Attention, Please

Let’s talk about ADHD in kids.

Almost 9 percent of children under the age of 18 have ADHD in the United States. We’re here to help you learn what causes symptoms, stay up-to-date with some of the latest scientific research and practice ways to positively interact with, teach and support kids with ADHD.

Know The Symptoms

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and it typically runs in families. Developmental behavioral pediatrician Mark Bertin, M.D., compares ADHD to an iceberg. Above the water, you see symptoms like poor focus, daydreaming and a lack of listening skills. But, below the surface, those and other issues are caused by an impaired executive function that Bertin calls “an inefficient, off-task brain manager,” which means children with ADHD have more trouble managing things like attention, actions, tasks, information, emotions and effort.

Understanding the lack of management skills can help parents understand their child better. Mayo Clinic experts encourage parents to incorporate training, education and counseling along with medication to treat their child effectively.

ADHD Stats

Here’s a snapshot of ADHD in America:

Recent Research

Sources: additudemag.com, cbsnews.com, oregonlive.com, statisticbrain.com, psychcentral.com, mayoclinic.org, webmd.com

Parenting Pointers

Whether you’ve been raising a child with ADHD for years or your child was just diagnosed, here are a few ways to help him or her grow and succeed.

SHOW YOUR CHILD ACCEPTANCE. No child is perfect, but the unconditional support and acceptance you give your child will help him or her build confidence, a capable attitude and positive self-esteem.

PUT BAD NEWS IN PERSPECTIVE.

Lead Exposure

In a recent study of almost 400 kids between the ages of 6 and 17, half with ADHD, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital found that lead exposure, even in miniscule amounts, may aggravate ADHD symptoms.

“One of the myths about ADHD is that this is just a genetic condition,” says Joel Nigg, lead investigator and director of OHSU’s ADHD program. “While we know genes play a role, we’re proving that environmental pollutants are part of the story.”

Of the children tested, all were within a safe lead exposure range as defined by the CDC and the ones who had ADHD along with a certain mutated gene that helps to control the effects of lead in the body exhibited more severe ADHD symptoms.

According to the oregonlive.com article about the study, “The evaluations confirmed that children with ADHD, the mutated gene and small amounts of lead exposure had more severe symptoms.”

ADHD & Obesity

In a recent study by Mayo Clinic, researchers found that girls with ADHD may be twice as likely to be obese in childhood or early adulthood than girls without ADHD.

The 1,000-person study showed that differences in the brain that cause ADHD can also cause eating disorders.

“Girls with ADHD may not be able to control their eating and may end up overeating,” says Dr. Seema Kumar, a pediatrician and researcher at the Mayo Clinic’s Children’s Research Center.

“Because kids with ADHD don’t have impulse control, it may also play a role in this.”

Children with ADHD often struggle with sleep issues, which can also contribute to weight gain.

Environmental factors may be affecting kids with ADHD, and girls with ADHD may be more likely to be obese. Two recent studies are hoping to shed some light on the topic. 1 2 3 4

And although girls with ADHD aren’t destined to be obese, doctors definitely recommend that parents and physicians monitor their child’s eating habits and make sure they get regular exercise, both of which are healthy habits to begin during the adolescent years anyway— whether your child has ADHD

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If your child had diabetes or allergies, you would tend to those specific needs. In the same way, your child with ADHD has certain needs. Try not to be discouraged when you receive negative feedback about your child whether it’s from teachers, kids or other parents. Just keep working with your child and his or her teachers and doctors.

USE DISCIPLINE AND PUNISHMENT CORRECTLY. Discipline and punishment are two terms that often get confused. Discipline is positive training used to teach children how to behave by explaining wrong behavior and ways to behave better in the future. Punishment demonstrates the consequences of bad behavior and should be used as a last resort—like when your child refuses to listen or obey.

FOCUS ON POSITIVE BEHAVIOR. Train yourself to look for your child’s positive behavior. Praising your child when they behave well will reinforce the way you desire him or her to act.

Only The Nose Knows

Between you change cashier who decided wipe nose

What’s The Difference?

The virus that causes a cold is contagious. People can pass the virus from one person to another by simply shaking hands or touching germy objects. However, if it’s just the common cold, our immune system will usually do its job and our symptoms will subside in a week or so. Allergies are quite the opposite. Not contagious at all, allergies are caused by an overactive immune system that mistakes harmless specific allergens, such as pollen, mold, pet dander or dust, as a threat but can cause many of the same symptoms as a cold.

So how do you know which it is? HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO LOOK FOR.

Longevity

Cold: It usually comes and then goes. Fortunately, a cold should only last about three to 14 days before clearing up—nothing a nap and a little chicken noodle soup can’t handle.

Allergy: As long as you are in contact with your allergen, your symptoms will persist. Pollen, dust and pet dander can trigger a runny nose, itchy eyes or a sore throat.

Timeframe

Cold: Symptoms usually kick in a few days after coming in contact with the virus. No matter how directly you come in contact with the cold virus, symptoms will almost never appear the same day. Allergy: Symptoms will usually begin soon after you come in contact with your allergy triggers.

Season

Cold: It’s true that you can get a cold anytime of year, however winter is the perfect breeding time for the common cold. When it’s cold outside, we usually stay indoors where air is recycled and we’re in close quarters with other people—and their viruses. Allergy: Depending on your triggers and what’s currently in your environment, an allergy attack can happen anytime. Some triggers, such as pollen, however, are seasonal. For some people, spring is infamous for allergies. When the grains in flowers, trees and grass are released into the air for the purpose of fertilizing other plants, the immune system is sent into overdrive.