ADHD in Infants-Toddlers

In reference to the book I am currently reading, Raising boys with ADHD and WebMD I am writing this article. 

It is important for parents to learn the general development of infants and toddlers, or any age. It's important for parents to educate themselves on what to expect at the different age levels, especially if your child is very energetic. 

There are characteristics that have been shown to be common in children as early as infancy in children who are later diagnosed with ADHD. Knowing these characteristics can be helpful in determining if your child may have ADHD and can even help you know to talk to a doctor and treat your child's 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.

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.

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

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)

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

Discussing Treatments and Options Together

Dillon (my son) used to hate having ADHD. He felt that it made him different, he needed extra help, and it seemed like everything was harder for him. So, I decided as he was getting older I wanted to discuss his ADHD with him and his medicines to see how he felt they were working for him. I was surprised when he opened up about, he also had some really great ideas that we implemented and have been working for him.

The Three Subtypes of ADHD

Hi readers! I keep looking into ADHD and I kept seeing these different term used called "Subtypes", so of course, I just had to figure out more about them. Well I found out that as published in the DSM-I (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) by the American Psychiatric Association there are actually three subtypes of ADHD!

Dill's ADHD

  When Dillon was 7 years old he started going to see a counselor. His father and I had split up about 1 1/2 years earlier and he has always been very close to mom. So, he was having problems with not wanting to got to or stay at his dad's. We took him to see a counselor and he also saw a Psychiatrist. She diagnosed Dillon with ADHD. I was worried again that maybe this was all because his dad and I had split up! But, again was told that it was usually genetic,
and his fathers nephew had it as well,
poor Dillon was so upset!