October 2nd 2012...The day that are lives were flipped upside down!
This is my son Kalen! He is 3 years old and tuesday he was diagnosed with ADHD with Developmental Delays. For those of you who don't know what ADHD is, i have included the basic information, and NO it does not mean that my child is out of control and we don't know how to parent!
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects children and adolescents that continues into adulthood.Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.The NIHM estimates that 3% to 5% of children have ADHD
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. ADHD children and adults have certain areas of the brain that are about 5% to 10% smaller in size and activity.Studies show that children and adults with ADHD tend to have abnormal functioning, or dysregulation, of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There also tends to be abnormal functioning in the nerve pathways that regulate behavior. Recent studies show that the brain chemical, dopamine, plays a role in ADHD. Dopamine is an important chemical that carries signals between nerves in the brain. It is linked to many functions, including movement, sleep, mood, attention, and learning.
How To Treat ADHD?
ADHD can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed. In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Your child's doctor will work with you to develop an individualized, long-term plan. The goal is to help a child learn to control his or her own behavior.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects children and adolescents that continues into adulthood.Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.The NIHM estimates that 3% to 5% of children have ADHD
What causes ADHD?
ADHD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. ADHD children and adults have certain areas of the brain that are about 5% to 10% smaller in size and activity.Studies show that children and adults with ADHD tend to have abnormal functioning, or dysregulation, of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There also tends to be abnormal functioning in the nerve pathways that regulate behavior. Recent studies show that the brain chemical, dopamine, plays a role in ADHD. Dopamine is an important chemical that carries signals between nerves in the brain. It is linked to many functions, including movement, sleep, mood, attention, and learning.
How To Treat ADHD?
ADHD can't be cured, but it can be successfully managed. In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Your child's doctor will work with you to develop an individualized, long-term plan. The goal is to help a child learn to control his or her own behavior.
Tuesday was a hard day! To hear that your child is not "normal" and will have a challenging life is not easy for any parent to hear! As a parent you feel to blame. The doctor said it's going to be a hard road. People will have a hard time accepting him and not know how to act towards him because of his "craziness" As a mom, I feel helpless. Kids these days are cruel enough. And to hear that people will have a hard time accepting kalen because of "his ways" is absolutely devastating. No mother wants their child to have any extra "burden" in life!
For now Kalen has apts. set up with Pediatric Neurologists, Occupational Therapist, a Speech Pathologist, and a Behavior Management doc. Together they will help us through!
I have taken something away from my son! Never take your health for granted. I know that with the right tools kalen will be able to learn how to live a successful life. And we, as his parents will be here every step of the way to help him overcome his battles and celebrate his accomplishments. May god continue to bless our family.
After all.. a wise women once told me "You were given this life because you are strong enough to handle it!" Im ready to fight this battle with my son!
Today (Thursday 4th) Kalen has had his first visit with an Occupational Therapist! She has given us a lot of good tips on how to sooth him and help him have enough "big activities" during the day so he does not seek them out in a "naughty" way. He was tested and have found out that he is in the 8% tile for fine motors! He will continue to see her for O.T apts and will also be seen thru the school district for O.T when his speech therapy starts.
Any advice, tips, tricks, activities that you have, would be appreciated.
Im one mama on a mission, to make this world a great place for my son to flourish!
Thanks for linking up with Super Sunday Sync! Good luck with the new adjustments :)
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