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What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - a chronic medical condition that produces chemical imbalances in the part of the brain that handles concentration, attention and impulses. A child with ADHD is likely to be restless, exhibit regular mood swings, general hyperactivity and poor co-ordination, whilst finding social situations particularly difficult to deal with. Many people mistakenly put this down to 'poor parenting' or the child being 'naughty' or 'difficult to deal with' but in most circumstances, the condition is entirely inherent which means the child and the parents have little control over it, especially if ADHD is yet to be diagnosed.
There are generally three types of ADHD conditions:-
Inattentive:
- shows an inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
- difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
- apparent listening problems & difficulty following instructions
- problems with getting organised & easily distracted
- dislike of tasks that require mental effort
- forgetfulness in daily activities
Hyperactive-impulsive:
- fidgeting, squirming & general restlessness
- difficulty remaining seated, excessive movement & running
- difficulty playing quietly and talks excessively
- finds it difficult to wait their turn
There is also a combined type which includes a combination of all of the above symptoms and is very common in young children.
Symptoms often start to disperse as a child grows up, but up to half of ADHD children will continue to display symptoms way until their adult years. The real problems occur when a child with ADHD is undiagnosed. This can result in:
- poor performance at school
- difficulty at maintaining healthy relationships which can lead to social exclusion
- mental health problems
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, a poor diet (though this can certainly worsen symptoms), vaccinations or lots of sugar. The condition actually has biological links and is thought - though it's not not 100% confirmed - to be mostly genetic. Other causes are smoking during pregnancy which is believed to trigger ADHD in children later on, whilst premature deliveries, low birth weights and injuries to the brain at birth are also potential causes.
There's even been speculation that too much television can contribute to ADHD symptoms as it prevents children from developing proper focus and attention skills. Though this has never been proved, it is wise to keep tabs on how much screen time they have, perhaps limiting it to 1 or 2 hours per day and ensuring it's combined with lots of other activities such as painting, role play games and time outdoors.
My lad is nearly 16 and has ADHD. He is more or less controlled with his meds now and we only have the odd moments and occasionally in the morning until his meds kick in. Looking back I sometimes wonder how I coped over the yrs...
My son is 9 and has ADHD. He is on Concerta XL which works well once it has got in his system but that means that first thing in the morning and then after 6pm is difficult. He can be really vile to me, not physical now he's medicated but very verbal and knows when I'm tired or stressed. It makes me so mad I could scream sometimes. I spend so much of my time just having superficial friendships with people who say they'll help or 'you know where I am if you need me', but in reality they run a mile. I've stopped asking for help - it's always one sided.
Is there a link between the condition and what we eat?
For many years, parents and professionals have cited many links between the development of ADHD and a child's diet. It has long been believed that what we choose to put into our child's bodies can contribute to the chemical imbalance that produces ADHD but as research builds, experts are citing it as a more serious neurological condition that is most likely to have genetic origins.
That's not to say diet doesn't count. If your child has an underlying allergy or nutritional deficiency, this could certainly worsen their symptoms, which is why it's essential to get a full medical check done by your GP. Hyperactivity (a classic symptom of ADHD) is triggered by sugar and other stimulants so it's best to cut these out and swap them for healthier snacks and drinks. It's not difficult to eat well and with a little planning in advance, you can ensure the whole family enjoys a diet rich in brain-boosting vitamins and minerals.
I got help early on and took a very close look at what my son ate. There are colourings and artificial flavourings in all sorts of foods that made him flare up so I did find changing his diet helped. He is also now on medication which is slowly making a difference. Kate S
ADHD children have very sensitive biochemistry's, and avoiding artificial flavourings, colourings etc and by reducing overall toxic load from whatever source, and keeping blood sugar levels even can make a big difference. In general, the younger the child, the easier it is to implement changes, particularly dietary ones, so at under 5 you have more of an advantage than if say your child was 15. Sue P
Fish oils
Fish oils contain essential fatty acids that can boost the neuronal membranes of the brain and have a beneficial effect on children suffering from ADHD. In particular, the EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (dihomogamma linolenic acid) present in fish oils can be especially helpful to children suffering from ADHD as they tend to be deficient in both of these fatty acids.
