Back to school with ADHD

Charlene Bowman’s daughter, Paige Moore, was a whirlwind of motion as a toddler, seemingly unable to focus or listen.

Concerned, Bowman spoke to a physician who diagnosed Paige with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Paige began taking medication to manage her symptoms at age 2.

The diagnosis was eye-opening. Bowman, a Daleville resident, began recognizing similar behaviors in her younger daughter, Brandy Moore. Brandy was diagnosed with ADHD as she entered school.

Bowman said she is thankful pediatrician Dr. Ted Williams of Southeastern Pediatric Associates in Dothan was able to diagnose ADHD in her daughters at such a young age and begin treatment. Brandy is now a 15-year-old, straight-A student who continues taking ADHD medication. Paige is 20 and no longer requires it.

“If your child needs (medication), there’s no shame,” Bowman said. “I see it as helping them, as how they can focus and function in life.”

Williams said different subtypes of attention deficit disorders exist, including inattentiveness denoted by forgetfulness and distractibility. Other signs that can indicate hyperactivity include often leaving one’s seat, interrupting in class or difficulty staying in line. Those with impulsivity may act without fear of consequences or danger, he said, and children with oppositional behaviors may rebel against authority figures and behave aggressively.

Five to seven percent of school-aged children and 1.5 million adults have ADHD, Williams said. Teachers often recognize its symptoms early, sometimes in preschool, and mention the possibility to parents, who should then consult a pediatrician.

ADHD is considered a genetic disease that is often treated with a combination of counseling and stimulant medication, Williams said. Regular doctor’s appointments can gauge the effectiveness and dosage of these drugs for best results.

Williams said children with ADHD also need structure at home – a healthy diet, consistent routines and bedtimes.

Schools also provide assistance. Carol Cunningham, director of exceptional student services for Dothan City Schools said parent conferences are scheduled when potential ADHD behaviors emerge. Once confirmed, action plans are created, including special education resources, curriculum modifications, or consultations with outside experts.

A district committee addresses problems impacting student academics and behavior, creating strategies and interventions to follow for a minimum eight weeks with periodic reviews and changes, Cunningham said.

“We provide the services and the support they need to be successful in their educational careers,” she said.

Brent Tucker, PhD, a psychologist at Dothan Pediatric Clinic and associate professor at Troy University, said ADHD is a developmental brain disorder with no known cause. Acknowledging its impact on families and schools, he cautions against overdiagnosis.

To truly be considered ADHD, symptoms arise before age 7 and occur in at least two settings, such as school and home, he said, with about half of those diagnosed outgrowing it by adolescence.

“It is important to target behaviors for change, develop a behavior plan, and then consistently utilize the plan,” Tucker said.

Bowman said as a parent, she’s tried to adapt to her daughters’ needs, be patient, and maintain communication with their teachers.

“You just kind of let them run their course and you can’t be so strict with them,” she said. “They can’t help it.”