| Hi our names are Chris and Joanne, we are both mothers of special needs children. Our sons have both been diagnosed as hyperactive attention deficit. As parents we have found out that it is a constant battle helping them through their daily progress so they can do well and to gain an edge to face today's demanding society. |
| We met here on the internet through a chat program and got to know a little about each other until one day we were talking while I was working on a web site through a message program we were both on and Chris mentioned her son's A.D.H.D. and I told her that I also had two sons with it also. Through our talk we decided to make this web page because the frustration we have been through when we tried to out out information about this disorder. We found the lack of information about the daily decision that have to be made to insure our children have what they need in their daily and future life. May it be education, counselling, guidance, therapy and so on. The lack of sites in the so called expert fields as tey never seem to know what the next person on the list accomplish or us or our children's needs. |
| So what we are trying to do here is to network some information, sites and places that can be a help to you and ourselves. We also hope to include a mailing address so that if you have some helpful hints on something that you are doing for your A.D.H.D child that maybe helpful for others. We the experts, we are the ones that are working each and every day with the child. We are the ones that are teaching these children what they need to know to get them through life the best they can. We are the ones that go beyond the limits of the parents of the normal child to have our child become productive in this society we live in today. |
| We are also including an email address where you can
sent tips of ways you are working with your child that can be helpful to other parents starting out with an A.D.H.D child or to those that have been at it for some time now. We all need the tricks of the trade as I call them and where is the best place to get them but from other parents that are going through the same thing as we are going through at the moment. And if you want to vent some frustration, ask a question go for it. We will try and find out the answer and get back to you. The tips will be added to the page as time goes on. |
| What is it? A behaviour disorder that affects learning. Sometimes called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Previously called minimal brain dysfunction, hyperkinesis and hyperactive-child syndrome. | Causes: Some researchers believe it stems from immature brain development owing to environmental and other factors. Others point to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine which controls attention. |
| Incidence: Affects between four and eight per cent of Canadians, usually males. Condition is usually iagnosed before age seven. | |
| Signs: Persistent fidgeting or squirming, talking excessively, running about or climbing on things in inappropriate settings, paying little attention to detail and making careless mistakes, not listening when spoken to, being easily distracted,failing to do or complete tasks, having difficulty organizing, avoiding tasks requiring mental effort or concentration, losing things. | Treatment: Includes behaviour modification, counselling and special education. Ritalin, a stimulant, is often prescribed, but has side-effects. Antidepressants are also used. Alternative approaches include supplements like essential fatty acids, music and pet therapy, eliminating food sensitivities, and improved family and school relations. |
| ** Sources: Reader's Digest Guide to Medical Cures and Treatments;
Dr. Gabor Mate. ** |