A 30 week trial carried out by the University of South Australia found that children with ADHD who were given regular fish oil supplements could concentrate better and were less restless than those who didn't take the supplements, in fact their condition improved continuously until the trial finished at 30 weeks. Another 6 month study found that children who took fish oils overcame many of the problems associated with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (a disorder of the brain which affects co-ordination and movement) and were seen to be:
- more perceptive
- more confident with increased self-esteem
- calmer with tasks
- less disruptive
- improved memory
- better reading, writing and listening skills
You can start by giving your child a daily supplement of fish oils and boost their intake further by incorporating plenty of Omega-enriched foods into their daily diet. We have plenty of tasty fish recipes that will boost the entire family's intake of those essential fatty acids.
ADHD children at school
According to the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, around 5% of our school children are suffering from ADHD and around half of those also have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or problems with handwriting. Although ADHD isn't categorised as a learning difficulty itself, it interferes with concentration and performance which can make it even more difficult for a child to perform well. It also seems that boys are more susceptible to the condition - perhaps up to three times more likely to develop ADHD than girls.
The condition largely affects their progress at school as inattention and difficulty focusing on specific tasks can prevent them from excelling with their peers, meaning they are often placed in separate special needs classes where they can get the right kind of tutoring at an appropriate speed for them. Maintaining a close relationship with the school and teachers can be highly beneficial for parents with ADHD children and by openly discussing their progress, you'll be helping to ensure their needs are continuously met. A few minor details can make all the difference to a child with ADHD and you can help by contacting the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice for further information
I fought for a specialist teacher for my son as he has ADHD and is also autistic. Our Consultant was very supportive and came to meetings and outlined essentially how ADHD affected him at school.
Children have the right to a good education so it's worth making all the right changes you need to ensure they get it.
Diagnosing ADHD
If you have a hunch your child may have ADHD, it's best to visit your GP as soon as possible to get an assessment arranged. By realising the condition at an early stage, you can ensure your child gets all of the help, guidance and support they need to maximise their potential through their developing years. It's also important that everyone who comes into contact with them understands the reasoning behind their behaviour and can respond/handle it in the most appropriate way - if your child is surrounded by caring, understanding and supportive people, they are likely to feel more confident, happier and develop well socially and emotionally.
Your GP will conduct a medical examination, ask you about your child (and families) medical history and check their vision and hearing to rule out any other potential causes. If they are satisfied there could be a link to ADHD, they will organise for a child therapist, paediatrician or psychiatrist to observe your child over a period of time in at least two or three different social situations (e.g. at home, at school, with friends). They will base their observations on a variety of criteria and questions which will eventually lead them to conclude a diagnosis. Here's a couple of stories from Sarah K and Naomi W:
My daughter wasn't necessarily naughty but she would talk non stop and couldn't sit down to do anything for more than 5 minutes, At school she would rather chat and fiddle than do her work which wasn't good as she needs extra help for dyslexia. When she was naughty it would be in the evening and she would get so hyper and threaten to harm herself and be totally horrible to me and her sister. The paediatrician gave me a prescription for 10mg of ritalin which was later put to 20mg and I noticed the difference the same day she started it as the medication isn't a drug that takes a while to get into the system. It works through the day when they are given it and then its out of their system by bedtime meaning if they don't have it the next day they will go back to normal. Since being on it for the last 2 months I don't think she has been told of at school once she is actually sitting down and concentrating and enjoying what she is doing, she even started telling me what she was doing at school. Overall, she is just calmer and more attentive and less angry which makes her feel better in herself.
After screaming and shouting at the doctor for 6 months, Lucas (3) was finally diagnosed with autism and ADHD 6 months ago. He was never an easy baby and I always knew something wasn't right, so when I got that diagnosis I was relieved more than anything, as I knew something could now be done!
