It has been determined that there are approximately 3.5
million school-aged children in the U.S. who have been diagnosed
with ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder-Hyperactive or
Non-hyperactive type). At the same time, it has been
estimated that as many as 1.5 to 2 million more children may have
the disorder but are as yet undiagnosed. Those who are
affected by this condition have difficulty focusing on tasks,
reading, and thinking. Although the treatment for
the disorder often involves medication, at least in part, there are
other options that can prove to be of benefit, especially if a
non-invasive approach is preferred.
There is the increasing opinion that many of those children
diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, may actually be facing a totally
different challenge that does not require medication at all.
In those cases, very often something called vision therapy can
prove to be "just what the doctor ordered" and without
any invasive side effects. This can also be true
for another condition called dyslexia, a variable often
familial learning disability involving difficulties in acquiring
and processing languge that is typically manifested by a lack of
proficiency in reading, spelling, and writing.
Vision therapy involves visiting a specialist such as
a behavioral optometrist (or developmental optometrist) for
related testing and evaluation. If the child is considered a
good candidate after this evaluation, vision therapy sessions are
begun, which usually include various approaches to
reading.
One of these approaches may involve reading through colored but
transparent overlays or filters. Each individual may
experience a different result with each individual colored filter
used. Sometimes, discovering just the right color of filter
can mean all the difference in the world for an
individual reader. It has been helpful to many children
and adults.
Joan Brennan, Teacher
Brennan Innovators, LLC
www.ReadingFocusCard.com
For focusing tools that can make a real difference!
ADHD or Something Else?
user
- Let’s talk: Comment (3) | Blog
- Email to a Friend
- Print this Page
Syndication:
From the Community…
Comments 1-3 of 3
-
Posted by Thu Jul 9, 2009 6:37pm PDT
Report AbuseI know I'll catch heck for this, and I know some kids DO have a real learning disorder, BUT---some kids are just hyper, and some kids learn differently, and some kids are very intelligent and are bored with their classroom setting.
This "condition" is WAY over diagnosed, and our children are WAY over-medicated.
That's my 2 cents.
Some adults have to learn how to deal with high energy kids without dosing them.
-
Posted by Sat Jul 11, 2009 9:27am PDT
Report AbuseDear Z,
What you say here is correct. Yes, "some kids learn differently, and some kids are very intelligent and are bored with their classroom setting." Unfortunately, many parents visit the idea of medication first rather than last. That is what is causing part of the problem.
Many thanks for your good comments here. I certainly will not give you "heck" for your thoughts. They are "right on" here.
Joan
www.ReadingFocusCard.com
-
Posted by Sun Nov 8, 2009 8:31am PST
Report AbuseMy 14 year old is struggling in school right now and intervention is now in the works with the school and my daughter's Dr.
Her whole trouble is that she cannot concentrate. A parent knows how far the child cannot take it when they get to the point they are failing miserably at school and how frustrating it can be.
I can say that nobody in this world knows how hard this is until you are a parent and are faced with it.
I tried to avoid "medicating" but working with the Dr. these last 5 years with the problems, this Dr. has prescribed a certain kind that has helped to a point, but since High School is more of a challenge, the work is more difficult on my child. I am not giving up though.
I just want to say that others should not knock medications for disabilities. Tests have proven that they can work, as each child and person is different.
Comments 1-3 of 3
leave your comment
You must sign in to post a comment