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Does Your Out of Control Child Have Oppositional Defiant Disorder Causing Their Behaviour Problems?

July 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Al Jackson -

An out of control child or even worse, out of control children, can be a nightmare to parents. Despite all their best efforts and the use of many different parenting skills and techniques, the behaviour of an out of control child likely will not improve. This causes numerous arguments within the family, and a great deal of embarrassment outside in public, when their behaviour turns nasty and disrespectful. So what can you do?

Well, first of all, you have to realize that your child’s behaviour may be a recognized medical problem, called Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and if their behaviour has continued for more than six months, you should week the help of a recognized medical professional.

So what is Oppositional Defiant Disorder, thankfully shortened to ODD?

According to WebMD.com “ODD is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, hostile and annoying behaviour toward people in authority.” (webmd.com/mental-health/oppositional-defiant-disorder).

This is not to say that when your two year old has temper tantrums that this is a case of ODD. No, Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behaviour problem that has been present for at least six months. The temper tantrums and defiant behaviour of two year olds is generally over in a shorter time than this (thank goodness), but the behaviour patterns are the same: the throwing of temper tantrums repeatedly, the arguing with adults continually, the refusing to do as requested by parents or other adults, the outbursts of anger and spite, the language deterioration of swearing and using obscene language, very noticeable in teens with this disorder, the saying of hurtful things, and the blaming others for their mistakes.

When all this continues for over six months, you can understand why parents are at the end of their tether. They are simply overwhelmed with frustration that none of their methods in dealing with their child have brought relief. They feel guilty that their child behaves so badly, that they themselves are responsible for their child being this way, that their parenting skills are bad.

So, what causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Although the exact cause of ODD is not presently known, it is believed to be a combination of biological, genetic and environment factors, and there are some studies that indicate that defects in certain areas of the brain, or damage to these areas can lead to this serious condition.

ODD may occur in children of any age, and of course in adolescents.

What is even more disturbing is that these children with ODD often have other mental issues like ADHD, depression or learning disorders.

Furthermore, there are studies that indicate that it affect 20% of school-aged children, and that it is more common in boys than girls.

Obviously with these numbers you would hope that there is a solution, and although research has helped some improve their behaviour, there still needs to be a great deal more.

So where does this leave the parents of an Oppositional Defiant Disorder child? Well, first of all, they must realize that their child does have a recognized mental disorder, and that it is not their poor parenting skills that has caused the problems. And secondly, with this realization, and the support of the medical community, there is help available to parents to battle this. And of course, there are other techniques of dealing with these children, since they do not respond appropriately to the more normal techniques of dealing with poor and inappropriate behaviour. Get support from your medical community, both for yourself and your child, as there is information available to help you.

Now, I said earlier that the usual techniques for child control are not effective for all children, so what is? Just click on the following link, Help for My Out-of-Control Child and you will receive more information to help you with your child’s behaviour. Al Jackson is a former teacher and so is used to dealing with problems of the out of control child.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Jackson

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The Smart Parent’s Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder & Changing Behavior

July 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Laura Ramirez -

It is not unusual for a child to be difficult and challenging at age two but when bad behavior persists, it can be a sign of oppositional defiant disorder. This condition is characterized by a persistent pattern of disruptive behavior, tantrums and an argumentative stance towards authority figures. Statistics show that one in ten children are suffering or have suffered from oppositional defiant disorder at least once in their lifetime.

Oppositional defiant disorder treatment mainly involves behavioral modification therapy. In some cases, however, medications may also be prescribed when the condition is diagnosed as a mental health issue. There are many things that you can do to manage your child’s behavior and there are also a lot of people who can help. Doctors, child development experts and health care professionals can provide with strategies to address the issue.

Symptoms

For the most part, it’s difficult to recognize the difference between a child who has oppositional defiant disorder and one that is just naturally emotional or strong-willed. Independence-seeking behavior is normal for children throughout their development, particularly when they are two and then again during the teen years. One way to find out if you’re looking at a real disorder is by observing the frequency of the negative behaviors. If the child’s difficult behavior is persistent, that is, it lasts for six months or longer and if he is already causing disruptions at home or in school, you may need to find a treatment that will work for your family.

A child has oppositional defiant disorder when he consistently defies authority figures; he disobeys rules, has frequent temper tantrums, and is easily annoyed. He may also have a tendency to do badly in school, blame others for his misbehavior, and be argumentative with the adults around him.