Treating ADHD
ADHD can't be cured but with the right diagnosis and treatment, it can be successfully managed. As with most illnesses, their are various levels of severity and where one child might suffer with continuous ADHD from morning to evening, another might exhibit symptoms only at certain times of the day, perhaps when they're feeling tired, irritable or angry about something. The level of your child's ADHD will have a direct effect on the course of treatment which could include one or more of the following:-
Diet overhaul: You will be advised to cut out all foods with artificial additives, cut out caffeine (usually found in fizzy drinks and chocolate) and other general food nasties like added sugar, colourings and preservatives. Many parents also report dietary supplements having an effect.
Exercise: Activity can boost a child's feel good factor, help them burn off excess energy and boost their concentration levels in the classroom.
Psychological support: Behavioural therapies can help your child understand more about their actions and how they might be able to better their behaviour. You may also be offered family therapies which will provide plenty of support and advice for you as parents and decipher the best ways of dealing with the condition. Behavioural therapies will attempt to create some sort of routine to make your child feel more grounded and able. This could include anything from reorganising your home and setting up a list of clear rules and directions to a rewards system for good behaviour or reaching new goals at school.
Medical therapies: ADHD treatments can help reduce levels of hyperactivity and increase a child's ability to concentrate. The medication used for ADHD sufferers are called 'psychostimulants' or 'non-stimulants' and work by helping children to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Approved for children aged 6+, they are thought to be around 70-80% effective and are used to treat both moderate and severe ADHD. As with all drugs, there is a risk of side effects so make sure you are well aware of these before you start administering them to your child (your doctor may suggest changing medication or adjusting the amount of times your child takes it if side effects become a concern).
Educational support: Ensuring your child has access to understanding teachers is paramount to their learning progression. Their educational needs and standard of learning will be closely looked at and the appropriate measurements taken to ensure a steady and comfortable progress in all areas of their education. This could mean additional teaching support, the support of a special needs teacher or after school tutor specialising in ADHD children.
How does asthma occur?
Asthma sufferers can experience symptoms or indeed asthma attacks when they come into contact with a trigger like cigarette smoke, pollutants, chemicals or household dust. Others may also get a bout of asthma when they have colds or respiratory infections affecting their chest and throat. When asthma strikes, the muscle around the airways start to tighten which produces a feeling of breathlessness and difficulty in getting air into the lungs. Sticky mucus might be produced during an asthma episode and the symptoms are only really relieved once the person has been removed from the situation and has the use of an inhaler to facilitate normal breathing.
Who is at risk?
In a nutshell, anyone. Though it seems that families with an on-going history of asthma will continue to hand the illness down through their generations. Aside from genetics, changes to the way we live, other illnesses, the environment and the air around us are all affecting factors
Finding the RIGHT treatment
Sadly there is no miracle cure for asthma but with the right treatment, taken at the correct intervals, symptoms can be easily managed with lower risks of attacks.
According to Asthma UK 2.1 million people are suffering from asthma because they are not taking the right treatment or do not have access to the right medical advice. On the flipside, many people suffer from asthma because the treatments available do not effectively manage it. The best way to ensure you or your child have the right treatment is to book regular appointments with your GP to review medication and try to understand where and why the asthma attacks occur.
If you detect a problem with your child's breathing or have an inkling asthma might be an underlying problem, speak to your GP as soon as possible for a diagnosis and potential treatment.
What treatments are available for babies and children?
Depending on the severity of your child's asthma, your GP may prescribe an inhaler or what's known as a reliever (inhaled medicine that provides instant relief from the effects of asthma). Relievers have the ability to quickly relax the airways and help anyone suffering from an attack to resume normal breathing very quickly. For small babies and toddlers, your GP may include a nebuliser (a device which creates a mist of medicine which is breathed in through a mouthpiece) or reliever in liquid form
Preventers work in a slightly different way by helping to control the swelling and inflammation of the airways. They contain small amounts of corticosteroids (steroids produced naturally by the body) and are exactly what the name suggests - inhaled anti-flammatory treatment to prevent the onset of asthma symptoms, and more importantly severe attacks. They need to be inhaled regularly in order to work but once the symptoms appear to be under control, your GP will probably prescribe a lower dose.
