Hyperkids: Attention Deficit Disorders (AD/HD)

What it is

•           a neurologically based developmental disability which is characterized by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

                  Inattention.  Their attention is short. They can't pay attention to a thought long enough to conceptualize it or to an activity long enough to finish it. No patience.

                  Impulsivity.  They can  speak and act with great speed...They instantaneously act or respond without thinking of the consequences of his actions.

                   Hyperactivity. Occurs because the brain is unable to control behaviour and so there is general restlessness. In some cases, less physical activity but talks really fast - with great amount and speed.

• No cause is known. However, studies link it to neurological basis. Children with AD/HD have problems with chemicals that send messages to the brain.
• Studies also have it linked to hereditary factors. It tends to run in families. Relatives, both male and female tend to display the disorder among themselves than the general population.
• It is not easy to detect when the  onset took place. It is gradual making it hard to say when it all started and why. Others started as early as they were in their mother's womb. Others not until their teens.

             Teachers may not recognize at first that he/she has one in her class. It may appear to him/her as...."makulit",  then..."sobrang kulit"...and finally, " hindi na ordinaryong kakulitan". Annoyingly different.

              

              These kids suffer from difficulty in paying attention, finishing tasks, listening, organizing thoughts, moody with frequent violent tantrums most of the time, and low self esteem. Maybe because they get scolded most of the time.

             Families get tormented with situations brought about by the problem. They get tremendously stressed with the chaos and anxiety over sibling rivalry which is common in families with AD/HD cases. It is therefore noteworthy that stress is brought about by the symptoms and not by the child. Parents should not blame themselves and must look on the brighter side of the situation like seeking help from experts.

            

What teachers can do.

•          According to Sandra Reif, a US educator, do not assume that the child is lazy or defiant when he does not perform up to par. He may just be inconsistent. Sometimes he can do the work and sometimes he cannot. Do not give up on the child, no matter how discouraged you are. He needs your belief and support that he can eventually succeed.
•          Try behavior modification technique, and use positive reinforcement. Try to get his attention. If he dislikes drills on mathematics, try to use real objects. For instance, for every correct response, he can chew the food or chocolate that he counted correctly. Praising him for every good deed can go a long way. Work with the parent. Plan with the parents for strategies that you can work out for the child.
•         Do not listen to the previous teachers who maybe just disliked the child. Take him as  a clean slate and work out schemes. Take him to a corner to quietly do his tasks without much distractions.

Take a Heart.

•            These children, when given proper treatment, they can function very well in school and in workplace. They even excel at par when motivated well. Some studies even revealed that some boys and girls seemed to have outgrown some of the symptoms and became achievers in their own fields.
•           No amount of tender loving care can be put to the drain. Love always conquers all!