Cause

There really is no definite cause for oppositional defiant disorder which goes to show that it can happen in any family. Experts, however, have come up with certain factors that may contribute to this condition. For instance, parenting style can adversely affect child behavior. How you respond to your child’s negative behavior may increase his predisposition for this disorder later on. Some children tend to be argumentative or difficult when they think that they’re not getting enough time and attention from their parents. Family instability and other environmental conditions may also aggravate oppositional defiant disorder.

Treatment

Treatment usually entails a look into your current parenting methods. You will need to work on certain parenting skills that will help your child improve his behavior without alienating him.

A good way to start with oppositional defiant disorder treatment is by practicing patience and learning how to remain calm especially when confronted with a situation that would normally trigger a temper tantrum. The thing with oppositional defiant disorder is that negative behavior is aggravated when you confront the child head-on about his behavior. At some point, you’ll have to learn how to compromise, establishing choices so your child feels that he still has some control over what he does. You will also need to be consistent with how you handle negative behavior, making sure that timeouts and other consequences of poor actions are those that last for a limited period so they are easier to reinforce.

While it’s a good idea to consult your family doctor or a counselor about handling this disorder, for some families it may be better to get an at-home behavioral modification program designed specifically for oppositional defiant disorder. These programs teach parents effective skills so they can better manage their children and help them to make permanent changes in their behavior. With a good behavioral program, both you and your child will get to learn something which will deepen your bond.

Office visits to a therapist are not for everyone. While some families appreciate the personal care, others prefer not to have strangers probing the intricacies of their private lives. Others get tired of trying to drag reluctant kids to the therapist’s office.

Whichever treatment course you take, remember that oppositional defiant disorder is just an obstacle and selecting a good behavioral modification program will help you overcome this parenting challenge.

Laura Ramirez offers articles and reviews of tools and resources for parents on her web site, including Total Transformation review, which is a unique at-home behavioral modification program.

Ms. Ramirez is the author of the award-winning parenting book, “Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting.” She is a parenting educator and keynote speaker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Ramirez

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How to Explain Your Bipolar Disorder to Children

July 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Madeleine Kelly -

A parent’s bipolar disorder can be frightening and overwhelming to children, who are often left to figure out for themselves how to cope with their scary parent.

Parents who have bipolar disorder typically worry about the effect of the illness on their kids, but there is little information available about how to reduce the impact.

It’s doubly difficult because bipolar disorder is an inherent, built-in part of you as the child’s parent.

Here are some ways we can help children cope with our bipolar disorder and grow up normally.

Drip-feed      information in small dollops on demand. Keep updating your explanation as      the years go by and the children’s understanding increases, as you may do      with sex education.

Answer      questions openly in a way that invites further questions. Answer the      question and do it truthfully,      fully and honestly. Then be prepared to answer any follow-up questions.      Eventually you will get a look that says ‘enough info for now, thanks.’ Let      the child determine the end of the conversation.

Avoid      lectures, where you talk and the child listens. Use everyday occurrences      as opportunities to make brief comments on the run. This technique reduces      bipolar disorder to a normal everyday matter-of-fact thing.

Give      bipolar a nickname. In my workshops for bipolar sufferers and their supporters I      run a fun exercise where we all think of a nickname for our bipolar      disorder. Calling it ‘Bertha’ or ‘Gerry’ allows us to separate ourselves      from our ill-selves, and even laugh at it. That’s an important activity      for children, too. Find out from your child if they have a nickname for      it, or encourage them to think of one. Ask them to tell you or another trusted adult  when they see Bertha or      Gerry arrive!

Have      fun with your children: plain, no-cost play time together.  Tell the children their job is to have fun, and not to be concerned about you.

Expect      to have to change. As children grow and their capacity for understanding increases, they will tend to make requests of you.  Negotiate this as you would with an adult, and if you can make a change in your behavior, try to do so.

Set aside      your own embarrassment or shame so you can talk frankly about your      behavior when you are ill. The easiest way to do this is with the      nickname: you can say ‘It wasn’t me, Bertha did it,!’ After all, when you      were ill you were ‘not yourself’. (That is not to say you’re not responsible      for doing your best to stay well!)

Apologies      for your behavior when ill are not necessary. Instead, say you wish it      hadn’t happened, and focus on what the child observed and felt during that      time.

