School age kids, signs of ADD/ADHD

Jennifer knew that her third child, Justin, wasn't like his older sister and brother. He had a level of intensity that couldn't be matched in 3rd grade. Jennifer noticed his desk was right by the teacher's desk on back to school night. He wasn't asked on play dates like her older children had been, and he would talk his way out of homework , whereas her older kids had relished a snack after school and the time when she sat with them to do school work. He would never stop long enough to pay attention. She was becoming concerned.

Here are some signs of ADHD to recognize if you are having concerns.

• Doesn’t pay attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
• Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
• Gets bored with a task before it’s completed
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

We all know kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. However, they may have ADD/ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood. You may know it by the name attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADD/ADHD makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness.

Is it normal kid behavior or is it ADHD?

The signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal “kid behavior.”

If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADD/ADHD. On the other hand, if your child shows a number of ADD/ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations—at home, at school, and at play—it’s time to take a closer look.

Once you understand the issues your child is struggling with, such as forgetfulness or difficulty paying attention in school, you can work together to find creative solutions and capitalize on strengths.

If your child suffers from ADD or ADHD, a weighted lap pad can help with focus during school and a weighted blanket can help with longer sleep intervals at night. Though Mosaic Weighted Blankets makes no medical claims, and recommends you always consult a medical professional you trust, this article also provides information on other natural alternatives to medications such as Adderall. For more info, visit www.mosaicweightedblankets.com