Learning Disorders

The American Psychiatric Association defines a person as having AD/HD if they meet eight or more of the following:

• When required to remain seated, a person has difficulty doing so
• Holding attention to a single task at hand or plat activity is difficult.
• Frequently will hop from one activity to the another, without completing the first.
• Doesn’t want to or can’t wait for his or her turn when involved in group activities
• Fidgets or squirms, or feels restless mentally.
• Easily loses things such as pencils, tools, papers, which may be necessary to complete school or other work.
• Talks impulsively and excessively.
• Interrupts others inappropriately, butting in when not invited.
• Others report that the person doesn’t seem to be listening when spoken to.
• Can’t play quietly without difficulty.
• Impulsive jumps into physically dangerous activities without weighing the consequences.
• Before a question is finished will often interrupt the questioner with an answer.

ADHD is a condition that some people experience which manifests itself through numerous symptoms which may include one or more of the following:

• hyperactivity
• impulsiveness
• distractibility
• lack of organisation
• forgetfulness
• procrastination

The current medical treatment is medication, using drugs such as Ritalin, which is a CNS stimulant, not without risk. Although for some it may seem to be the only treatment, there are those parents and professionals who question the advisability of putting a child on drugs.

Many children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) gain significant improvement from dietary modification, environmental “clean-up” and targeted nutritional therapy.  If this is an avenue that you have not explored, then – for the sake of your child – please do.

Sharon Erdrich is a trained MINDD practitioner, who can help guide the journey for you and your child.