Have you ever asked your six-year-old to go brush her teeth at bedtime only to find her, 20 minutes later, playing with the dog, teeth still not brushed? Does your third-grader sit to do homework then seconds later jump up for some juice, a trip to the bathroom and a stop off in his bedroom to flip through his YuGiOh cards? In all likelihood, these are very "normal" behaviors. From time to time, all elementary-age children forget directions and can have difficulty paying attention. However, if these behaviors are more the norm than the exception, they might signal a problem.
The American Psychiatric Association estimates that between three and five percent of school-age children have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD.) AD/HD is a neurobiological condition (one that affects the way the brain works) and, in most cases, is inherited.

Children with AD/HD exhibit various combinations (though not necessarily all) of the following traits:

• An inability to get focused or stay focused on a task or activity.
• Hyperactivity/impulsiveness - many children with AD/HD are very active and often act without thinking. This
  characteristic is more often present in boys with AD/HD.
• Difficulty controlling their tempers.
• Social immaturity/lack of ability to make friends.
• Difficulty adjusting to change.
• Learning difficulties.
• A low tolerance for frustration.
• A lack of self-esteem.
• Poor eating or sleeping habits.
• In some children, serious defiance or rebelliousness.

My child has some/all of these characteristics. How do I know if it's AD/HD?

Dr. Barbara Zimmerman, behavior specialist and author of Why Can't They Just Behave: A Guide to Managing Student Behavior Disorders, says that children with AD/HD frequently forget directions and can have difficulty paying attention in a variety of settings. For children with AD/HD, these behaviors make life more difficult and can interfere with learning.

Generally, symptoms of AD/HD begin before children are seven years old and last for six months or longer. However, just because a child shows some signs of AD/HD doesn't necessarily mean he/she has the condition.
Currently, there are no medical screening tests to diagnose AD/HD. A diagnosis is based on information from families, school professionals like classroom teachers, the nurse and social worker; by analyzing a child's developmental history; and results from a series of formal evaluations.

If you think your child might have AD/HD, it is important to carefully observe his/her behavior over a period of time. In families where children spend their time between two households, it is important that both parents pay careful attention to how their child behaves while with them. When observing your child, it can be helpful to write down what you've seen. Noting other factors that might be negatively affecting your child's behavior, like a death in the family, a separation or divorce can provide a more complete picture.

Some things to look for:

How does my child behave during activities when he/she should be paying attention like homework, chores or reading?

How does my child react when he/she should be sitting still for a while, such as during family meals?

Does my child think before acting? How does he/she handle dangerous situations like crossing the street, or when frustrated?

How do my child's surroundings change or affect behavior?

Talk with adults like teachers, scout leaders and coaches who work with your child in structured activities and can report on how your child plays and interacts with other children. Relatives and neighbors who spend time with your child can also provide important feedback.

How is my child doing in school? Talk with your child's teacher(s) about how things are going with his/her schoolwork and interactions with classmates. Compare your child's behavior when studying a subject he enjoys versus those he/she finds less interesting or difficult.

"It is important for parents to know that a classification of AD/HD is not the end of the world," says Zimmerman. "Just as you would get your child eyeglasses if he had trouble seeing the chalkboard, getting children with AD/HD all the help they need as soon as possible is key."

Children with AD/HD often have difficulty mastering their behavior on their own. Instead, they need what Zimmerman calls a "toolbelt" of skills, such as practice with relaxation and/or extra help learning organizational techniques. In some cases, doctors may recommend medication to help children be more successful in school and life.

For permission to reprint this article, please contact the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service by e-mailing dbushsuf@gw.neric.org.

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