Paying Attention to ADHD Warning Signs in Children

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- When observing your child's behavior, it can be difficult to identify which actions may signify potential learning or behavioral disorders, such as ADHD. However, with 1 out of every 10 children in the U.S. being diagnosed with ADHD, parents often wonder about a potential diagnosis. A misbehaving hyperactive child may be mistaken for having ADHD whereas others suffer from the disorder but never receive a formal diagnosis. Brain Balance Achievement Centers, a nationwide supplemental education center that helps children with learning and behavioral disorders through a drug-free, whole-child approach, seeks to educate parents of some warning signs to look for in their child's behavior.

"To help parents better understand and detect behaviors associated with learning and behavioral disorders, specifically ADHD, it is important that they are aware of the warning signs to look for in their child to learn when it might be time to have their child evaluated," said Dr. Robert Melillo, Founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers. "While many of these behaviors are common in children, parents of children with ADHD will observe these behaviors more frequently on a daily basis for an extended period of time."

Brain Balance Achievement Centers offers the following examples of warning signs that may indicate ADHD in children:

Hyperactivity. Children with ADHD often are perceived as high energy. Signs include fidgeting with their hands and feet, getting up from their seat when expected to remain seated, and difficulty remaining quiet when participating in leisurely activities.

Lack of attention. An inattentive child has trouble paying close attention to detail, has difficulty following directions, struggles with organization skills, and does not seem to listen when addressed. Other symptoms include failing to complete assigned tasks, misplacing items such as toys, school work, books etc., and forgetfulness along with distraction throughout the day.

Food sensitivities. Many children with ADHD suffer from a variety of food sensitivities. While any food can be problematic and aggravate the underlying condition, common food sensitivities include gluten and dairy products. The best way to observe food reactions is to keep a food and behavior log. This will allow you to pinpoint which foods trigger your child's symptoms.  

Impulsive behavior. A child with ADHD will likely talk excessively and often has trouble waiting one's turn which leads to blurting out responses when inappropriate. Examples of this include taking over games, cutting into conversations, and overreaction to seek attention, all of which make it challenging to make friends.

If you are concerned that your child is displaying some of these signs frequently and in various settings, you may have reason to suspect the disorder; however, do not assume your child has ADHD without an expert evaluation. It may be beneficial to seek resources such online assessment tools to gain insight on your child's specific functional strengths and weakness. To complete Brain Balance Achievement Centers' online assessment, please visit http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/understanding-the-issues/online-assessment-tool/. Depending on the results of an online assessment, it may be time to begin exploring programs to address the potential disorder. By improving brain function through sensory-motor and cognitive activity plans in conjunction with dietary guidelines, learning and behavioral symptoms can be reduced or eliminated.

For more information about Brain Balance Achievement Centers or to find the nearest center, visit www.brainbalancecenters.com.

ABOUT BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS
Since 2006, Brain Balance Achievement Centers has helped thousands of children, ages of 4 to 17, reach their academic, social and behavioral potential through its drug-free, whole-child approach.  The Brain Balance Program® utilizes sensory motor exercises, neuro-academic work and nutritional guidance to address the root cause of many learning and behavioral issues. Today, there are over 52 Brain Balance Achievement Centers nationwide. For more information, visit www.brainbalancecenters.com.

Media Contact: Kelly McNamara, Fishman PR, (847) 945-1300, [email protected]

SOURCE Brain Balance Achievement Centers