ATTENTION PROBLEMS
A Matter of Focus
| |
When to See the Doctor Most young children are naturally active and may be unable to pay attention to a single task for a long period of time. However, some children who are consistently hyperactive should be evaluated by a mental health professional for possible Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), according to Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., a child psychologist who is a clinical instructor at the University of Utah School of Medicine and codirector of the Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center in Salt Lake City. The following behaviors, if they occur excessively, may indicate the early signs of an ADD problem. * Fidgets with his hands or feet * Talks frequently and loudly * Has difficulty remaining seated * Is easily distracted * Has a short attention span and flits from activity to activity * Has trouble awaiting his turn * Intrudes and acts bossy with other children * Acts impulsively Some ADD traits, such as impulsiveness, hyperactivity and difficulty paying attention to routine activities, are not always liabilities, points out Dr. Goldstein, and can be effectively managed by parents and teachers, with guidance from a professional. In severe cases, stimulant medication may be prescribed for a child with ADD. |
Ensure a Good Night's Sleep To reduce bedtime hassles and ensure your child gets enough sleep, John F. Taylor, Ph.D., a family psychologist in Salem, Oregon, and author of Helping Your Hyperactive Child, suggests that half an hour before bedtime, you give your child a glass of milk or a slice of turkey. Both these snacks are high in protein and contain tryptophan, which can help induce sleepiness. Then follow these bedtime rituals or similar ones. * Bath * Gentle skin contact, such as a back rub * Bedtime story * Warm, friendly tuck-in * Night-light * Tape-recorded bedtime stories the child can play to help soothe him to sleep after you leave the room. |
Cut Down on Additives A number of studies indicate that there is a connection between childhood attention problems and the chemical additives in processed food. According to one study, the behavior of more than half of a group of hyperactive children deteriorated markedly when they were exposed to artificial flavorings, colors and preservatives. Their behavior improved when the additives were removed. While some authorities disagree about the exact role of additives with respect to attentional difficulties and hyperactivity, ''it certainly can't hurt and very possibly may help to eliminate chemical additives as much as possible from your child's diet,'' says John F. Taylor, Ph.D., a family psychologist in Salem, Oregon, and author of Helping Your Hyperactive Child. For information on common additives and how to avoid them, contact the Feingold Association, P.O. Box 6550, Alexandria, Virginia 22306. |
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.
No comments:
Post a Comment