Allow      the children to see the best of you. Children do what parents do, not necessarily      what they say. You have to agree that sometimes bipolar behavior is not the      type of role model you want for your kids. You can model responsibility, healthy      self-criticism, admitting your own shortcomings, determination to live      well, and refusal to admit defeat. From your example, your children will      learn how to overcome setbacks in their own lives.

Finally,      if your bipolar is causing you to act as a parent in ways that you do not      approve of then seek assistance from professionals who understand and      accept bipolar as an entity. Your doctor or psychiatrist, for example,      rather than social workers and psychologists who may not be educated about      mental illness.

We all want the best for our children, but it’s important to recognize that all children are impacted upon by events beyond their parents’ control. Don’t waste time grieving about something you can’t change – just enjoy your children while they grow.

Madeleine Kelly is the award-winning author of Bipolar and the Art of Roller-coaster Riding available at http://beatbipolar.com She has written The Rainbow Angels, a story helping to explain bipolar disorder to children, available at http://twotreesmedia.com/explain_bipolar_to_children.htm

More information about parenting with bipolar disorder can be found at http://twotreesmedia.com/parents_with_bipolar.htm

(c) Madeleine Kelly. All rights reserved world-wide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeleine_Kelly

Filed Under: Anger Mgt., Bipolar Disorder, ODD Tagged With:

Treatment for ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)

July 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Sheryl L Polomka -

Treatment for your child will be determined by their physician or psychiatrist who will consider such things as:

•    The age of the child

•    The general health of the child as well as their medical history

•    Just how bad your child’s symptoms are

•    Which treatment they think your child may respond to well

•    Your opinion

The possible treatments that may be available for children with oppositional defiant disorder include:

•    Cognitive behavior therapy and psychotherapy.  These therapies may help to improve a child’s problem solving, communication skills, anger management and impulse control.

•    Some family therapy may be required with the aim to make some changes within the family structure and routines.  Sometimes an increase in family interactions can help a child’s ODD symptoms and it can also be beneficial for the whole family to improve their communication skills.  It is easy to lose control when you are a parent of a child that is constantly naughty and so family therapy can teach you new ways to deal with the child and ways to cope as a parent of a child with ODD.

•    Your child may need some group therapy so that they can learn or improve their social and interpersonal skills.

•    Medication is usually not very effective for oppositional defiant disorder itself, however if your child has ODD in co-existance with another disorder then medication could be suggested.  Medications do have side effects so only use them as a last resort.

•    Natural therapies are an option as often the cause of the child’s behavior problems could be an underlying problem such as leaky gut syndrome or a food intolerance.  Often if these are taken care of there will be an incredible improvement in the child’s behavior.

The number of behavior disorders being diagnosed in children is definitely increasing over recent years and it is possible that this could be due to all the additives and preservatives that are including in the ingredients of most foods that we eat.  It can be hugely beneficial to your child to have a healthy diet and to try and avoid as many additives and preservatives as possible.

Sheryl Polomka is a mother of an eight year old boy with Aspergers syndrome and ODD.  She has now devoted a website to child behavior disorders which you can visit at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com

To read one of her articles about the symptoms of ODD Click Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheryl_L_Polomka

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ODD Behavior Or ADHD?

May 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Amy Nutt -

When loved ones are struggling with the world around them it’s difficult to know what to do, particularly if you cannot understand the source of their problems.

While understanding may not solve the issues, it can go a long way toward healing relationships and building a good foundation for treatment. Proper diagnosis and education on the facts of any behavioral disorder will drastically increase the chances of your loved one thriving rather than just surviving.

Two Disorders With Two Different Causes

Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are often confused because of symptoms that on the surface seem quite similar. Children, teenagers and adults all have the potential to suffer from ODD or ADHD, making their lives and the lives of their families much more difficult.

In order to fully grasp what issues your child or spouse might be facing you need to look at what behaviors their disorder compels them to act upon and what motivates them initially.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Everyone at some point in their lives has experienced what are called “oppositional feelings”. Moments where you really don’t care about the consequences of your actions, you just want to argue with someone in a position of authority. Maybe it was during your rebellious teen years or maybe at some other point in time, but you were angry, negative, generally feeling hostile and wanting to ‘take it out’ on the entire world.

This is how someone with ODD feels almost all the time.

