My previous blog focused on diagnosing ADD/ADHD and I ended it with the question most parents ask me about ADD/ADHD – “What do we do about it?” The answer to this question is also not straight forward as there are numerous directions parents can look – but each option has both positive and negatives and many unsubstantiated claims. Your conventional options include: stimulant medications parent training family therapy educational accommodations Your alternative options: homeopathy […]
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The short answer is that you don’t ! In order for a child (or adult) to be diagnosed with ADHD, he/she must be evaluated by either a medial doctor or a psychologist. A best case scenario would involve both of the above professionals along with input from the school, various clinicians and parents. Doctors Input – numerous medical issues can cause ADHD-like symptoms and a major contribution to proper diagnosis can be made by […]
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Not all blended families look like the Brady Bunch – in fact not very many do ! The Brady Bunch was a TV sitcom (1969-1973) showing the blending of 2 families. Dad brought 3 boys and mom brought 3 girls into a new blended family. The first season depicted typical adjustments, accommodations and resentments inherent in blended families but in a humorous way with all issues being resolved in 1/2 hour. Later seasons focused […]
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Asperger’s Syndrome What is it? Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder that results in behavioural characteristics that are best described as “odd” or “eccentric”. The cause is not known although there appears to be a strong genetic component as it has a high heritability rate. There is no cure. There are, however interventions that can yield positive results. History Dr. Hans Asperger (Austrian pediatrician and psychiatrist) observed 4 children in his practice […]
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The Terror of Night Terrors Few things are more terrifying for a parent than the first time their child has a night terror. Night terrors are different than bad dreams or nightmares. Bad dreams and nightmares happen to virtually everybody and occur during the REM sleep phase (rapid eye movement). Researchers have discovered that even fetuses have dreams – including “bad” ones. Bad dreams may cause facial grimaces, moving, thrashing about and may […]
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