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Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder
Part Two
By Dr. William Sears
verts brain waves into game-like displays, such as a fish moving through a maze, puzzle pieces fitting together, or colorful images. The child's attentiveness controls what happens on the screen. If the child's mind wanders, as it does when he spaces out in the class, the colors on the monitor change or the action stops. The better he holds his attention, the better feedback he gets on the computer screen, and it's fun. Neurofeedback is like a workout for the wandering mind. The child learns to exercise pathways of the brain that control attention. The cost of neurofeedback is about the same as professional tutoring. It is expensive, with weekly or bi-weekly sessions over a 6-month to a year period running anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. There are neurofeedback training centers in all major cities.
5. Medications. Remember, as I have said before, medications should be used in addition to the total management plan, not instead of it. As a pediatrician and father, I am concerned that each day several million American children go to school under the influence of mind-changing medications. Drugs should not be given with the attitude that they will control the child, but rather that the drug will help the child control himself. Stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin, are thought to work by stimulating the secretion of neurotransmitters, especially the neurotransmitters involving learning and behavior control centers, so that the child can pay appropriate attention and control inappropriate behavior. The working centers of the brain function it is to inhibit impulsive behavior. Think of stimulants as acting like a zoom lens that helps the child know his focus from general arousal to the task at hand. If your child does need medication, be sure to reinforce the fact that the child did it, not the pill, when the child succeeds. When I prescribe Ritalin, I call it "the focus pill." Be sure your child realizes that the pill is just to help him focus and to help the behavior and school managemnt strategies sink in. ADD children tend to be smart. They feel "If nothing is wrong with me, why do I have to go to the doctor every month to get pills?" and "Why do I have to stand in line for my pill at the school nurse's office while all my friends are on the playground?" They may feel that they are bad, dumb or sick. With the help of your doctor or ADD counselor, be sure to clear up these misconceptions. Be sure to frame your child in a positive light. Children with ADD are constantly bombarded with negative terms, so it's up to you to become your child's advocate. If a person showers negatives on your child, such as "He's so disruptive," respond with "Yes, he's so enthusiastic." If a persons says, "She sure is hyperactive," respond with "Yes, she's very interested in everything."
Always keep in mind that ADD is a difference
Want to see more?
- If you suspect your child might have ADD, or if you want to work out an individual management plan, check out The ADD Book, by Dr. William Sears and Lynda Thompson.
- Help! My 8-year-old daughter has major behavior problems. What can I do?
- How can I work with my son's teacher to keep him from acting out at school?
- Back to part one
