THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 31, 1996 TAG: 9610300113
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHYLLIS SPEIDELL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 79 lines
ANNE WAS DISTURBED when her son's first grade teacher noted that the boy had trouble completing assigned tasks, but Anne thought the problem might be that 5-year-old Edward was a young first-grader or that he was just ``all boy.''
By third grade, however, Edward's problems had worsened, and he was becoming disruptive, creating small behavioral problems in class.
When Anne read a newspaper story about Attention Deficit Disorder, she recognized many of her son's symptoms, called the physician mentioned in the story and had Edward evaluated.
It was nine years ago that Edward was diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - or ADHD. Since then, life has been a series of ups and downs generated by Edward's impulsive acts and frequent judgment lapses. ``It takes a severe toll on the family,'' Anne said.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a hot topic among parents who, like Anne, wonder if their children are going through a difficult phase of inattentive and rowdy behavior or if they are suffering from a treatable disorder.
Obici Hospital and the Suffolk Schools are jointly sponsoring a free program on ADHD, designed to answer questions about the characteristics and causes of ADHD, educational and treatment options, and strategies for dealing with an ADHD child.
Debra Bagley, coordinator of Suffolk's special education resource center, said that parents come to her office seeking information on ADHD more frequently than on any other problem.
``Living with an ADHD child can be stressful, and this program can help parents understand ADHD better and give them help in helping their children deal with ADHD,'' she said.
With more than 100 participants already registered, the sponsors hope that an ADHD parents support group might develop from the program. ``In a support group, you find out that you are not by yourself, and you can learn from others,'' Anne said.
Years ago, ADHD children were more likely to be known as troublemakers, underachievers, or even the class clowns.
``In fact, many of these children are very bright and exceptionally talented in many areas but unable to focus in a classroom setting where they are surrounded by distractions,'' Judy Walls,Obici community health educator, said. ``We need to learn to channel that creativity into appropriate directions.''
Susan Larson Wallace, an educator who has been a consultant on ADHD with several school systems, will lead the Monday night program. She is an assistant professor in Old Dominion University's department of child study and special education and has more than 13 years experience working with ADHD.
``ADHD is not cured, but there are many different approaches to successful treatment,'' Wallace said. She emphasizes a multi-modal approach that includes parents, teachers, physicians, and at times, counselors and prescribed medications.
``The children need to learn about ADHD too,'' Wallace said, adding that child support groups are often helpful in teaching ADHD children about the disorder and how to cope with its effects. ILLUSTRATION: Graphics
ADHD CHARACTERISTICS<
Inattention - easily distracted, difficulty in completing tasks
and focusing attention for sustained periods.
Impulsiveness - lack of organization and self-control, does not
consider future consequences of actions.
Overactivity - excessive motor movement, aimless fidgeting,
overly aggressive play, inappropriate actions.
There are also children who have trouble with attention deficits
but who are not hyperactive.
Often, children with ADHD are labeled by teachers as unmotivated,
lazy, a day dreamer or a behavior problem.
AT A GLANCE
What: ADHD: Piecing Together the Puzzle
When: Monday, 7 p.m.
Where: Nansemond Parkway Elementary School
Free
Registration: Required; call 934-4720 by CNB