These children exhibit high energy levels, intuitiveness, high creativity, are enthusiastic toward life, are gifted and loving. On the downside, these children often exhibit inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. They can be

destructive. ADD; ADHD children have special challenges. Fellow students shun them. They tend to not have many friends because they are seen as "weird" or "different". They can't stay in their seat during class and they can't remember to bring home their papers. If the class is on number 10 of a math problem, an ADD child will be lucky to be on the same page. They love to stay in the house watch TV, play computer games or watch videos. They love to draw and create things. They are sensitive to others pain yet can't explain their feelings to their caregivers . Parents need to make a greater effort to understand ADD children.

Younger children need constant supervision and behavioral training to teach them the acceptable norms. The older ones will deny there is anything "different or wrong" with them. That is why it is necessary to model acceptable behavior for them. Parents need to equip the ADD child with the proper tools for adult behavior.

Point out to these children it's OK to be "different." Although, thought to be "different," Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein were all thought to have attention deficit disorder. A solid link has been found between creativity and ADHD. Just note the accomplishments of these great men who turned out to be some of our most brilliant scientists, explorers, and artists.

These children usually have a higher degree of negative interaction with their mothers. It is usually the mother who has the most communication with the child throughout the day. The communication usually consisting of discussing things the child doesn't want to do, i.e., chores, homework, etc. Mothers tend to reason with their children and show more affection. The task of dealing with an ADD child is normally beyond a young mother. Fathers, on the other hand are more consistent with their commands and repeat themselves less.

Siblings in the family are more than exasperated by the ADHD child's behaviors and attitudes. Non ADHD are frustrated when the ADHD child seems to gets away with everything and doesn't carry his own weight. When ADHD children are accepted into a group, the older children in the group often mother them, until even the older child will get tired of their antics and push the ADHD child out of the group by teasing and insulting. Parents often get too frustrated and punish the child. There are many groups available to help families with children having ADHD. Parents, I suggest you avail yourself to any help out there! Some help sources are listed at the end of this article.

Here are some pointers from Russell A. Barkley, PH.D, Taking Charge of ADHD:

1. Give your child more immediate feedback and consequences.
   
2. Give your child more frequent feedback.
   
3. Use larger and more powerful consequences.
   
4. Use incentives before punishment.
   
5. Strive for consistency-this is the hardest one of all.
   
6. Act, don't yak
   
7. Plan ahead for problem situations.
   
8. Keep a disability perspective.
   
9. Don't personalize your child's problems or disorder.
   
10. Practice forgiveness.

The ADHD child is often shunned for play and extracurricular sports. A parent, sibling, other relative or close friend could help with the activity or become a leader which will not only make the ADHD child feel important but will help him develop teamwork. It's important for these children to become accepted in society now in order to be productive in their future.

If parents have trouble with the public school systems in regard to their ADHD child, please review the following: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), P.L. 101-476, formerly the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, P.L. 94-142, is federal law which guarantees all children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 the right to a free appropriate public education designed to meet their individual needs.

Probable causes of ADHD include heredity, brain injury or abnormal brain development from trauma, disease, fetal exposure to alcohol/tobacco, early exposure to high lead levels and diminished activity in certain brain regions.

Keys to survival for the parents of ADHD children

1. Take a long weekend away.
   
2. Find a hobby or social activity.
   
3. Become active in a support group.
   
4. Seek the comfort of friends.
   
5. Practice shared parenting.
   
6. Practice becoming aware of moments-take a breath and smell the flowers.
   
7. Identify and alter stressful thinking patterns.
   
8. Exercise.
   
9. Avoid chemical substances.

Each child is a gift for us to cherish. When life gets tough, take a deep breath (sometimes several deep breaths) and smile. Your child loves, respects and needs you.

About the Author: Shelley DeWayne lives in beautiful Wyoming at the base of the Big Horn Mountains with her hero husband, three children including one with ADHD and one with ADD, three dogs, two guinea pigs and one parakeet. She worked at various VA Medical Centers for the past ten years. She now works as an Independent Marketing Executive for Melaleuca, Inc.

Shelley DeWayne
Independent Marketing Executive, Melaleuca, Inc.
Call 1-888-370-9119 for a 3 min. recorded message. Use products that are safer, healthier, more economical for you, your family and the environment and EARN RESIDUAL INCOME!

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