Moody and argumentative, children and adults suffering from ODD will throw temper tantrums on a consistent basis, refuse to follow rules, blame others for their mistakes, act aggressive, spiteful and vindictive, will annoy peers deliberately, will argue with anyone in a position of authority, are touchy and will often use foul language. Due to these outbursts and negative behaviors people with ODD usually have few or no friends.

Anyone suffering from ODD is distressed and in need of help, just as those who are dealing with the consequences of these extremely disruptive behaviors, need professional help and guidance to cope.

The symptoms of ODD do NOT respond to medication – if there are other underlying disorders these may be treated pharmacologically. Instead physicians generally prescribe Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Training Programs.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In contrast to ODD, children and adults suffering from ADHD are generally not angry but frustrated by information overload. ADHD sufferers want to be good students or employees; they want to follow directions and feel very bad if they find themselves in trouble with others. Unfortunately they are often in trouble because of impulsive behavior, inattention or hyperactivity.

ADHD affects the way the brain receives and interprets information and stimulus from the outside world. Thoughts, images, sights, sounds and smells race through the mind at lightning speed and overwhelm the ADHD sufferer. Unable to focus on any one specific thing it leads to disorganization, time-management problems, procrastination and inattention. Hyperactivity and impulse control problems also affect some ADHDers and cause them to struggle in school and work situations. Those who are overwhelmed with ADHD shut down emotionally from time to time. Many ADHDers have been accused of laziness because of their physical need for downtime. [http://www.drsvec.com]ADHD can be treated with medication. Physicians often prescribe a stimulant medication to help the brain focus while patients learn skills to combat behavioral problems.

Despite their issues ADHDers are usually happy, show empathy, remorse and get along well with peers and younger people.

Proper diagnosis of your loved ones behavioral disorder is the only way to receive proper care.

The Dr. Svec Institute provides psychological services for adults and children including the assessment of ADD, ADHD, work stress consultation, and pain management. When doing research on ADD or ADHD, consider the Dr. Svec Institute of Psychological Services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

Filed Under: ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, ODD Tagged With: ,

Does Your Child Have Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

April 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Sheryl L Polomka -

Anyone that is a parent will tell you that all children are oppositional from time to time and in particular when they are hungry, upset or tired.  All children will at some time argue, disobey and be defiant so in a sense oppositional behaviour is in fact a normal part of childhood development. It becomes a bit more than that though if your child is constantly uncooperative and their behavior is constantly defiant and as a parent you know that it is beyond just the normal ‘naughtiness’.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is quite common and in children that have ODD the pattern of being uncooperative, defiant and hostile is an ongoing problem and will interfered with the general daily functions of the child.

Children with ODD can, but not always, also have other disorders such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Aspergers Syndrome, Anxiety Disorder or other learning disabilities so it is important to have your child assessed by a professional so any other disorder may also be worked upon.

The symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder may include:

•    Excessive arguing with parents or other adults

•    Constantly annoying or upsetting people deliberately

•    Frequent temper tantrums

•    Frequent refusal to obey rules and adult requests

•    Not taking responsibility for their behavior and always blaming others

•    May be easily annoyed and very touchy

•    May talk very nastily and hatefully when they are upset

•    Will seek revenge and need to have the final say

•    May display frequent anger and resentment

The symptoms may be seen in any environment but are most likely to be displayed in their home environment or a place where they feel most comfortable to display their emotions.

As a Mother I didn’t want to read too much technical information about ODD, I wanted to know about actual children who have this disorder and even from parents and how they cope with it.

So please come and visit our blog which will give you information on ODD as well as sharing our story of my 8 year old son with this disorder and how we as a family cope with it.  Visit our blog at http://www.my-beautiful-boy.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheryl_L_Polomka

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Effective Treatments For Oppositional Defiant Disorder

April 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Dr. Emily Kensington -

As a family therapist, I successfully treat children and teens with oppositional defiant disorder because children with aggressive or oppositional behaviors constitute one of the most difficult challenges for parents.

Such children typically display argumentativeness, outbursts, verbal threats and even physical violence.

To make matters worse for parents, their various ways of coping with such children are ineffectual. For example, parents who try to remedy the situation by means of scolding, shouting, threats and punishments often learn that such tactics are liable to make things worse.

On the other hand, when parents submit to the child’s demands this can create poor boundaries and dynamics which give increasing power to the children.

