Let Kids Be Kids
Conditions Sometimes Mistaken as ADHD

Home | Brief History | Conditions Sometimes Mistaken for ADHD | Effects of Labeling a Child with ADHD

Auditory Processing Problems - These are often linked to frequent ear infections that create fluid in the ear and intermittent hearing loss. Unable to grasp the flow of words spoken around them, children with such problems can appear "spaced out" and indifferent

Sensory Motor Integration Malfunctions - These malfunctions made it extremely difficult for kids to follow through on the spoken word. Unable to produce an appropriate action for verbal direction, "they sit there until you literally have to move them." Such children can be helped by verbal cues and breaking down tasks into specific steps.

Sensitivity Problems - Children can have sensitivity problems to a number of factors including certain foods, product preservatives, livestock growth hormones and exposure to heavy metals. These can all affect a child's learning behavior.

Vision Impairments - Impairments in vision can lead to difficulties in processing written information. "A child can have 20-20 eyesight but experience difficulty mentally programming the material," says child psychologist Bunni Tobias*, adding 73% of children with reading disabilities have some type of vision problem.

Extreme Allergies - Allergies to food and the environment can turn clam kids into "out-of-control" children. An allergy can manifest itself as hyperactivity, mood swings, anger, or a learning disability.

Nutrition Deficiencies - Poor diet can greatly alter a child's behavior. Also, some children are unable to adequately process sugar and simple carbohydrates. Provide a well-rounded diet of protein, whole grains and vegetables, advises doctors and child psychologists. As fruit juice contains many unnecessary sugars, it is also a good idea to dilute fruit juice before giving it to children.

Lack of Discipline - Inappropriate conduct can become entrenched in undisciplined children. Parents should periodically examine their behavioral expectations and react with consistent responses. "Punishment doesn't work - Discipline teaches."

High-Stress levels - A high-stress society is wreaking havoc on our most vulnerable members. Negativity in the political arena, violent evening news, rocky marriages, and financial distress are a vile brew that can inflict emotional problems on our kids.

(*Bunni Tobias is a leading psychologist in children's research). For more information including more of Dr. Tobias' views on ADHD please access the document found in Health News on November 23, 1998

Questions or comments may be directed to Rochelle at knaackrs@uwec.edu

Page last updated on April 2, 2004