When asthma strikes
Dealing with asthma attacks in a calm and collected way will help your child to focus on their breathing whilst their airways struggle to open. The following warning signs can help you to recognise when an attack is looming:-
- Your child needs to use their inhaler at closer intervals
- They start to wake at night with coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties or a tight chest
- Activity levels are affected and they find simple actions like walking to the shop or park affects their breathing
- Sit your child up and give them two puffs of the reliever inhaler
- Loosen any tight clothing
Why cleanliness and hygienic living isn't always the best remedy...
Asthma is a developing world disease, meaning those in the third world, where disease and poor hygiene is in abundance are less at risk than those of us that live in clean homes with fresh sheets and hoovered carpets. Odd as it might sound, it's all part of 'Hygiene Hypothesis' - an interesting theory that suggests children exposed to certain bacteria at a young age will develop stronger immune systems that will help them to fight off infection and allergies. Research shows that younger siblings in large families are also less likely to have asthma as their immune systems have built up a stronger defense mechanism against infections passed down from their older brothers and sisters.
The reality is that babies are born with immune systems ready for action - in other words they need to be susceptible to infection and illness in order to strengthen their bodies - especially during the first year of life.
So... perhaps the best form of action is to stress less about the crumbs on the kitchen floor and relax in the knowledge that a few infections here and there could actually help in the fight against asthma.
Diet and asthma
A well nourished body has a better chance of building up strong defense mechanisms against illness, so a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can help to protect against asthma. Several studies have shown Vitamin E and antioxidants (found in leafy green vegetables, berries, tea and whole-grains) are particularly useful at preventing wheezing and the onset of attacks whilst vitamin C, magnesium and fish oils could also be beneficial.
Conversely, there are some foods that have been known to aggravate asthma including cows milk, eggs, fish and nuts. If you think certain types of foods might be to blame, your GP may organise some tests to see if you have any existing allergies or advise a little trial and error exercise by cutting out certain types of foods to see if the condition improves.
Asthma in pregnancy
Women with asthma may notice it worsen or improve during pregnancy, whilst others won't notice any difference to their condition at all. The tight chest feeling inherent in asthma may get worse towards the end of pregnancy when the baby starts to move up and push against your ribs. And women experiencing stress - perhaps through working late into the pregnancy will probably be advised to slow down and take it easy to avoid the likelihood of asthma attacks.
Depending on the severity of the asthma, your GP will probably advise you to keep taking your inhaler throughout pregnancy. Steroid inhalers are perfectly safe during pregnancy and if taken at the correct doses, are highly unlikely to be absorbed by the baby. If you have very severe asthma, you may be advised to cut down on the dosage regularity, but always check with your GP first.
Dyslexic children
If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia they will have the condition for life, so it's vital they receive the right guidance and support - the worst thing that can happen to a child with dyslexia is for them to be written off because they struggle with what are to other people simple cognitive processes. While people with dyslexia can have problems with both reading and spelling, as well as numeracy, they certainly aren't 'slow' - in fact, a dyslexic person is often extremely good at problem solving, lateral thinking and creativity and innovation.
If your child has had a positive diagnosis or you suspect there might be a problem we hope this page will offer some answers to your questions and worries and help you understand dyslexia. You can also chat to other parents of dyslexic children or find out which support groups run in your area.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia covers problems with reading, writing or numbers. Sufferers have difficulty processing information relating to these areas. A person with dyslexia is of normal intelligence and their inability to process information is not related to issues with vision or hearing. Essentially, if you are dyslexic your brain is 'wired' slightly differently.
In the past children with dyslexia would have often been labelled lazy or un-cooperative. Thankfully understanding of dyslexia has improved tremendously in recent years, allowing dyslexic children to receive the right support at school (through special needs assistants or specially-tailored tutoring) so they can enjoy fulfilled and successful school lives and will be adequately equipped to take on the world of work.
It's important to remember that dyslexia is an 'umbrella term' covering a variety of information processing and communication issues, and can affect sufferers in mild or more severe ways. Some ten per cent of the population is dyslexic, and dyslexia tends to run in families, with boys being three to four times more likely to have the condition than girls.
What are the symptoms?
