Re: ADD/ADHD ATTENTION DEF
Ian Ford (ianford@DIRCON.CO.UK)
Sat, 5 Nov 1994 07:47:38 +000
Jamie
You might try alt.support.attn-deficit on internet news. There are also
chapters of CHADD in many US states, and I have probably got a list
somewhere if you email me where abouts in US you are.
I'm not a clinician, but very simply ADD is a neuropsychological disorder
caused by an imbalance in the chemicals which pass messages in the brain.
An ADD person needs much more stimulation than their peers. Sometimes
this search for stimulation is expressed in hyperactive behaviour or as a
demand for high-rish, high intensity experiences.
The ADD Scout may well " tune out " during something which he finds
boring or difficult, and you will notice the distracted look. This is not
something he can help! Telling him to " pay attention! " is as useless
and cruel as telling a kid with an eyesight problem to look more closely.
You will need to check that ADD Scouts have understood what they have
been told, especially safety tips etc. ... it's not that they are stupid
( many ADD'ers are of above average intelligence ) it's just that they
often do not hear what you are saying, because their mind is racing away
elsewhere.
Give positive feedback at frquent intervals most kids like encouragement,
but for kids with a short concentration span regular reinforcement is a
motivator. Be prepared to break down complex tasks into easy steps and
coach each one, then explain why these fit into the whole.
A feature of ADD is that there are unexplaine gaps in a kid's knowledge,
e.g. it is quite normal for an ADD kid to be able to solve complex algebra
problems but write down 27+6 = 35 for example.
Remember also that ADD kids have spent much of their lives living with
criticism from adults - " shut up ! " "pay attention ! " etc. - and
that this destroys their self esteem. A Scouter who is prepared to work
alongside them and accept their difficulties can have a great role in helping
them to feel better about themselves and their abilities. If they attain
recognition through Scouting it helps to bloster their confidence and
self-esteem in other areas too.
The next one takes some sensitivity - try to talk to the Scout, say that
you understand he has particular problems and that not everything is
going to be easy. Offer to be available but try not to be intrusive.
I have given the ADD Scouts in my group permission to take time out if
things get too much for them.
I have three ADD Scouts in my troop, so I am learning as we go along. I
don't claim to be an expert, but I'm glad to share experiences.
Ian Ford
ASM Troop 401 (London) BSA
On Fri, 4 Nov 1994, Ron Berry wrote:
> To:scouts-l@tcubvm.is.tcu.edu.
> Reply-to Jamie Cashin
>
> JJ>Anyone know where I can get information on Attention Deficit Disorder
> JJ>and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? I surfed the Web and
> JJ>found a home page for ADD that I cannot access at this time and I
> JJ>also found out about CHADD:
>
> There is an ADD Forum on Compuserve with a good library of files. You will
> have to have a CompuServe Accout to get to it.
> Good Luck.
>
> Ron Berry
> ron.berry@thewheel.com
> ~~~
> * VbReader 2.01 #NR * A piano is a piano is a piano. Gertrude Steinway.
>
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