Is there an effective solution for families stuck in this miserable rut? You bet! And since the old way of dealing clearly isn’t working, what have you got to lose?

Why Your Current Parental Approach Is Not Working

When a child’s behavior escalates, such as shouting, threats, or tantrums, parents typically respond by giving in or trying to impose their authority. Unfortunately, these two kinds of behavior perpetuate continued escalation from the child.

For example, studies show that trying to impose your parental authority by force will only encourage the very behavior you are trying to eliminate. More importantly, hitting your child while you are angry simply teaches teaches them that it’s ok to act out in anger.

Studies show that this negative parental coping mechanism only encourages future adult violence, and is highly correlate with future prison incarceration. Violence is not an adult way of handling situations.

Similarly, when a parent always gives in to the child they transmit a message of weakness; they cannot cope with the child’s outbursts. The child then develops the security that he can get what he wants by threats, tantrums, and violence.

The Proven Solution For Oppositional Defiant Disorder

All children and teens need boundaries, particularly those with oppositional defiant disorder. Parents know this, of course, but they often tell me they don’t know where to begin or what to say.

In essence, parents need a manual for their children!

That’s where this easy program called The Total Transformation comes in. It was created by a family therapist, and no doubt you’ve seen it tv.

It shows parents dealing oppositional defiant disorder how to instantly stop arguments and replace them with healthy, respectful communication. In addition, it teaches the proper way to stop fighting and acting out, and how to provide age-appropriate consequences for children and teens who misbehave. And that’s just for starters.

It even offers scripts to help parents who are unsure what to say!

As a result, I have been recommending it to parents who, upon a six-month and one year clinical follow-up, report tremendous relief and gratitude for being able to develop a positive relationship with their children.

As a therapist, it’s a pleasure to witness parents being able to enjoy a rewarding relationship with their children which was impossible prior to using the program.

In conclusion, if you frequently argue with your child or have difficulty exercising control over their behavior, this program is a must.

Dr. Kensington is a family therapist. Learn more about the latest treatments for Oppositional Defiant Disorder here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Emily_Kensington

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What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder

April 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Margaret H. Amanda -

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioural disorder, more often than not established in upbringing that is considered by obstinate, rebellious, negativistic, short-tempered, and bothersome behaviours toward parents, peers, educators, and other influence figures. Kids and young people with ODD are supplementary stressful or upsetting to others than they are worried or disturbed themselves. At the same time as the reason of ODD is not recognized, there are two most important hypothesis obtainable to give explanation the growth of ODD. A developmental hypothesis suggests that the trouble start when kids are toddlers.

Kids and young people who expand ODD might have had a easier said than done time gaining knowledge to divide from their main affection figure and developing independent skills. The awful approach trait of ODD are viewed as a continuance of the usual developmental subject that were not sufficiently determined during the child years. Learning theory proposes, on the other hand, that the negativistic description of ODD are learned approached shimmering the effects of unenthusiastic strengthening methods worn by parents and authority figures. The use of unenthusiastic reinforces by parents is seen as mounting the speed and strength of oppositional behaviours in the child as it accomplishes the considered necessary attention, occasion, apprehension, and communication with parents or authority figures.

Most people who are affected by ODD are of course children and teenagers, and they affect more than 20% of the people in school ages. For the most part symptoms seen in kids and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder in addition happen at periods in brood devoid of this chaos, particularly approximately the ages of2 or 3, or throughout the adolescent years. A lot of kids, particularly when they are exhausted, starving, or distress, be inclined to refuse to comply, quarrel with parents, or challenge power. On the other hand, in kids and young people with oppositional defiant disorder, these indications happen more regularly and get in the way with knowledge, drill amendment, and, from time to time, with the child’s relations with others. Some of the more common symptoms would be really frequent temper tantrums, they tend to argue all the time for no reason, they do not comply with common sense orders and even do the exact opposite, they always question and they will go out of their way to annoy the people around them.

They also will blame other people for their behaviour, and tend to get into arguments very easily. They also are very angst, use coarse language, pick on the bad traits of people and will be very deliberate in their rudeness. So, these are some of the things you need to look out for when looking at ODD and when you do suspect that your child has this condition, you need to make an appointment with a doctor and then a psychologist. Proper therapy and sometimes, the administration of certain drugs will be able to turn things around within a matter of weeks, and for more serious cases, it can sometime take months.

