Hyperactivity

http://discovermagazine.com/2010/mar/01-vital-signs-there.s-hyperactivity

             It is not unusual for a child to be overly hyperactive at times. It is a part of growing up and every child will seem like they need to be tamed at one point or another. But there is a difference between normal hyperactivity and a disorder or syndrome that creates such intense levels of hyperactivity that need to be monitored. In this story, three-year-old Tyler is very hyperactive and his mother believes he has ADHD. It turns out that Tyler has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which creates physical and cognitive disorders. He will need a comprehensive program that includes medications, special educational services, and a behavioral intervention program. With firm and thorough guidance, Tyler should be able to control his impulses and be on a more normal developmental track.
             There is such in epidemic of children being diagnosed with disorders such as ADHD and ADD. I think just as the doctor in this story pointed out, that a lot of parents are just over concerned and hyperactivity is just a normal part of growing up. Too many children are being put on medications that don’t truly need them. From this article I learned that there are some medical issues such as FAS that have symptoms that are closely related to symptoms of ADHD. Tyler was overactive, very impulsive, and had a poor short-term memory. Without close evaluation he would have been labeled ADHD like millions of other children. In fact he has FAS, which requires a lot more attention.
             A child’s development takes place just as much at school as it does at home. It is really important that students receive care and attention for their needs from their parents as well as from someone in the school setting. This story made me realize that developmental issues children have really affect their overall life in and outside of the school. It is vital for students to receive guidance and be placed in a suitable program at school at an early age. If the child is getting the right help and attention they need, they will be able to achieve just like any other student. Teachers really need to be patient and caring towards all their students. Just because a child might have learning or behavioral disorders doesn’t mean they are any less intelligent or hard working than the other students.
             This story was very enjoyable to read. At first I thought it was going to be about a quick diagnoses of ADHD. I was glad to read that the doctor didn’t just hand out medication to an overactive toddler. The doctor really evaluated the child and realized that he had a more severe syndrome. Stories like this are important to read, especially for parents of children with disorders. I think it is important for them to have a support group because I am sure having a developmentally impaired child is a lot to deal with. I also think that it is vital to start the children on a strict program in and outside of school so they can achieve like everyone else. I really believe that a learning disability shouldn’t make you any less capable of being successful; it just means you have to work harder to get there.

 

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