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ADHD-A Parents Tool Box

ADHD-A Parents Tool Box. Drew Yanke M.A. TLLP www.drewyanke.webs.com. What is ADHD?. …A medical condition characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity One of the most common mental disorders among children, affecting approximately 5 to 7 % of school-age children.

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ADHD-A Parents Tool Box

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  1. ADHD-A Parents Tool Box Drew Yanke M.A. TLLP www.drewyanke.webs.com

  2. What is ADHD? …A medical condition characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity One of the most common mental disorders among children, affecting approximately 5 to 7 % of school-age children

  3. Who Has It… • About 2 million children • YOU are not ALONE

  4. DSM-IV Criteria:6 of 9 Inattention Symptoms • Difficulty sustaining attention • Does not seem to listen • Does not follow through on instructions • Difficulty organizing tasks or activities • Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort • Loses things necessary for tasks • Easily distracted • Forgetful in daily activities

  5. DSM-IV Criteria:6 of 9 Hyperactive-Impulsive • Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat • Leaves seat in classroom inappropriately • Runs about or climbs excessively • Has difficulty playing quietly • Is “on the go” or “driven by a motor” • Talks excessively • Blurts out answers before questions are completed • Has difficulty awaiting turn • Interrupts or intrudes on others

  6. ADHD is a neurological disorder that impairs Regulation of attention Regulation of motor activity Regulation of impulsivity

  7. Brain Structure and ADHD Studies in the past few years have shown that boys with ADHD tend to have brains that are more symmetrical in shape. Three structures in the ADHD boys brains were smaller than in non-ADHD boys of the same age: prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and the globus pallidus. The prefrontal cortex is thought to be the brain's "command center;" the other two parts translate the commands into action.

  8. Brain Structure and ADHD New evidence demonstrates that not only are some of the structures slightly different, but the brain may use these areas differently. Brain scans indicate that boys with ADHD have an abnormal increase of activity in two structures: the frontal lobe and striatal areas below it. These areas work in part to control voluntary action. So with ADHD individuals these areas work harder to control impulses. (Once given Ritalin, this abnormal activity quieted down.)

  9. ADHD results in problems with • Planning • Organizing • Starting and stopping activity • Managing behavior • Persisting on tasks • Problem solving • Working memory • These are called Executive Functions

  10. ADHD is Not a Problem of: Will power Inadequate parenting Lack of motivation Lack of intelligence Laziness

  11. How can you help your child with ADHD? • Learn all you can about ADHD • Explain ADHD to your child • What it is • How it works • Understand your child’s ADHD symptoms • Ask them questions about it, the more you know the more you can help

  12. More on how you can help • Understand and communicate your expectations • Depending on their age, how much responsibility is his or hers---and yours • Understand and listen to your child’s expectations

  13. And more… • Set rules for the house and the world • Explain them, agree on them, write them down • Create Lists • VISUAL, VISUAL, VISUAL • Seek professional help

  14. Dealing with HOT Emotions • Anger • Slow simmer, explosive, or long lasting • Frustration • Your worst day x5 (or greater)

  15. “I’m right your wrong”--Arguing • Arguing will get you no where---fast • It’s a feel good thing • The battle or the war—is it that big of a deal? • Distraction—it works. • Use humor, unorthodox comments, etc.

  16. School—what can I say… • Know the teacher • Know the principal • Homework • Create a learning place or spot in your house • Work with your child using chunks of time • Start as early as possible to create good study habits • IEP

  17. A Few more words • You are not alone • Find support groups –CHADD, BoysEmpowered • Social Skills • Video Games

  18. Commonly Used Stimulant Medications for ADHD Methylphenidate (MPH) Products Ritalin short & mid-acting forms Concerta long-acting Metadate CD mid-acting Ritalin LA mid-acting Focalin mid-acting Amphetamine Products Adderall mid-acting Adderall XR long-acting Dexedrine mid-acting spansule Dextrostat mid-acting

  19. Commonly Used Non-StimulantMedications for ADHD Nonstimulant Products Strattera long-acting Other Nonstimulants Products Wellbutrin long-acting Tenex mid-acting Clonidine mid-acting

  20. Adverse Effects of Stimulants insomnia decreased appetite weight loss headache irritability Stomachache rebound agitation or exaggeration of pre-medication symptoms as it is wearing off

  21. Adverse Effects of Strattera In children decreased appetite GI upset (can be reduced if medication taken with food) sedation (can be reduced by dosing in evening) lightheadedness In adults insomnia sexual side effects increased blood pressure

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