MindMatters Psychology Practice provides child development support services for children and young adults. They also provide an Autism Test for children.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_H._Amanda

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Recognizing Attention Deficit Disorder

April 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Michael Russell -

Everyone has heard of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  It may even seem like everyone else’s children have it.  Studies show that between 3 and 5% of all children have ADD.  Putting that into perspective, in any given classroom there is probably at least one child that has ADD.  Children with ADD appear to be out of control.  They show signs of being unusually active.  They tend to function by impulse and without thinking.  They seem to not be able to pay attention for very long at all.  Usually their lack of attention comes last in the sequence.  It may take months for the child to demonstrate such abnormalities.  It is common for children with ADD to go undiagnosed because their behavior is written off as a discipline issue.  It is easy to believe it is related to discipline because the development of the symptoms is generally gradual.  A child that has historically been well behaved slowly becomes less in control, thus adults take the reasons in stride.  As difficult as it is to notice potential ADD, the issues may very well be a disciplinary problem.  One clue is if the child demonstrates all three traits; hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsiveness.  It is essential a professional make the diagnosis, because it is very possible the symptoms are not ADD.

Although ADD typically involves young and very young children, it does have a lesser history with teenagers and even adults.  In addition to the typical symptoms discussed above, teens and adults feel a need to always be busy doing something.  They tend to multi-task.  They feel guilty if they aren’t highly active.  Teens and adults tend to retain impulsiveness.  The resulting gratification they achieve from impulsive behavior is immediate, but short lived.

There are lots of possible causes of ADD.  Perhaps a previous brain injury is the source.  Maybe it is genetics, allergies, or even diet.

Many other medical concerns may accompany ADD, or they may be present in patients without ADD.  Some of these disorders are Tourette’s Syndrome, learning disability, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.

The treatment for ADD is determined on a case-by-case basis.  Each patient will respond effectively to a treatment program designed specifically for them, their specific degree of disorder and body chemistry.  Although each patient receives a treatment customized just for him or her, it is almost always a treatment of medication.  Other elements that might be a part of the treatment process are behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, skills training and support groups.  When the ADD patient becomes a teenager, even more special knowledge and perhaps addition training will most likely be needed.  The typical challenges facing teenagers are doubly difficult for the teen with ADD.  Teenage drivers are far too often involved in traffic crashes for a variety of reasons, mostly related to inexperience behind the wheel.  ADD teens are almost four times as likely to have a crash as a non-ADD teen.  The family may want to elongate the amount of time required of the new drivers before turning them out on their own.  The added experience as a driver (with supervision) may have significance in the long run for the ADD teen.  It may make a major difference with their self-confidence.

Parents and other family members may find it helpful to take part in specialized parenting training.  They may need to work with the child’s school to insure staff has appropriate knowledge of how to properly handle ADD children.

The first and best thing parents, family and friends can do to get ADD help is to get an education.  The Internet is full of informational sources.  The Internet has many forums and blogs that might be just the ticket.  Support groups are also abundant; and are an excellent form of face-to-face help.  Your family doctor should be able to provide you with any local sources.  An ADD specialist will provide you with information and training as a part of the treatment process.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to ADD

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Filed Under: ADD, ODD Tagged With:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

April 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Tanisha Peterson -

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a disorder that is being seen as common with children that have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD alone can be difficult to deal with as well, but along with ODD these two disorders together can be very stressful in dealing with a child with these disorders. First we will look at the symptoms of ODD:

* frequent temper tantrums
* excessive arguing with adults
* active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules
* deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
* blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
* often being touchy or easily annoyed by others
* frequent anger and resentment
* mean and hateful talking when upset
* seeking revenge

Five to fifteen percent of all school age children have ODD. The bad part about dealing with this disorder is that their is no medication that you can treat it with.

Symptoms of ADHD: Two parts to ADHD Hyperactivity and Impulsive

Hyperactivity

* Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
* Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
* Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very

restless).
* Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
* Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
* Often talks excessively.

Impulsive

* Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
* Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
* Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
* Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
* Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at

home).
* There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsive have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level. Depending on the severity of the disorder these conditions may seem uncontrollable.

With the help of medication for the ADHD and counseling on a regular basis these disorders can become controllable with the help of the following: http://addandadhd.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tanisha_Peterson

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