Simple Organized Solutions S.O.S.

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Simple Organized Solutions(S.O.S.)

• A comprehensive guide to common concerns for
  parents
• By Danielle Patti and Molly Moore

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A little about ourselves

• Danielle Patti, School Counselor
• Molly Moore, School Psychologist

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S.O.S. Goals

• To provide parents and caregivers with
  information, guidance, and support for common
  concerns and issues regarding students in the
  elementary school and middle school.

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SOS Topics Covered

• Study Skills
• High Stakes Testing
• General Education Special Services Offered in the
  Schools
• Special Education
• Child Mental Health Issues Part 1
• Child Mental Health Issues Part 2
• Child Mental Health Issues Part 3
• Helping your Child with Social Issues

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Myth of the Bad Parent
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AD/HD 101

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a
  condition that can make it hard for a person to
  sit still, control behavior, and pay attention.
• Typically these difficulties are identified
  before age 7.

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What Causes AD/HD?

• PARENTS DO NOT CAUSE AD/HD!
• There is no known cause, however researchers who
  study the brain have found that people suffering
  with AD/HD are lacking neurotransmitters in their
  brain. These chemicals help the brain control
  behavior.

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How Common is it?

• 5 out of every 100 children in school may have
  AD/HD.
• Boys are 3 times more likely to have it than
  girls.

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Signs and Symptoms

• Problems paying attention.
• Being very active (called hyperactivity)
• Acting before thinking (called impulsivity)
• Difficulty with organization and completing
  assignments or tasks

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DSM IV3 Types of AD/HD

• Innattentive type
• Hyperactive-impulsive type
• Combined type

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Inattentive Type

• Does not pay close attention to details
• Cant stay focused on play or school work
• Doesnt follow through on instructions or finish
  school work or chores
• Cant seem to organize tasks and activities
• Gets distracted easily
• Lose things such as toys, school work, and books

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Hyperactive-impulsive Type

• Fidget and squirm
• Get out of their chairs when theyre not supposed
  to
• Run around or climb constantly
• Have trouble playing quietly
• Talk too much
• Blurt out answers before questions have been
  completed
• Have trouble waiting their turn
• Interrupt others when theyre talking
• Butt in on the games others are playing

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Combined Type

• Exhibit symptoms of both types.

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How do you know if your child has AD/HD?

• Talk to teachers and school staff to rule out
  other reasons for the childs behavior.
• Examine whether a disability may be contributing
  to the behavior.
• Behavior rating scales.
• Consultation with pediatrician or child
  psychologist.

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Treatment

• There is no quick cure but AD/HD can be managed.
• Parents can educate themselves on the disorder.
• Learn ways to help your child manage his or her
  behavior.
• Create an educational program to meet the childs
  individual needs.
• Consider medication if recommended by the childs
  doctor.

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School Services

• IDEA allows children with AD/HD to be classified
  under other health impairment if their
  disability is affecting educational performance.
• A Section 504 plan may also be appropriate for a
  child with ADHD, if it is interfering with their
  ability to learn.

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Resources for Parents

• Distribute Tips for Parents handout
• Distribute Family Help handouts

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Oppositional Defiant DisorderODD

• Uncooperative and hostile behavior that is so
  frequent and consistent that it stands out when
  compared with other children of the same age and
  developmental level and when it affects the
  childs social, family, and academic life.

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What Causes It?

• The causes of ODD are unknown but many parents
  report that their child with ODD was more rigid
  and demanding than the childs siblings from an
  early age.
• Biological and environmental factors may have a
  role.

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Symptoms of ODD

• Frequent temper tantrums
• Excessive arguing with adults
• Active defiance and refusal to comply with adult
  requests and rules
• Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
• Blaming others for his or her mistakes or
  misbehavior
• Often being touchy or easily annoyed by others
• Frequent anger and resentment
• Mean and hateful talking when upset
• Seeking revenge

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How Common is it?

• 5-15 of all school age children may have ODD.

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How do you know if your child has ODD?

• A comprehensive evaluation should be done to rule
  out other disorders such as ADHD, learning
  disabilities, mood disorders, bipolar disorder
  and anxiety disorders.
• Some children with ODD go on to develop conduct
  disorder, which is more severe symptoms related
  to ODD.

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Treatment

• Parent training programs
• Individual psychotherapy to develop anger
  management skills
• Family psychotherapy to improve communication
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to assist problem
  solving ability and decrease negativity
• Social skills training to increase flexibility
  and improve frustration tolerance with peers.

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Resources for Parents

• Parent handout