Our Exceptional Kids Blog

ODD - next book review - 10 days to a less defiant child

Rachel — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:16:35 +0000

Hi everyone

I have decided to buy the following book and see if it works for me and my family.

The book for today is written by Dr Jeffrey Bernstein PHD. It is called 10 days to a less defiant child - the breakthrough program for overcoming your childs difficult behaviour. The writer is Dr Jeffrey Bernstein - he has appeared on the Today show and has written other highly acclaimed books aimed at parenting.

This book is aimed at parents of children with oppositional defiant disorder - but to be honest I think it would help all parents. If you read the comments on Amazon, you will see that, as with all of these types of books, parents must review their own behaviour and made adjustments to that before starting on their child.

Lots of the reviews are saying that you can see the results in three days or less - well I will let you know how it goes in our house. At the moment, I am very surprised our neighbours havent called in the noise police given the number of shouting matches over this half term and weekend.

Anyway will read up and let you know my view. But, if you want to check out the 33 favourable reviews this book has received on Amazon just click the picture.

In the meantime, please check out the recent additions to our blog at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com or our site at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com

10 Days to a Less Defiant Child: The Breakthrough Program for Overcoming Your Child’s Difficult Behavior

’til next time.

All the best

Rach

ADHD diagnosed? Where do parents like me find help?

Rachel — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:49:59 +0000

As a mother of a child who has been “labelled” as having ADHD, I am surprised by the amount of downright contradictory information on this illness. One specialist told me that diet would have no impact on my son, another said to change his diet completely whilst another suggested I just accept facts and put him on Ritalin.
The more I read on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the more confused I become! I am quite intelligent – although one of my son’s specialists did tell me that my son had inherited ADHD from me. He was able to “diagnose” me after speaking to me for ten minutes. I read a lot and perhaps I do have problems focusing some of the time but then who doesn’t? I am certainly not going to start taking drugs to “cure” this and if I am not prepared to be drugged, then why would I allow my four year old son to be.
Please don’t misunderstand me – I believe that some, but only a few, children and adults can benefit from taking medications such as Ritalin, Metadate etc. I believe that if parents have investigated this illness and their child has been properly assessed and diagnosed i.e. other conditions which can mimic the symptoms of ADHD are investigated and discounted, then perhaps their child will benefit from these drugs. However, as a parent of a child diagnosed with ADHD, I would be concerned that whilst the short term studies have shown that these medicines are possibly safe – what are the long term studies going to show?
So what help is available for parents whose child has been “diagnosed” as having ADHD by their child’s school or the other mothers at the school gates? Well, I would suggest that we all apply some good old fashioned sense to this situation. Please remember that I am not being judgemental – I am coming from the same position – I was devastated, at first, when my son was “diagnosed” with ADHD. But now I am more educated on the subject although I would never consider myself an expert. But with the experts constantly contradicting each other – I am rather glad I am not one.
All kids need their parents time – may sound obvious but how many of us are rushing around so fast in this crazy world that we only ever stop to punish our kids – i.e. we only speak to them to say stop doing that, why cant you go and play etc. Countless studies have shown that children can have all the toys and gadgets in the world but they are happier if their parents play games with them.
In the old days, kids could run free outside – parents were happy to let their children run off adventuring with their friends. Now, children don’t have that benefit. Children, in particular boys, need to burn off their excess energy. It is a fact of life, that unlike our parents who grew up in an era of food rationing and shortages, children today are in the main very well nourished. So what do you get when you combine well nourished children with no freedom to run off the energy that nourishment provides? Could they perhaps show signs of aggression, hyperactivity, lack the ability to concentrate – the list of symptoms are endless. Funnily enough these symptoms can be used to diagnose ADHD.
Children need a lot of time, consistent discipline and healthy diets. But they also need to “run” off their energy. They need the freedom to be children, to climb trees and run around – children need to play. Most children go through phases but I think parents of boys in particular would recognise that a lot of boys experience a rush of testosterone between the ages of 5 and 8. During this period, they can become unruly and difficult to manage – so they need an out for this hormone. In the old days, they would have run riot around the streets or farms and burnt off the excess. Today, they are expected to sit still and concentrate – either at school or at home. So many schools do not have the staff or sport facilities required – so many homes do not have big gardens and so many areas do not have adequate children’s facilities such as playgrounds and free well maintained adventure parks. Generally speaking, girls can sit still and concentrate for longer periods than boys – but given a chance to burn off some energy these same boys appear to be able to concentrate better on their lessons and are easier to manage.
So is it any surprise that more boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls or that the number of diagnosed ADHD cases is rising? Surely it makes sense to put some funds into developing free safe well maintained child facilities and playgrounds, reducing the number of children in the classes at school and ensuring that all schools have the proper facilities i.e. a wide range of sports and leisure activities. Common sense dictates that we, as a society, should be pushing for these changes rather than spending millions and millions on drugs to dope up our kids!

