Re: ADHD Information

I am glad I started this thread. I am a Leader because my son is ADHD,
and I was pretty much told that if I didn't attend each meeting, he
couldn't. I was wondering how this works in Boy Scouting. I would like
to add a further .02 worth to what has been said.
* one out of 10 boys has ADD or ADHD, diagnosed or not
* Attention deficit doesn't mean he can't pay attention, but that he is
very distractable, esp. in a non-structured environment, or doing what
he doesn't like to do. Many see this as oppositional behavior.
* Oppositional behavior can go along with these disorders. So can
Impulsivity. Again, many see this as the child's CHOICE. Its not.
* Being hyperactive doesn't mean always bouncing off walls.
* tic disorders may be genetically linked to these disorders, so
Ritalin may not CAUSE tics, they may show up while a child is on
medication, as they would have if he wasn't (newish idea)
* Turettes is not just cussing, but facial, head, trunk, limb
movements, verbal (sounds), etc. all mixed in togther. Some tics
disappear, new ones begin. Some people can control them, some can't.

Now, as Scouters, what can you do to help the child have a good scout
experience? ASK THE PARENTS. KNOW WHAT THAT CHILD IS GOING THROUGH.
My son is extremely sensitive to caffeine, although the Drs. say thats
not medically proven. Roadapples! Give him a Mtn Dew and watch him
react (my husband didn't know Mtn dew & Mello Yello have the highest
caffeine.. quite a surprise to him when Eric went bonkers)
If the parents say: no chocolate, NO choc.! same with sugar, or whatever.
If the parents say he needs his meds every day, work out a permission slip
and check with your DE or whomever, but he should have his meds!
Ask what negative things to look for: my son's meds have a long list,
that, when known, are easy to remember. And he HAS to have sunblock, as
one med makes him sun-sensitive now. The child also knows whats going on,
and if most are on Ritalin(#1 choice), then it's not too hard.
A lot of oppositional and impulsive behavior can boot a kid out of a troop,
but if his problems are known, they can be dealt with, and when structure
is provided, they do better. Scouts provide a good environment that can
help balance out the negative things that may happen in school, so keeping
a Scout with this kind of a problem is worth the time and effort you take.
Inform a parent when problems start, and keep in touch with the family. They
will probably help out, and will appreciate your efforts.

Beth Allerton
Junior Leader, GSUSA BITNET: BETHPET@NERVM
Webelos(we're almost thru!)Leader INTERNET: BETHPET@NERVM.NERDC.UFL.EDU

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