Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essays - Free Essays

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essays - Free Essays Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Understanding the Behavioral Disorder: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Imagine living in a fast-moving kaleidoscope, where sounds, images, and thoughts are constantly shifting. Feeling easily bored, yet helpless to keep your mind on tasks you need to complete. Distracted by unimportant sights and sounds, your mind drives you from one thought or activity to the next. Perhaps you are so wrapped up in a collage of thoughts and images that you don't notice when someone speaks to you. "Tommy can't sit still. He is disruptive at school with his constant talking and clowning around. He leaves the classroom without the teacher's permission. Although he has above-average intelligence, Tommy has trouble reading and writing. When he talks, the words come out so fast no one understands him" (Rees, 1994). For many people, this is what it's like to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. They may be unable to sit still, plan ahead, finish tasks, or be fully aware of what's going on around them. To their family, classmates or coworkers, they seem to exist in a whirlwind of disorganized or frenzied activity. Unexpectedlyon some days and in some situations they seem fine, often leading others to think the person with ADHD can actually control these behaviors. As a result, the disorder can mar the person's relationships with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy, and diminishing self-esteem. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) comes from the standard diagnostic reference of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). ADHD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic Understanding ADHD 4. behaviors over a period of time. Hyperactivity has no single known cause and is therefore classified as a syndrome because it has a cluster of symptoms. It is generally characterized by excessive motor activity, short attention span, and impulsive behavior for a child's age. The most common behaviors fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. According to the DSM, signs of inattention include: ?becoming easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds ?failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes ?rarely following instructions carefully and completely ?losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task. (Frankovich, 1994) Some signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity are: ?feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming ?running, climbing, or leaving a seat, in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected ?blurting out answers before hearing the whole question ?having difficulty waiting in line or for a turn. (Frankovich, 1994) Under the criteria set by the APA, the diagnosis should include onset of the condition before age seven, lasting at least six months. There should also be a proven absence of mental illness or mental retardation. Parents can remove a huge burden of guilt from blaming themselves for their child's behavior. Knowing that scientists are finding more and more evidence that ADHD does not stem from home environment, but from biological causes. In the article ADHD Decade of the Brain, scientists find, "Not all children from unstable or dysfunctional homes have ADHD. And not all children with ADHD come from dysfunctional families" (1990). Some research shows that a mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may have damaging effects on the child. Understanding ADHD 5. "These substances may be dangerous to the fetus's developing brain" (ADHD Decade of the Brain, 1990). One other theory that is not definite whether it is a definite cause or not is that refined sugar and food additives make children hyperactive and inattentive. As a result, many parents were encouraged to stop serving children foods containing artificial flavorings, preservatives, and sugars. There is no cure for ADHD. While research continues to help scientists understand the underlying causes, treatments have been developed to provide relief of symptoms. Management of the syndrome may involve more than one method. The primary ones are medication, psychological intervention, and diet. In extreme cases of hyperactive behavior, the physician may prescribe stimulant drugs which affect mood, the thinking processes and behavior. This controversial practice has been used since the 1930's to control hyperactivity. "The stimulants amphetamines like Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Cylert act on the nervous system, and have been shown to be effective in many studies. The drugs have a calming effect on hyperactive children" (Rees, 1994). Stimulants allow many people to focus and pay better attention, whether or not they have ADHD. The improvement is just more noticeable in people with ADHD. It is not easy coping with the frustrations of ADHD day

How to Make Colored Fire Pinecones

How to Make Colored Fire Pinecones How can you make your fire more festive? Toss on a few colored fire pinecones! Colored fire pinecones are extremely easy to make. All you need is one common household chemical. Colored Fire Pinecone Materials dry pineconesboric acid (usually sold as a disinfectant in the pharmacy section of stores)alcohol (optional) Alcohol is not necessary for this project, but it is a good accelerant if you are having trouble getting your pinecones to burn, which is possible if they are still a little green. Also, alcohol burns with a blue flame, so it will add another color to the fire yet wont overpower the other flame colors in your pinecone. Methanol is sold as Heetâ„ ¢ fuel treatment (avoid contact with skin). Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (e.g., from rum or vodka) work well, too. Methods of Preparing Colored Fire Pinecones Method #1: This is the quick-and-easy method of getting pinecones to burn in colors. Sprinkle a little boric acid powder onto the pinecone. Squirt a small amount of alcohol onto the pinecone. Light the pinecone. Method #2: Dissolve the boric acid in a small amount of water or alcohol. Soak the pinecones in the colorant solution and allow them to dry. Boric acid is a good chemical for this project because its easily obtained, safe, and can give you a full spectrum of flame colors. However, any of the safe colorants for making colored fire can be used to make colored fire pinecones, so dont be afraid to experiment with other chemicals. You can prepare colored pinecones in advance to give as gifts or to burn throughout the season. If you like, you can scent the pinecones by adding a small amount of cinnamon oil or potpourri fragrance. Disclaimer: Please be advised that the content provided by our website is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Fireworks and the chemicals contained within them are dangerous and should always be handled with care and used with common sense. By using this website you acknowledge that ThoughtCo., its parent About, Inc. (a/k/a Dotdash), and IAC/InterActive Corp. shall have no liability for any damages, injuries, or other legal matters caused by your use of fireworks or the knowledge or application of the information on this website. The providers of this content specifically do not condone using fireworks for disruptive, unsafe, illegal, or destructive purposes. You are responsible for following all applicable laws before using or applying the information provided on this website.