We have gotten off to a great start this year! Remember, if there are any new changes that your child is having difficulty with, please contact me at 770 578-7265.Our mass screening for Hearing and Vision will take place during the month of October. First and fourth grade students will participate in the mass screening.
Immunization Reminder
Parents of rising sixth grade students please make sure that your child has his/her updated shots.
The following shots are required for sixth grade enrollment: Varicella (1) MMR or second Measle
vaccination and Hepatitis B Series (3)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2008) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be found in children as early as preschool age. According this same report, "between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD or approximately 2 million in the United States."
In order for a student to effectively cope with ADHD, parents, teachers, and counselors should work together and identify ADHD so that the student can reach his full potential. After the ADHD is identified and diagnosed, the multi-disciplinary team should develop intervention strategies.
According to NIMH (2008) the following symptoms are prevalent in a child with an ADHD diagnosis: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. NIMH notes tha these symptoms can be found in all students,
but the child with ADHD symptoms are intensified.
Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, often with symptoms of
impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding those of inattention, which may not emerge for a year
or more. Different symptoms may appear in different settings, depending on the demands the situation
may pose for the child's self-control. (p.1)
Symptoms can be reduced with medication. There are various types of medicine for ADHD. Finding the
right medicine for your child may take a few adjustments or that first trial of medicine may work for your
child.
References:
National Institute of Mental Health (2008). Attention Deficit Disorder. Retrieved on 9/3/08 from
www.nimh.gov/health/publications/adhd/complete-publication.shtm/#pub7
Resource Books:
The following resource books should help deal with ADHD:
Taking Charge of ADHD, by Russell A. Barkley Ph. D. New York: The Guildford Press.
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity in Children and Adults, by Paul H. Wender MD Oxford University, Press 2002.
Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids by Timothy E. Wilens M.D. New York: The Guildford Press.
