Signs to look for
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often show the hallmark symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity. Some will show hyperactivity while others will not. These children frequently have problems in school completing work, following directions and waiting their turn, just to name a few of the problems. Similar problems can occur at home, especially involving tasks that are not "fun" such as homework or chores. Parents comment that these children behave fine when they are doing what they want to be doing. They can play video games for hours without losing concentration, but can only stay focused on their homework for a brief period of time. Other symptoms might include:
- Often hearing "I'm bored." They find most things boring and uninteresting.
- Frequently distracted. They will start on a task with good intention, but get sidetracked.
- Not seem to learn from their consequences. Parents often yell at them or restrict them from some activity, but it doesn't seem to change or improve their behavior.
- At times will misbehave just because they are bored.
- Can be the class clown.
- Will have the best intentions but no follow through.
For more information on ADHD/ADD call us or visit: www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm or www.chadd.org
Oppositional Defiant Disorder ( ODD )
While children with ADHD often develop oppositional or strong-willed behaviors in addition, children and adolescents can be strong-willed without any other diagnosis. These children can be very challenging to live with and parents feel like they have to be constantly on their toes with them. These youths will argue incessantly and agitate both parents and siblings. They can be moody; for instance, they are upset one minute and happy the next. It is not uncommon for parents to wonder if their child is bi-polar or manic-depressive due to these mood swings. Parents frequently report that even small tasks become a battle, even though it would be easier for the child to comply than to argue and be defiant. In response, many parents end up doing the task or chore themselves because; "it is not worth the fight." Finally, these parents report that they feel like they are walking on eggshells and that the entire household ends up revolving around this difficult child or adolescent.
The symptoms of Oppositional-Defiant Disorder are:
- often loses temper
- often argues with adults
- often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
- often deliberately annoys people
- often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
- is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
- is often angry and resentful
- is often spiteful and vindictive
For more information about Oppositional-Defiant Disorder call us, or visit: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/72.htm
Explosive children and adolescents
While there is no diagnosis for the explosive child, some children/adolescents can be explosive much of the time. Most children, especially young ones, have occasional meltdowns and temper tantrums, yet children with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, anxiety, depression, anger control issues, and others can be explosive too much of the time, to the point that it is not age-appropriate. Explosiveness can make disciplining a child more than difficult and parents often respond to the meltdowns by trying to avoid them. Unfortunately, this reinforces the child that his/her explosiveness is successful.
Explosiveness is really the child's lack of a good coping skill to deal with frustration. When taught how to deal with their frustration, these meltdowns decrease significantly or are eliminated completely.
At Ray Levy, Ph.D. and Associates we have developed successful programs to deal with explosive children/adolescents, strong-willed, ADHD, anxiety, and other common problems with youths. Our success comes from not only working with the child/adolescent but teaching parents effective tools to help deal with the problem differently, and more successfully.
For more information or for an appointment please contact our office at 972-407-1191
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