Key indicators that might suggest a person may have dyslexia include:
- Hesitant or slow reading and writing, often 'stumbling' over words
- Misreading certain words
- Putting letters or numbers round the wrong way
- Poor spelling
- Scatty, disorganised approach to work
- Poor time management skills
- Difficulty organising thoughts clearly
Of course, it's important not to self-diagnose. Even if your child does display some of the above symptoms it may not be a sign of dyslexia. If you are concerned it's important to discuss your worries with your child's teacher for their take on the situation. They may suggest a meeting with the school's Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO). But if you feel you aren't being listened to don't hesitate to contact your Local Dyslexia Association or speak to your GP who will refer you to specialist help. What is important to remember is that a child with dyslexia can and will learn as long as they get the specialist help they need.
Some common myths about dyslexia
All poor readers must be dyslexic
There are many reasons for children not grasping the concept of reading at an appropriate age and to define all poor readers as dyslexic is wrong. If one child is not being read to and encouraged to read themselves at home this can have a significant impact on their reading skills.
Dyslexia is caused by 'faulty' genes
There is no reliable evidence to suggest dyslexia is an inherited condition although it can often run in families. It is not the outcome of faulty genetic makeup or a 'glitch' in the brain - many dyslexic people have a slightly larger right side of the brain than non-dyslexics, which may contribute to problems with reading, writing and numbers but means they are usually very creative, musical and good at problem solving.
Dyslexia cannot be cured or treated
While a person does not grow out of dyslexia and there is no medical intervention that can be used to treat it, people with dyslexia can overcome many learning obstacles but only if they receive the right support at an early stage. It's important to remember that if dyslexia remains undiagnosed a child will usually have an unhappy and frustrating experience at school, leading to lack of motivation and self-esteem, denting their willingness to approach reading, writing and numeracy in new ways. Early intervention really is vital.
Dyslexia can be cured or helped by special exercises, fish oils, glasses with coloured lenses,etc...
As yet there is no substantial evidence to back up claims that these products improve the symptoms of dyslexia.
What you can do to help your child
Lots of praise and encouragement is essential to boost self-esteem and keep your child feeling positive and focused. Dyslexic children sometimes struggle to find their strengths as mistakes often get in the way, but with plenty of help from you, they're more likely to take a more enthusiastic approach to work.
Dyslexic children need more time and concentration to complete tasks but you can help them by breaking activities down so they understand them more clearly. For example, instead of instructing them to get ready for school, you could say 'come and get your lunch box and pack it away', 'is your pencil case ready?', 'can you put your shoes on so you're ready to go?'...a few small gestures (and a little bit of thought) can make all the difference to the way a dyslexic child handles tasks.
Other ways to help a dyslexic child include:-
Keep distractions to a minimum - turn the TV/radio off when they are concentrating on homework and sit in a quiet room when you are helping them read.
Create mini tests/activities - getting your child used to 'timed' activities will be hugely beneficial if they have important tests coming up at school.
Reassure them that it's OK to make mistakes - explain to them that they will make lots of mistakes before they find a solution, it could prevent them from feeling so disappointed when they slip up.
Keep in regular contact with the school - you're more likely to be aware of any problems/issues that arise if you're in close contact with your child's teachers. Ask them to give you weekly updates on their progress and identify the weaker areas that may need to be worked on at home.
Where to get help
Speak to your GP if you're worried about any aspect of your child's development. They can refer you to specialist help. Alternatively you can talk in the first instance to your child's teacher - they will be able to provide additional information about how your child is getting on at school and whether they believe your child might need some additional help. Always get a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being given due attention
Special Needs Focus: Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a neurological problem which can affect some or many areas of a child's development. It is often undiagnosed, leaving the child growing up with low self esteem and feeling different to other children.
This page has been designed to offer answers to some basic questions, as well as pointing you in the direction of dedicated support groups who can offer specialist, professional help and advice. Please use the links on the right to find out more...
What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia affects approximately six per cent of the population and up to two per cent severely. In basic terms, dyspraxia is a neurological condition which can make even the most simple tasks a struggle. It is medically described as a 'an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement', but can also cause problems with language, perception and thought.
