Is it true that children with true ADHD cannot turn it on and off? eg. children that can behave and be calm in certain situations don't really have ADHD because if they really did, they would not be able to control themselves.
2006-10-25 17:27:51 · 7 answers · asked by deedee 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
It cannot be turned on and off. It's a misconception that children who have ADHD cannot focus. Attention level ranges from intensely focused to the extreme opposite depending on the activity and the severity of the ADHD. What helps is finding - effective- coping strategies. Everyone (ADHD or not) uses coping strategies. Additionally medication can be helpful for some.
Additional thought:
Because there are different conditions that present with similar symptoms as ADHD, it's important to consider and rule out them out before settling on the diagnosis. (proper diagnosis for proper treatment)
2006-10-25 20:20:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, anybody that thinks that there is no such thing is ignorant, and do not listen to them. I have raised one son with ADHD, I now am raising a daughter with it to a lesser degree. I myself had it as a young man. Still do, only age has mellowed it. No, it can not be turned on or off. It can be triggered by outside events though. I t can be triggered by adrenalin. A scare, or getting hurt, being yelled at, being in the middle of a parental fight, etc. ADHD children can at times be calm. Like when they are tired, or ill. Some foods can make it worse, red food coloring is the worst culprit with my daughter. She turns into a whirlwind, and you can not even talk to her. She enters a new world all of her own.
She has trouble staying on track, and if not for drugs would not even be able to do school work. The drugs make it difficult for her sleep. I could go on, but you get the picture.
2006-10-26 00:46:46 · answer #2 · answered by It All Matters.~☺♥ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If a child could turn ADD/ADHD on and off it wouldn't be a problem, would it? ADD/ADHD is a 24/7 problem, they are always afflicted by the problems of ADD and they can't help it. It is true, however, that children have varying degrees of severity, and that some can concentrate better than others. I have ADHD and I can't concentrate on mathematics but I can spend hours researching and writing with minimal problems.
2006-10-26 00:39:23 · answer #3 · answered by jedi_junkie05 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
from what i've read it's true that an adhd child cannot turn it "on and off". However, there is research out there about hyper zoning in some adhd books. I may have the name wrong, but the idea is at times an adhd child will attend to something or zone in, but not be actually turning it on and off by choice. This may be a time when a person tries to get their attention, but yet the child for some reason appears to not be able to stop what he or she is zoning in on. Be sure to investigate your concerns further with a licensed psychiatrist.
2006-10-26 00:37:14 · answer #4 · answered by MKAN 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is my understanding that they cant really turn it on and off.... however in certain circumstances diffrent areas of the brain are engaged and therefore the child is more calm. For example, before my son was diagnosed, he could play video games just fine but couldnt concentrate at school. Dr. said this was normal.
2006-10-26 00:33:44 · answer #5 · answered by jenniw0530 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Children and adults who have this cannot turn it on and off. I have a brother who has had it his entire life and it's terrible the way it has affected his life. He's socially crippled, can't hold a job or maintain relationships. It is a real condition and people like JayK should get off their podium, earn a medical degree and then start giving out diagnosis!
2006-10-26 00:38:19 · answer #6 · answered by morticiasl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I actually believe there is no such thing as ADD or ADHD. I think a childs behaviour stems from discipline, diet and influences of their parents and siblings.
Nice one Hayesfam - you don't agree with me but just admitted foods make it worse ..........
2006-10-26 00:33:06 · answer #7 · answered by Kylie 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