This booklet provides basic information regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), in their separate modalities, with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Explanations are offered concerning short attention span, impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and beginning new activities before completing the previous one. Theories…

This guide provides information to help parents decide whether their child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should take methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin). Information is provided in a question-and-answer format on various concerns, including: the meaning of ADHD, whether Ritalin is overprescribed, when this medication is…

This paper outlines practical information on children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Guidelines for identifying ADD are presented, followed by a summary of what parents and students can expect from special education and related services in public schools. Pros and cons of medication are noted, and recommendations for managing the child's…

This brief booklet discusses the characteristics, causes, and treatments of attention deficit disorders with hyperactivity. Although children with this condition may be overly active, fidgety, distractible, aggressive, impulsive, and have difficulty learning, the primary problem is their inability to concentrate and pay attention. The exact origin…

Addresses classroom management concerning use of stimulant medication (STM) for students with attention-related difficulties. Identifies difficulties of noncompliance and misuse. Details ten guidelines for obtaining optimal benefit of STM are detailed and including ensure that the decision to use medication is made appropriately, promote student…

Presents basic information on Ritalin, a frequently prescribed stimulant medication for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A quiz evaluates the reader's knowledge level and is followed by an explanation of the correct answers. Also considered are pros and cons of Ritalin use, teachers' and parents' responses to the quiz, and…

Addresses difficulties that campers with attention deficit disorder experience at camp, including respecting the personal space and belongings of other campers and sustaining attention during play activities. Stresses the importance of communication among the child's physician, the camp staff, the camper, and parents concerning medications and…

Offers suggestions for home-school collaboration for elementary-grade students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the areas of assessment and behavior plans, monitoring medication, and coordinating homework. Sample forms and schedules as well as a list of resources are included. (DB)

School nurses play a critical role in the effective school- based treatment of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can help debunk myths associated with medications for ADHD, explain the ongoing nature of treatment for children with ADHD, and help develop behavior support plans. Sidebars offer suggestions for…

This paper examines characteristics of a typical 6-year-old and characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including distractibility, impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity. The occurrence of ADHD in gifted students is discussed. Possible causes of ADHD are noted. The 5 "M" program of treatment is…

The newsletter's main article focuses on hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder. The causes of hyperactivity, which affects 3-5 percent of all children, are elusive but may include neurological immaturity, inherent genetic problems, or fetal exposure to harmful substances. Patterns of behavior that typify a hyperactive child include a short…

This article discusses the criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the prevalence of ADHD, the adverse consequences of having ADHD that justifies its treatment, the best treatment for ADHD, adverse consequences of using the stimulant class of medications to treat ADHD, and the under diagnosis, rather than over diagnosis, of…

This document presents a brief synthesis of recent literature on attention deficit difficulties with hyperactivity, particularly literature concerning classroom interventions. It describes diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, its incidence, behavioral characteristics of students who exhibit attention difficulties and…

Information on Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as transient and chronic tic disorders, is provided in this pamphlet for the school nurse, who can support and educate the child, family, and other school personnel. Information is included on genetic factors and behaviors that may be connected to TS: obsessive-compulsive symptoms, hyperactivity,…

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is recognized as the most common neurobehavioral disorder in American children. The paper examines how to obtain a proper diagnosis for children with ADD, how medication for ADD affects children, how children with ADD can be properly served in public schools, and where to go for help. (SM)