| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly | | | | behaviors relating to certain circumstances. Many |
| known as ADHD, is estimated by the US Surgeon | | | | times it will take more than 6 months of monitoring |
| General to occur in 3-5% of school children. This | | | | the behavior of the child in different settings to |
| disorder can be recognized by inattention, | | | | determine and diagnose the actual symptoms. |
| impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Many symptoms | | | | Clinical Studies have shown that the best long term |
| become apparent by the time a child reaches | | | | treatment for ADHD should combine behavioral |
| preschool age and is more readily recognized after | | | | therapy and medication. Since there is no single |
| they are attending school. | | | | universal treatment, parents should also take into |
| ADHD in children is classified into three different | | | | consideration alternative therapies (natural allergy |
| categories. These are:oInattentive - It is difficult for | | | | elimination) as well as natural remedies and dietary |
| the child to focus.oHyperactive or Impulsive - The | | | | changes. Many natural remedies for attention deficit |
| child is impulsive or needs to be doing something but | | | | disorder are becoming popular and successful in many |
| can pay attention.oCombined type - This child will | | | | cases. |
| show all three forms of ADHD; impulsive, inattention | | | | Parents and teachers should keep in mind that |
| along with hyperactivity. | | | | children showing symptoms of this disorder should |
| There are conflicting studies and speculation regarding | | | | use patience and kindness since many times it is |
| the causes of the attention disorder, however there | | | | beyond the control of the child. Setting guidelines and |
| are many reports that have shown a relationship with | | | | using a reward system at home and school can put a |
| certain foods can cause these symptoms. These are | | | | child at ease and on the right track. Limiting various |
| similar to an allergy but not in the most common | | | | activities that don't allow the child to use their natural |
| form. However, the symptoms can be seen as a | | | | thinking and imagine can prove useful. Teachers and |
| certain set of behavior traits. The child will squirm and | | | | health care providers have found that by encouraging |
| fidget a lot, they are in constant motion, easily | | | | a child to play with imaginative toys like legos, building |
| distracted, and do not finish their tasks. They will | | | | sets, and imaginary play, will improve their outlook, |
| interrupt others and have difficulty playing quietly and | | | | and encourage them to focus and use their minds |
| will often times talk excessively. | | | | effectively. |
| To properly identify the condition in children below | | | | Monitoring the symptoms in various settings, |
| the age of five years, you should seek the advice of | | | | controlling diet through the elimination of certain |
| your pediatrician to test and diagnose through a | | | | foods and encouraging the use of imaginative toys |
| series of steps that can be outlined by the doctor. | | | | and outside play, will over a period of time help in |
| Many times outside sources will be contacted for | | | | alleviating the painful signs of attention deficit |
| assessment purposes to identify triggers or | | | | syndrome. |