Is ADHD a Gift?

Often in ADHD conversations, you will hear the argument or discussion of whether ADHD is a gift or a curse. Everyone seems to have an opinion,. I have come to the conclusion that it is both, and for it to truly be a "Gift" you need to understand ADHD more, and you need to understand your child. Generally, most parents and even children automatically consider ADHD as a curse, burden or a horrible disorder. In some ways this could be true, ADHD is most commonly mentioned that the ADHD child  is forgetful, talks a lot, won't stay still, easily distracted, can't stay focused, daydreams, acts inappropriate and impulsive and more. But, do you ever really hear the strengths that usually come with ADHD?

Children diagnosed with ADHD Study

According to a government report in 2011, 1 in 10 children are diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This is an increase from more than tens years ago. 

Now, this doesn't necessarily mean mean that there are more ADHD children, it could mean that they are better detecting the disorder and therefore an increase in diagnoses of ADHD,
which is a good thing in my opinion.

Book Revew Update

So, I wanted to update you all on my book review I am doing. I just received the book in the mail including a letter from the publisher thanking me for reviewing the book. I am so excited to read this and write a review on it!! This is really exciting for me and I want to thank all my readers for this opportunity because without you I wouldn't have it!! I love the support and will do my best to keep posting good researched and compelling articles for you and please continue the support and recommend this site to others that may like it! :)

A Thanks to all my Readers!

I want to thank all of my parents/readers for Liking my Facebook  page and Blog!! I am so glad that you all feel happy to come read what I have to say, help each other out so wonderfully and ask the questions that make me think or research! You are all wonderful and from what I've heard so far you all have wonderful families and children! Please keep asking questions and sharing your stories! Thank you all for your continued visits, you are all so great! :)

~S Overly

ADD/ADHD No One Understands Video

This is a video that was made by one of my wonderful readers and mother of an ADHD child. Thank you Emily Rowan Jaybosh for letting me share this great video you made! It really gives you a heartfelt insight into ADHD children and teens, it hard for them but the things that are "different" about our ADHD children is also what makes them an amazing part of this world and an important one! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

~S Overly

 

ADHD Brain Size

ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric conditions in children. I found studies that children and teens with ADHD have slightly smaller brains (as shown in the picture above) than others without the disorder.This shows us a lot more about ADHD children and teens other than the actual brain size though.

One study was a ten year study from 1991-2001 that was funded by and conducted at The National Institute of Mental Health.

ADHD with ODD

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) is where a child has a disruptive and oppositional behavior usually directed towards authority figures like parents and teach ODD children are constantly disobedient and defiant and are often hostile. These children will refuse simple requests or chores and don not like to be given instructions or orders. They will at times blame others for their mistakes and can become angered or touchy. Children with ODD tend to engage in intentionally annoying behaviors and argue.

So how's it connected to ADHD?

ADHD Medications in Young Children (3-5)

Ok so I was asked about ADHD medication for a 5yr old little boy. So, I researched about it and found some notable information.

Methylphendate is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It's use in children under 6 has not been FDA approved. Brand names for this med are Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin and Metadate. 

I found "The Preschool ADHD Treatment Study" or "PATS" which is the first large long term study done to determine the asfety and effectiveness of treat young/preschool children, ages 3-5, who have ADHD with methylphendate.

Child ADHD Info Now on Facebook

I have now created a Facebook page for Child ADHD Info! I want to reach as many parents as possible. So, please feel free to visit at www.facebook.com/childadhd and Like the page to keep up with Child ADHD Info updates and posts as well as Join this blog and Subscribe for free to my feed! Thanks to all my readers I am so happy I can help and inform you of all the Child ADHD Info I find! :)

~S Overly

1st National ADHD Youth Leadership Summit

Register Now!!! For The 1st National ADHD Youth Leadership Summit is still happening this July 7, 2012 at The University of Pennsylvania... Come in for the Summit and stay the night in Philadelphia at The Sheraton University City... Register and Book your room now for a Discounted Rate. National ADHD Youth Leadership Summit

Resources for this event: ADHD Aware, ADHD Aware on Facebook, Go Girls Club on Facebook,

ADHD in Girls vs. Boys

When thinking of ADHD people often picture an overactive disruptive little boy. Many people have asked "Do only boys get ADHD?". The answer is No, ADHD occurs in girls as much as boys. However, boys are three times more likely to be "diagnosed" with ADHD than girls because ADHD in girls may manifest in different ways. This means that girls with ADHD are vastly under diagnosed!

ADHd Natural Remedy Report

So, I just wrote a small article about ADHD Natural Medications vs. Prescriptions. Well, I found this Natural Remedy Report written by a Dr. Scott Saunders, MD and found it interesting. So, I decided to share it with my  readers!! Check it out here ADHD Natural Remedy Report.

Raising a Child with ADHD

Raising a child with ADHD is not easy, it is a very frustrating and stressful life long journey. I know it seems like they aren't listening to you when you talk, or just don't care about their schooling. I know this because I have a 13 year old boy with this condition. The truth is though, that even though it may seem like they don't care or listen, most ADHD children DO care and WANT to listen, pay attention and do well. I know my son always says "I just want to be normal" and it breaks my heart. I always tell him he is normal, he just has to try a little harder at things. But, the reality of it is, that little things like sitting still, doing homework, remembering to bring things home and turn them in that we think are easy are an everyday struggle for our ADHD children. They honestly want to all those things, it's just a lot harder for them.

Most ADHD children are on some type of medication such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Concerta, and though these can help with the symptoms, it still can be hard for your child. Some of the most important help your child can get for his/her ADHD is non medication help from you.

Natural ADHD Medications vs Prescriptions

I have never liked Dillon being on his medications for his ADHD. I feel that he is so young to be on such an addictive medication and with so many side affects. I have found a medication called Synaptol that claimed to be an all natural medication for ADHD so I looked into it. 

As you most likely know, ADHD has become a very common problem with children everywhere. Most children who suffer from ADHD are on a medication such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta (Dillon has been on Concerta)

ADHD and Emotions

Dillon, my son, seems to be very emotional at times. He will get overwhelmed really easily such as extreme frustration over homework or being really upset easily, etc. I was wondering if this was at all connected to his ADHD. I researched and found some interested information in various places. More than half ADHD people also have troubles regulating their emotions.

What is an IEP?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan, this is a plan that is designed especially for your child. Every public school should offer this. Dillon uses one and I think it is great for ADHD children. To make an IEP parents, teachers, guidance counselors, therapists, related services and the student (when its appropriate) come together and work on a plan that's best for your child. Here your child is evaluated and is designed a plan to meet your child's specific needs educationally and behaviorally. Check out my page Success in School for more resources you can use to help your child in school. Look for the page I will be posting to know all about IEP's and how you go about getting one for your child. Thanks for reading! To know more about IEP's now check out the IEP Guide Book!



~Stacy Overly

Dill's Update

Well, Dill ended up going to his dad's, he does miss hi little half sisters. I talked to him last night and he said he slept most of the day. I worry about him, but, he seemed ok. I miss him so much already!