Please help me help others by visiting our website at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com

Modern Society and ADHD

Rachel — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:31:31 +0000

Is ADHD a sign/symptom of modern society? Listening to, or reading media items, you might begin to think it was. The first documented case of what we now call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed over 100 years ago.
A Dr Hoffman wrote a poem in 1845 called Fidgety Philip for his son. If read today that poem describes the behaviour most parents would relate to a “typical” ADHD child.
Dr Stills, a Paediatrician based in London used the label “Defect of Moral Control” to describe the behaviour of hyperactive children in 1902.
Shortly before the Second World War, physicians started treating children with the symptoms of ADHD with amphetamines. Amphetamines were thought to reduce the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity commonly found with this condition.
The American Psychiatric Association first published papers, the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in the 1950’s. They were republished in 1968 when a condition resembling ADHD was first mentioned. This condition was named Attention Deficit Disorder in the revised 1980 edition. In the 1987 edition, it was renamed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The definition was changed again in the fourth and most recent edition published in 1994.
Can you imagine how much money has been spent on investigating this condition? In the period of 100 years from Dr Still’s observations, ADHD has been described or blamed on:
1. Behaviour that was biological in nature
2. Linked to brain damage
3. Then it was all down to the food, the environment and the parenting.
It would now appear that attention deficit disorder may be linked to all three i.e. it is biological in nature (possibly genetic). There is a difference in the brain activity of a child diagnosed with ADHD and others (although it is not seen as brain damage). Finally, there is a very vocal school of thought that blames food additives and the environment. I, for one, believe that my son’s diet contributed to his behaviour problems – I blame the 100% pure apple juice!
Thankfully now modern society has begun to realise that ADHD, ADD or whatever the next new name will be is a complex condition which is very difficult to diagnose – well at least diagnose correctly. There is so much rumour, controversy and downright speculation regarding this condition that parents and medical professionals can find it difficult to get proper assistance and information.
ADHD is not a symptom of modern society but an ongoing medical condition which needs further help and resources to find and promote a definitive diagnosis procedure, treatment and ultimately a cure.

For more information please visit our site at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com

ODD – Is it not just another name for badly behaved children?

Rachel — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:37:53 +0000

Yet another trendy term has appeared on the list of childhood disorders. Certain children who are continually defiant and openly hostile towards any figure in authority can be diagnosed with ODD.

But how do you know whether your child has Oppositional Defiant Disorder or is not just naughty? If only it were as simple as having the child undergo a blood test or a brain scan. There are no such tests for this condition - children suspected as having this condition need to be evaluated by a trained professional. The professionals will conduct a series of observations and will make their diagnosis on the outcome of these tests as well as information collected from the parents and teachers.

All parents find parenting difficult at times. Children are a blessing but there is a reason that they begin as cute little babies. If they arrived as toddlers, families would be smaller and the human race may be in danger of extinction! Add a child suffering from an illness such as ODD to the mix and we have the beginnings of a true nightmare. Parents of children suffering from this disorder need help and extra training – not because they are lacking in parental skills but because family life can resemble a war zone most of the time. These children would test the patience of a Saint never mind the normal parent. But the relationship between a child and their parents is crucial to the child’s happiness in later life. It is easier for a parent to deal with the affected child if they themselves have received proper training.

The coaching for parents is similar to that of other parenting classes. The parents are encouraged to learn to praise children when they exhibit flexibility and cooperate with them. In other words, you need to find your child being “good”. In between arguments, develop a habit of taking time out to assess yourself and your point of view. Try letting your child win a couple of battles – just make sure you win the War!

Eventually, you may find that the child will begin to copy your approach. A significant breakthrough occurs when a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder asks or takes time out to consider their own actions.

