Mar 25 Special Needs Stats and News- Ferretin Deficiency and ADHD

Test Your Child with ADHD for Ferretin Deficiency !

This week, Joan Endyke, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition and food science, wrote for The Patriot Ledger about a study conducted in France and published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine,

This study found the majority of 4- to 14-year-old children (84 percent) with childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had abnormally low ferritin levels. Low ferritin is called iron deficiency. The study also mentions the same correlation with Restless Leg Syndrome.

Iron is essential to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls attention, behavior, and cognition. Therefore children with iron deficiency have attention issues and perform poorly in school. When ferritin deficiency is corrected, symptoms of ADHD improve, as do learning and memory.

If your child has ADHD, talk to your doctor about testing ferritin levels.

Did you know about the correlation of low ferritin levels and ADHD?
Did you have your child tested?
What became of it?

Mar 22 Fidgeting Tip - Fidgeting Movements Help Kids With ADHD

Why does fidgeting and other body movements help children with ADHD?

Research has shown that movement (physical activity) affects the same area of the brain that ADHD medications do. Both movement and medications raise the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals in the brain help us to focus and pay attention.

Therefore encouraging these children to respectfully move in class is a good thing. They must be given the opportunity to move at will, all the time not disrupting their peers. Allow silent, unobtrusive fidgets, like Kid Companions, and arrange movement breaks throughout the day.

The regular classroom Teachers or Special Education Teachers must tactfully explain to the class the accommodations planned for their classmate. The Special Needs child must be helped to blend in. Lastly, every member of the class must know that no unacceptable comments will be tolerated.

Has your school made accomodations for your child with ADHD?