Home care

Until the hyperactive child has been professionally evaluated and diagnosed, home treatment cannot be undertaken. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the family of the hyperactive child is given specific recommendations tailored to the child’s needs. Removing from the child’s diet foods that contain artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives is believed by some specialists to lessen the incidence of hyperactive behavior. However, others feel that the special attention given to a child whose diet is being controlled, not the diet itself, probably accounts for any improvement in behavior. Ask your doctor before you initiate any changes at home.

Precautions

• True hyperactivity is present from infancy. If your normally active child is over two years old and suddenly becomes overactive, look for clues in the child’s environment.

• Never accept a diagnosis of hyperkinesis from anyone but a trained, skilled, and experienced professional.

• Remember that an accurate diagnosis usually requires a team approach involving all those who care for the child – parents, teachers, doctors, and other professionals.

• Don’t mistake ordinary misbehavior for hyperactivity; if a child is overactive with one family member but not with the others, the child is not hyperactive.

Medical treatment

A child suspected of hyperkinesis must have a complete medical examination, including vision and hearing tests. The doctor will take a detailed account of the child’s medical background, evaluate school reports, and usually recommend a series of tests that are carried out by a psychologist. The doctor may also try various medications. Among the medications that may be given are drugs such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, or permoline. Both you and the child’s teachers will be asked to keep the doctor informed of changes in the child’s behavior once a program of treatment is established. The hyperkinetic child may need special educational placement; also, because hyperkinetic children often have emotional problems resulting from poor social relationships at home and at school, counseling may be indicated.

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