Here are some of the most Frequently asked questions about ADHD:
Q: Are there natural remedies for ADD/ADHD or do children always get on medications?
A: There are natural supplements that your child can take that may show signs of improvement. Really the most effective strategy to help your child is to focus on the behaviors that make there situation worse. Setting up a daily schedule, making sure your child is in a quiet area when they need to concentrate and even choosing the best times of the day for your child to focus and concentrate can really help.In some cases even more than medications.
Q: Are there side effects to taking ADHD medications?
A: There can be, yes. ADHD effects everyone differently so a pill that helps one child may give another child nightmares, but most cases are smaller involuntary movements like shrugging, blinking erratically and constantly clearing their throat. These auditory “tics” are noticeable, but not harmful to the child. If you notice them though do mention it to your doctor.
The only recommendation on medications is to constantly stay in contact with your doctor. Be sure to alert the doctor of any kind of discomfort or otherwise bothersome side effects. The whole purpose of medication is help your child focus, not to harm them in any way shape or form.
Q: My child is very smart so he can’t have ADHD, right?
A: A lot of ADHD kids are exceptionally smart. ADD does not make your child less intelligent, but it does make it difficult or even impossible to focus long enough to keep progressing and learning in the class room. So no, ADHD kids are not certainly not “dumb” and in fact are usually highly intelligent, but have a mental condition that makes learning new skills and subjects difficult for them.
Q: The school/teacher says my child has ADHD. Does this mean that he/she does?
A: Not necessarily. School administration are familiar with children with ADD and can tell you that your child has many similarities for a heads up, but they are not qualified to make a proper diagnosis. A mental professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, ADHD specialist) needs to do a full examination of your child's behavior, schedule, diet and other factors to properly diagnose this condition.
Q: Is ADHD a learning disability?
A: Not necessarily. ADHD is marked by hyperactivity which is not necessarily a learning disability. ADD which has a stronger focus on inattention and the inability to concentrate when necessary is a learning disability. Of course your child could have ADHD with a side of inattention as well.
Q: Why do some kids have ADD and others don’t ? What causes ADD?
A: Its still unknown exactly what causes this condition, but it has been proven recently that children that had at least one parent with ADD were far more likely to have it themselves. That’s not always the case so its hard to say. Genetics, diet, behaviors and lifestyle choices all play a role in a childs development of ADD.
Q: Whats the difference between ADD and ADHD? Do they mean the same thing?
A:
- ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder
