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Dr. Linda Classen, resident expert on ADD/ADHD tells us how to handle and overcoming attention problems — what are often called ADD and ADHD. She tells about the prevalence physical problems in the brain, how to deal with presenting problems as a parent or educator, and even her personal challenges. Widely respected and giving easy to understand information that is not as widely known as it should be.
What do you look for?
What can a teacher do?
How can we handle this as a challenge of education?
What do we do in terms of behavior modification?
When are drugs really what we should be considering?
How can we talk to professionals about this problem?
Is this a death knell?
Secrets to overcoming.
RESOURCES
Dr. Classen has retired, so we do not have a link to her practice.
to hear Dr. Schnorr’s comments on drugs for ADD/ADHD when they are needed, go to here.
to find Tom Schnorr, compounding pharmacist, go to Austin Compounding Pharmacy
Here is a link to info about diagnoses of ADD/ADH today. It has been an open secret that “no single test” means that doctors take up (or should take up) a variety of reports and make a determination. In many cases, busy doctors just respond to pressure by parents to provide meds. This is unethical, but appears to be reasonable and effective. Notice: just a little caffeine would improve your grades too. The problem is that meds for ADD/ADHD are controlled substances — for a reason. Many children / youth have complications including insufficient nutrition. Sometimes these med have been sold these meds on the “black market.” Today, other drugs are in the headlines, but these are still worthy of proper attention. Some youth, particularly young men, have discovered that plenty of working out and plenty of coffee have obviated the need for meds like “speed.”
MY ADVICE
I advocate going up the protocol, starting with removing possible harmful substances like red dye, other similar agents known to cause ADD/ADHD like symptoms and any allergens.
Then, be sure that the student has great nutrition, plenty of exercise, and a calm environment in which to study. Often looking out into a green garden works better than a study carell.
Talk with wellness professionals.
Use meds only as a last resort. Do not make them the rush-to-go-to. It was this very tendency that made the legislature outlaw teachers urging the parents to get medications for children. While it has been prohibited for some time, I still hear of instances. Better to fix the problem than to medicate it. Worst is to not understand the problem and torture or be tortured by it.
Finally, by way of encouragement, let me tell you that I know some highly successful adults who credit some of their success to ADD/ADHD. Maybe. Maybe they can handle fast pace. Or maybe it is just a ploy to get aware with rushing away. Anyway — they say they are ADD/ADHD — and they do have high level positions. Be encouraged.
