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ADD is a problem with the central nervous system
that may have genetic origins or may be the result of a prenatal or early
life trauma.
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ADD is diagnosed 3 to 4 times more
often with boys than girls.
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Some symptoms of ADD can also result from
the emotional trauma of divorce and other major life changes, such as
moving to a new geographical area or changing schools. These
situations should not be mistaken for ADD.
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Accurate assessment of the child's overall
life situation is essential.
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Comprehensive treatment usually involves a
coordinated approach among child, family, school, physican, and
professional therapist.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF ADD CHILDREN
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Distractibility and difficulty paying attention
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Inability to complete tasks |
Unreasonably demanding |
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Non-compliance with rules |
Hyperactivity in some (not all) |
Careless writing habits |
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Impulsivity, poor judgment and planning |
Disregard for consequences of misbehavior |
Difficulty keeping up |
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Disorganized work area |
Extreme sensitivity to noise |
Forgetfulness |
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Allergies |
Prone to losing things
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WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR AN ADD CHILD?
Many ADD children grow up feeling stupid, lazy or
crazy. Their brains function
differently from other children’s brains because of an impaired ability
to screen and sort external stimuli.
ADD individuals describe the feeling inside their brains as
“having all the TV channels on at the same time with the volume turned
up.” As a result, they are
inattentive, impulsive, naughty, irritable and restless.
ADD children get yelled at, corrected, punished,
criticized and blamed for misbehaving by parents, teachers, siblings and
peers. They may suffer from
stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and poor peer relationships.
As they mature, they often turn to alcohol and drugs to escape
their pain. They are more
likely to rebel and exhibit antisocial behavior.
Difficulties in school lead to poor attendance, frequent
suspensions and put the child at greater risk for dropping out.
Without effective treatment, ADD children are likely
to experience ongoing personal, academic, interpersonal and even legal
problems.
WHAT’S A PARENT TO DO?
- Consult
a professional who will assist in identifying the pertinent components
of the problem affecting the child and the family. After the problems have been identified and prioritized,
the therapist works with the family to develop a treatment plan that
addresses the physical, mental, emotional, academic and interpersonal
needs of the child and the family.
- Consider
herbal compounds and nutritional supplements specifically designed to
nurture the developing brain with essential nutrients to allow the
individual to concentrate, learn faster, stabilize moods and exercise
better judgment.
- Invest
time and energy in family therapy and parent skills training.
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AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM
INCLUDES:
- Assessment
of the problems
- Treatment
for anxiety and depression
- Education
concerning the special needs of an ADD child
- Parent
skills training
- Family
counseling
- Stress
management
- Social
skills training
- Development
of positive thought patterns
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BEFORE RESORTING TO POTENT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WITH
DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS SUCH AS INSOMNIA, ANXIETY, WEIGHT LOSS, HEADACHES,
TICS, STOMACH ACHES AND CONSTIPATION, EXPLORE SAFE, EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE
THERAPIES FOR ATTENTION, MOOD AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS.
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Manassas Group Members having special expertise in
ADD:
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Please Contact us at:
The Manassas Group| 3635 Manassas Drive|
Roanoke, VA 24018
PH: (540) 774-4686| Fax: (540) 989-8893 |
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