenting is never easy, but can be even more challenging with a child with special needs such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Dealing with AD/HD will most likely be a lifelong journey for you and your child. Keeping up-to-date on new developments in research, treatments and the use of proven interventions will help to foster your child's emotional and behavioral health.

AD/HD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders which are characterized by pervasive inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity and resulting in significant functional impairment. This chronic disorder can negatively impair many aspects of daily life, including home, school, work, and interpersonal relationships.

There is no single test to diagnose the disorder. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of coexisting conditions. Because it is a lifespan disorder that impacts so many areas of an individual's daily function it is useful to interact with and exchange information for and by people affected by AD/HD.

Usually first diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 4.4 million youth ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with AD/HD by a health care professional. The CDC offers information about major projects, public health issues in child development, child development milestones, and positive parenting tip sheets.

One national, non-profit organization which provides education, advocacy and support is Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). They offer science-based information as well as help in finding local support groups, tips and resources, on-line communities and a health information specialists which you may call at 1-800-233-4050 (M-F 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) or click on Ask a Question about AD/HD. Their 20th Annual International Conference, November 12-15, 2008 will be held in Anaheim, CA.

You should know that children with AD/HD are eligible for special education services or accommodations within the regular classroom when needed, and adults with AD/HD may be eligible for accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There are several national non-profit organizations that seek to reshape how society treats, accommodates, and views people with AD/HD. CHADD provides the Web Resources on Asset Development for Persons with Disabilities. It is a resource that provides job placement and benefits planning, asset-building strategies, technical assistance, and information on Medicaid benefits. Local chapters are throughout the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. You are not alone, get involved and don’t be afraid to connect with others faced with this disorder.