Exposure to Smoke Increases Risk of ADHD

 A recent study indicates that women who smoked during their pregnancy increase the chances that their offspring will be afflicted with ADHD/ADD. Read more  HERE

ADHD Kids Figured This out!

I recently saw this in a newsletter with a posing question: Which way is this bus facing?  ADHD kids were able to answer this question more often than those without. In other words is this a picture of the right side or the left side of bus?  Can you answer it? Post your answers!


Answer will be posted tomorrow 11-5-2009

Does Everybody Lose Stuff- or Just Those With ADHD?

My son has an animal project due on Monday. There was a packet to explain how to do it that was supposedly sent home last week. However, my son has no idea where it is or even what he is to do for the project. His response is the usual, "I don't know Ma."

Yesterday, I told him to ask for another packet. When he arrived home after school he told me that his teacher would not make copies. What? How does she expect him to complete it? He said that he also got his card flipped because he didn't have it. (This is a form of punishment at his school)

This morning I went into the school 15 minutes before the first bell and asked her myself. She looked at Erik and asked him what he did with it. Would she not assume I already did that and it's a moot point to ask an ADHD child what he did with a paper from last week! I was told that there is a paper shortage and they are not permitted to make additional copies.

I asked her, "How do you expect for him to finish the project if he doesn't have the instructions?"
"Well, he can get it from another student."
"Okay, and how is he to copy it, if there is a paper shortage?"
"They should learn not to lose their papers", she added.
"I understand that but sometimes even adults lose papers. So you are telling me that as an adult you have never lost your checkbook, bank statement, a pending bill, the title to your car, your credit card, your shoes etc. If that is the case then you should be in the Guinness Book of World Records.
I will nominate her myself!

Mentioning that I would be going to the board of education did get me a copy before the start of school from the other 3rd grade teacher. Erik's teacher told me she left her master copy at home.

To that I replied, "Consider your card flipped!"

It's IEP (Indivualized Education Plan)/ Evaluation Time

The schools will be asking you to write a mission statement for you child and together you should be reviewing last years goals and accomplishments. Remember that you are a part of your child's educational team so your input is important. Write down the following and also include items that may be of an advantage. (For example, my son's reports are to be typewritten instead of by hand. He has poor writing skills and will lose interest if it becomes too time consuming.)
1. Likes- Stay away from the negative, dislikes. Include sports, hobbies
2. Skills- Strengths- What is he/she good at?
3. What do you see he/ she doing in the future?
4. Educational goals for next year, What do you want to see he she learn?
5. How does he or she interact with family and friends? Be Honest but avoid being negative.
If you do not agree with something that is the plan, now is the time to speak up. Some of the people present may be teacher, principal, school board representative, yourself, and anyone you may want to bring with you.
Request that what you wrote be stapled directly to next year's IEP. Good luck.

Using Medication for ADHD Relief

If you choose medication to control your or your child's ADHD (ADD), it is best to become knowledgeable about the different drugs, and side effects before making your final decision. Below is the most common drugs given to relieve symptoms.

I have compiled the information from different sources and spoke with children and adults who take that particular medicine. I do not refer to the maker's web sites. As always, questions and comments are welcome!


LONG ACTING STIMULANTS 8-12 hours

Focalin XR- Similar to Focalin only long lasting. Have heard of great stories, but my son had extreme irritability and anxiety. Since then I have heard of others that experienced the same thing. Inability to go to sleep due to the long acting formula, loss of appetite and nausea. High risk of abuse. Can slow a child's growth. Adults with heart disease should be cautious; there has been cases of of sudden death. MORE

Concerta - Well tolerated in teens. Have heard of cases were children had side effects. Long term use can stunt a child's growth. Loss of appetite and nausea is common. Last for 12 hours so you may have difficulty sleeping.MORE

Adderall XR- Similar to Adderall only extended release. Many have positive results, more so with females. However, many boys have had difficult side effects including severe mood swings or extreme weepiness when it wears off. This drug was taken off the Canadian market due to sudden deaths in children on the medication. MORE

Vyvanse- Newer drug. Most have positive results with the ability to focus. Works all day. The trouble with long acting is that you may have trouble getting to sleep at night.Be sure to take it as early as possible. Loss of appetite is common and the norm. Headaches and nausea are also common. MORE

NON STIMULANT MEDICATION

Strattera- Initial response is effective. There has been a relapse in symptoms after a year of use. Side effects are stomach ache, headache. Male side effects: erectile dysfunction. Teens may have depression. For some they see no difference on this med. Some people have experienced severe fatigue. When it wears off, you may tire rapidly and "crash". This is classified as a non stimulant drug. MORE