You may have heard other terms applied to dyspraxia - some of the common ones are Clumsy Child Syndrome, Co-ordination Disorder, Minimal Brain Dysfunction and Motor Learning Difficulty.
In the majority of cases there is no known cause. According to the most recent research, dyspraxia is thought to be caused by an immaturity of neurone development in the brain rather than brain damage.
How does dyspraxia manifest itself?
People with dyspraxia find it difficult to form ideas; their brains have difficulty in turning messages from the brain into meaningful action. This means activities are often hard to learn or retain - a task that was carried out easily one day may then prove hard for a dyspraxic person to perform the next day.
But dyspraxia affects different people in different ways so there is no one main indicator that suggests a child may have the condition.
Key symptoms
In pre-school children the main symptoms suggestive of dyspraxia include:
- A delay in reaching developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting, standing, walking and speakin
- Difficulty running, hopping, jumping, catching or kicking a ball
- Difficulty making and keeping friends, and uncertainty in dealing with social situatio
- Difficulty walking up or down stairs
- Difficulty dressing
- Slowness or hesitation in most physical actions
- Lack of instinctive ability to learn
- A propensity to fall over frequently
- Poor pencil grip
- Inability to do jigsaws or shape sorting games
- Immature artwork
- A propensity to be anxious and easily distracted
If your child has reached school age you may have noticed some or all of the above symptoms, as well as some other manifestations:
- An avoidance of PE and games
- Poor performance in class activities but better performance when taught on a one-to-one basis
- Reaction to all stimuli without discrimination and poor attention span
- Difficulty coping with maths and writing structured stories
- Difficulty copying from the blackboard
- Writing is often laborious and immature
- Remembering and following instructions is difficult
- Poor organisational skills
It is important that Dyspraxia is recognised as early as possible as by the time children reach the age of around 8 or 9 years-old their condition may mean they have become disaffected and isolated by the education system as they are unable to keep up with their peers and continue to struggle with basic literacy and numeracy. In these circumstances their confidence is almost inevitably affected.
If they have not received appropriate help, by the time a child reaches secondary school more serious problems such as poor attendance and truancy may become an issue. But with the right support, encouragement and help dyspraxic children do well at school.
You can find more in-depth information about the symptoms of dyspraxia on the Dyspraxia Foundation website.
Dyspraxia and your family
Getting a positive diagnosis can leave parents feeling a mixture of relief, shock, isolation and concern for the future. How will your family cope with dyspraxia? How can you plan for the years ahead? What are the implications for the other children in your family?
The main thing to remember is that you are not alone - there are lots of other people going through the same thing as you and there are some well-established support groups where you can go for advice and meet other parents of dyspraxic children, including:
The Dyspraxia Foundation also recommends that you try not to let dyspraxia define and take over your family's life, which could leave other members of the household feeling neglected. It's important to help everyone by:
- Doing activities which involve the whole family equal·
- Encouraging each child to develop their own hobbies and interests so that comparisons are irrelevant
- Talking to your partner about problems and being open about how you both feel
- Trying to arrange time each week to concentrate on each child and your partner
- Taking time for yourself and ensuring you keep in touch with friends
- Joining a local support group - some groups run events which include siblings
Coping with dyspraxia in daily life
Here are some practical ways you can make daily life a little easier and improve the quality of life of your child - and the whole family. The Dyspraxia Foundation recommends the following practical tips to help take some of the stress out of dealing with dyspraxia:
Getting dressed:
- Lay out clothing layer by layer, underwear on top
- Avoid tight neck holes
- Buy trousers with an elasticated waist so save fiddling with buttons and zips
- Trousers with a pleat at the front make identifying the 'right way round' easier
- Shirt collars one size larger than fits are easier to fasten
- Baggy t-shirts and shorts are easy and comfy
Eating:
- Use a flexible straw when drinking to prevent spills
- Don't fill cups too full
- Use a damp towel under plates to stop them moving
- Sit down to eat where possible
Getting organised:
Keep to a daily routine
- Post-it notes stuck at eye-level on doors are useful reminder
- Transparent purses and pencil cases are good for being able to see contents easily
- Keep keys and purses on a long chain which clips to clothing
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