My Child Has Been Diagnosed With ADD, Now What? - The first steps after diagnosis

When my son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I felt a plethora of mixed emotions:

relief, remorse, fear,disappointment or frustration.

You may feel the same way. But whatever you feel, do not forget that your child's situation is not out of control.

There are a number of ways in which you can help your child use his talents, and deal with ADD.

The first and most important step is to learn all you can about ADD/ADHD and to educate yourself about all the treatment options.In this way you can make an educated decision and will not fall prey to the myths and misinformation that is so rife.

You would also become more aware of the popular treatments, and be more prepared to face what might come next. It should also be helpful in preparing you to work with the doctor for managing the disorder successfully. This blog as well as the links on the right hand side of the blog are a great way to start. You can also get the 2 free reports about ADD here.

Deciding to medicate your child or not is an entirely personal one. According to some parents, being able to provide their children with means to lead a normal life is the best opportunity that they can give.

But, for others,as was the was for me (and thousands of others) medication is not a good choice. However, no matter what you decide, you should be sure of it and well informed about your choice.

You need to be aware of the variety of treatment options available, and even if your child is taking medication, some behavior modification techniques, properly and consistently implemented will make a positive difference in your child's behavior and academic performance.

These prepare your child with lasting skills to provide them with help in becoming efficient and productive. The strategies for your child's actions and the consequences should be set by you.

My son with ADHD responded best to well defined limits set on his actions and consistent discipline. This wasn't (and isn't ) always easy, but it's well worth the additional effort it takes.

Remember, that as the parent, you are your child's best supporter, and must encourage him every step of the way.

Work as a team with your child's doctor and teachers to ensure steady progress in all the key areas of your child's life.

And most importantly accept, love and cherish this unique human being.

Build his self-esteem and focus on the positive things he does.

Join a good support group and reach out to other parents who have been through what you are now experiencing.There are many excellent forums and discussion groups on the internet and you are sure to learn a lot from the experiences of others.

And don't loose heart. Having ADD or ADHD, whilst certainly a challenge , is not the end of the world.

In fact, it's the beginning of a new and exciting future for your child. One where he can become the unique, talented and wonderful human being he was born to be.

10 Ways To Improve Your Child's Attention Span - Part 4

10 Ways To Improve Your Child's Attention Span - Part 4

Tip #4

Discover Your Child’s Learning Style.

The are 3 types of learning styles – visual, auditory and kinesthetic.

Visual learners absorb information best through the sense of vision and do best learning through books, videos etc. They need to see something in order to fully and easily understand it.

Auditory learners learn best by hearing the information. Oral instructions, lectures, audio books etc. are all good choices with

this type of learner.

Kinesthetic Learners learn best through movement and doing. Most (but not all) ADD/ADHD children fall into this category.

Movement and ‘doing’ need to be incorporated

Into their learning if they are to reach their full potential.

Traditional Schools cater mainly to visual and auditory learners. Kinesthetic learning requires much more time and e

effort on the part of the teacher and many of these types of learners are deemed slow or learning disabled, when the only thing ‘wrong’ with them is their learning style.

Finding out and understanding your child’s learning style will go a long way to helping him to unlock the dormant potential within.

10 Ways To Improve Your ADD Child's Attention Span - Part 1.

10 Ways To Improve Your ADD Child's Attention Span - Part 1.

Lack of focus, poor concentration and short attention spans are core symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. 'He doesn't listen' or 'He doesn't pay attention' are common complaints voiced about the ADD child.

What can you as a parent or teacher do to help the ADD Child focus and pay attention. In this 10 part series I will be discussing 10 simple ways to Increase an ADD Child's Attention Span.

Tip #1
Start each day with a healthy breakfast that is high in protein and low in refined carbohydrates.
That means that sugar coated breakfast cereals and donuts are out!!
Smoothies made with low fat milk/yogurt and fruit, cheese on wholewheat toast, eggs etc are better alternatives. These foods provide the brain with what it needs to function at it's peak.
Studies have shown that kids who ate breakfast regularly demonstrated significantly higher reading and math scores, lower levels of hyperactivity, better school attendance, had longer attention spans and fewer behavioral problems than those who didn't eat breakfast.