Little advanced research exists on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperactivity disorders in children. This article debates the pros and cons of ritalin and other medical treatments and defines the principal's role in studying recent research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, examining current identification policies,…

Describes a four-step plan for identifying attention deficit hyperactivity disordered children, making recommendations to parents, and delivering instructional strategies to teachers. Describes the preliminary assessment and first child-study meeting attended by principal, parents, teacher, and counselor; a follow-up child-study meeting and…

In the presence of distracting toys, attention-deficit hyperactivity disordered (ADHD) boys spent half as much time as normal boys watching a television program. When toys were absent, there was no difference in attention between the groups. Recall of program didactic content by ADHD and normal boys did not differ. (BC)

This article describes school-based assessment procedures related to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, including teacher rating measures, direct observations in classrooms and on playgrounds, peer ratings and sociometric measures, and permanent product measures such as academic performance. Components of a comprehensive assessment and…

In response to Robert Cooter, Jr. (EC 202 670), who questioned the widespread use of Ritalin with children having attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, this commentary considers four specific points: how Ritalin works, Ritalin's side effects and relationship to Tourette syndrome, the assumption that Ritalin leads to drug abuse, and the…

Reviews studies examining effects of pharmacological interventions for children with mental retardation and autism. Discusses information regarding stimulants, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, antianxiety drugs, and antidepressant drugs as measured by their effects on laboratory and clinical measures of activity level, self-injurious behavior, and…

Describes a neurological condition called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD with hyperactivity) and its three main components: (1) trouble maintaining attention; (2) trouble paying appropriate attention; (3) trouble shifting focus. Provides a "survival guide" for educators with ADHD. (VWC)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has a profound effect on children's personal, social, and academic development. Article presents diagnostic criteria and methods for identification of ADHD, and outlines major intervention strategies appropriate for school and community settings. (Author/JDM)

Reviews practical issues involved in the behavioral treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Traditional treatment strategies, non-behavioral treatment approaches and their efficacy, behavioral methods of treatment, and best treatment practices are outlined. A summary sheet of treatment methods and best treatment practices is…

Examines how Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) characteristics might have functioned within the lives of our prehistoric ancestors. These traits--distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness--would have worked well for hunters, but not for farmers. Also explains the role of creativity in those diagnosed with AD/HD. (MKA)

This follow-forward study examined whether behavioral groupings (hyperactivity, hyperactivity with aggression, or comparison), created when children were preschoolers, were associated with different outcomes 5 years later. Parents (N=37) completed the Child Behavior Checklist at the outcome assessment. Results indicated that early assessments of…

The prevalence of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was studied among school children in a mid-southern state. Responses of 128 of 311 school superintendents reveal that, overall, 3% of students are identified as ADHD, although in some districts as many as 25% have received this diagnosis. Implications of these findings are…

Examines the empirical evidence cited in favor of the operation of genetic factors in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and argues that the evidence does not support a role for genetic factors in the disorder. Discusses problems compromising family, twin, and adoption studies. (JPB)

Presents details of Instant Alert Hypnosis procedure as an adjunct to neurotherapy in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Discusses AD/HD diagnostic issues, demographics, traditional treatments, neurological basis, EEG assessment, implications for the use of hypnosis, and the efficacy and promise of neurotherapy with and…

Tested use of instant alert hypnosis on 16 children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Found that EEG beta-theta ratio means were significantly higher in trials of neurotherapy combined with alert hypnosis than neurotherapy alone. Beta was significantly enhanced, whereas theta was inhibited. Identified improved treatment efficacy and…