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Children fare better when expectations on them are clear and firm.

Adolescence can be the cruelest place on earth. It can really be heartless.  ( Tori Amos)

Relationships matter:  change comes through forming trusting relationships. People, not programs change people.

If you are headed in the wrong direction as a parent - you are allowed to make a U-turn.

The more 2 parents differ in their approaches to discipline, the more likely it leads to trouble for the child.

Early intervention is always better than crisis management - but it is never too late to do the right thing.

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

When a child is disregulated - is the time parents need to be regulated.

A tantruming toddler is a little ball of writhing muscle and incredible strength. It's like trying to carry a greased pig past a slop bucket.

Some hope their children will be like sponges soaking up the truth and wisdom imparted by their parents. However appealing this philosophy might be, it seldom seems to catch on with their children.

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More FAQ about ADD/ADHD

3. What are the theories about causes of ADD,ADHD?

There have been many theories about the cause of ADD/ADHD but there is no consensus among the experts.

a) brain injury – caused by trauma or disease – this was one of the first theories however current thinking suggests that this causes relatively few cases

b) delayed brain maturation – the brain is simply slow in developing some of its functions and it will eventually catch up – there is little direct neurological evidence supporting this theory

c) toxic poisoning – this theory says that the brain has been assaulted by a toxic substance that has disrupted development – examples: lead poisoning, prenatal use of drugs or alcohol

d) food additives – this was a major field of study in the 1970’s and 80’s led by Dr. Benjamin Feingold who believed hyperactivity was caused by artificial flavours and colouring. Rigorous scientific studies do not support this theory.

e) allergies – there is limited evidence to suggest a link between environmental influences and ADD/ADHD

f) medical illness – some medical conditions mimic ADD/ADHD symptoms ( see a previous posting re: differential diagnosis)

g) medications – some meds trigger ADD/ADHD symptoms (examples: Dilantin, Dimetapp, cold medicines)

h) heredity – an ADHD child is 4 times more likely to have a close relative with ADHD than a child without ADHD “chip off the old block”

i) family stressors – divorce, poor parenting, poverty, attachment disorder, etc.

j) brain chemistry – medical community by and large supports this theory. It appears that ADD/ADHD sufferers have unbalanced levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

The bottom line:

  • experts do not know what causes ADD/ADHD
  • there are probably a combination of factors leading to ADD/ADHD
  • research continues

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ Lick Your Kids

  “Lick Your Kids” (figuratively not literally) (2 hours) First […]

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+ A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain

  A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain […]

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+ Reading Rescue

A program for children with reading problems

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+ Taming a Toddler

Many parents wonder what hit them when their sweet little baby turns into an unreasonable toddler – ideas for dealing with mealtime, bedtime, temper tanturms, toilet training, noncompliance, etc.

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See more of our workshops


Contact

2720 Rath Street, Putnam, Ontario
NOL 2BO

Phone: (519) 485-4678
Fax: (519) 485-0281

Email: info@rickharper.ca

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Parents' Comments

“Rick’s approach is so logical. He helped us clearly define the problem, analyze what has happened and select the best strategy. We now feel empowered to do something positive for our kid”

(A.N. – Tillsonburg)