Parents should try and make sure that they get sufficient “me” and “us” time. A well nourished, well rested parent has a better chance of staying patient with a demanding child. But it is also important not to forget the relationship between the parents. Having children tends to mean less time and energy for the original relationship but having difficult or ill children means even less relationship time. Try to arrange for a trusted babysitter at least twice a month to allow you both time to enjoy each other’s company and rediscover why you got together.

Positive parenting plays a big role in helping children with ODD. Children learn by example although as a parent I sometimes wonder why my kids only follow my bad examples!

Treatment for ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)

Sheryl — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:52:40 +0000

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
http://EzineArticles.com/?Treatment-for-ODD-(Oppositional-Defiant-Disorder)&id=1150906

Asperger Syndrome Behavior

Sheryl — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:50:28 +0000

Children and adults with Asperger Syndrome are all different and it would be quite difficult to find two alike. They symptoms from one person to another will vary with some people have quite severe symptoms and showing all the symptoms, while other people will only have a few symptoms and those may be quite mild. Because of the large variance of symptoms from one person to another it is difficult to define the Asperger Syndrome Behavior.

The behavior of children with Aspergers may seem quite odd at times or even a bit eccentric. In general, people with Aspergers syndrome tend to be lacking social skills and communication skills which may make their behavior seem a little odd or even naughty even though this is not their intention.

Some differences in behavior with an Aspergers child from a normal child may be:

Appear Insensitive

Aspergers children will sometimes appear quite insensitive of other people’s feelings. They don’t mean to be insensitive but they lack the social skills to have or show empathy to others. They will often seem uninterested in the interests of others also and will only be interested in their own experiences or interests which may also make them seem to be insensitive to other people’s needs.

Appear aloof or snobby

This is a big misconception with Aspergers people that they sometimes appear aloof or snobby. They are not at all snobby or aloof but rather lack the social skills to join in with group discussions or activities. They will usually sit back and remain quiet or even just watch rather than join in until they are asked or invited. It is not that they don’t want to join in it is just that they are unsure and don’t really know how.

Aggressiveness

Children with Aspergers may become aggressive which is usually due to them not being able to handle the stress in their lives. Aspergers children are quite bright and therefore will usually know that there is something different about them. This can be quite stressful for them as they just don’t know how to change these things even though they want to. If this stress builds up over time they can become more and more aggressive. This is why it is important to put strategies into place and also to teach your child social skills to try and make it less stressful for them.

Conclusion

Asperger syndrome behavior does not have to rule a persons life but with the right treatments and strategies they can learn to deal with these behaviors. Many people with Aspergers will grow up and lead reasonably normal lives and you will give your child the best chance at a normal life by being dedicated to helping them deal with their disorder.

If you have a child with Aspergers it is extremely important that you learn as much as you can about the disorder and set up the appropriate strategies and treatments for your child. If you are serious about helping your Aspergers child visit Essential Guide To Aspergers

Or visit our website Our Exceptional Kids and get your free copy of our report that covers Aspergers, Autism and ADHD.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheryl_L_Polomka
http://EzineArticles.com/?Asperger-Syndrome-Behavior&id=1182366

Welcome To Our Exceptional Kids Blog

Sheryl — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:42:27 +0000

Welcome to our blog - again. Rachel and I started this blog a few weeks ago but due to a technical error we lost our data and are now starting over. So, once again I welcome you to our blog and we hope that you come back and visit often.

Rachel and I are both mothers of special needs children and we know how difficult it can be raising a child that, although looks perfectly normal, does have some issues to deal with. We know how the behavior of a special needs child can often be mistaken as just ‘being naughty’ due to the fact that they don’t have any physically obvious looks of any medical problem.

In fact, I myself at first thought that my son was just going through a stage of bad behavior and I waited for him to outgrow it. It wasn’t until this behavior increasingly got worse over a few years to the stage that we then knew it was not just normal ‘being naughty’ behavior.

Sometimes it isn’t easy getting your child diagnosed when they don’t have all the obvious symptoms and the whole diagnosis process can be very frustrating. These are just some of the reasons that Rachel and I got together to create our site at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com and this blog, so that we could share our experiences and our knowledge and so our visitors could read ‘real’ information from mothers who have lived it.

So we hope that you do gain some help from our site and blog and please feel free to leave us comments here on the blog. If there is anything that you would like to see included in our site or blog or even if you would like to tell us your story and we could publish it on our blog, then please leave a message in our comments.

If you haven’t already done so then have a look at our site http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com

Take care
Sheryl