ADD/ADHD a teacher's theory

[markmarc]

On the fourth page of the Exxon thread the conversation went into ADD/ADHD off shoot. I think it needs its own thread.

As a teacher I absolutely believe their is a connection between ADD/ADHD and television and video games. My theory is as follows:

The average TV commercial flashes on average 15 images every thirty seconds. TV shows cut from one angle to another every 4.5 seconds. Video games are based on flashes, jumps, jerks, etc.. Kids brains are being wired all the time, those connections are based upon what they experience.

So, what is happening is that kid's brains need fresh flashes of images in order to stay focused. It's the brain screaming "feed me, feed me, feed me". Well, guess what, a classroom or the home (away from electronics) is not designed that way, what students see is a smooth, continuous motion. The brain can't handle the slow speed, so, in order to feed itself, it acts up.

The very best solution is to severly limit the TV and video games. No more than 30 minutes per day. Put the focus back into non-structured play time, i.e. Legos, trucks, dolls, Lincoln Logs, puzzles. Anything that develops smooth, consistent brain activity.

This solution is based upon many years of student observation. I have found that over 80% of ADD/ADHD students came from environments where the TV and Video Games ruled the home entertainment. Remove the cause, and the wiring will develop differently. Obviously this doesn't answer all the cases, but it explains the epidemic increase in diagnosis in the past 15 years.

[aaharvel]

dumbing down society. Great post Mark.

[F1nut]

Excellent post Mark, excellent!!!

[faster100]

That's all well and fine in the 70's and 80's.. But in this very busy day and age, its real hard to get kids (I have 2) to play board games, and read and do non electronic things that all their friends are doing. not to mention have time to do any traditional things with kids. We make it a point to sit down and eat dinner at the table everynight, something alot of families don't do anymore.. it's a start but i tell ya sometimes TV and the computer have to be used to entertain. be realistic, 30 minutes a day is not realistic. Id like to think i have good girls and raise them right. But alot of these studies and these doctors are not realistic. Like have 3 meals a day and a healthy snack of carrot sticks and fruit juice or water in between.. sounds good but not always pratical.. IMO and just my 0.02 cents

[okiepolkie]

Being a teacher as well, I agree very much. Another reason is the increasing sugar intake they have. Up until this year, our school was allowed to sell candy and sugar drinks at lunch. In the afternoons, many of the students were overenergetic because of the sugar highs. As a result, many of them took their "medicine" right after lunch because they "needed" it most then.

[MacLeod]

Virtually all kids have video games and watch tons of tv these days so its only natural that kids with ADD play games. Thats like saying most all alcoholics drive cars so cars must be the cause.

We have it so good in this country right now that people have to make up stuff to suffer from so they can feel theyre overcoming adversity. ADD, depression and bi-polar are just some of these things. Im not saying they dont exist just that theyre not an epidiemic or illness but merely an inconvenience and do not require drugs to overcome but rather some good old fashioned self discipline.

Im sure a lot of the pioneers that settled the west got depressed from time to time but they worked thru it because their survival depended on it.

I believe that some kids have a harder time paying attention, hell my mom cant pay attention to anything longer than a few minutes but she still manages to function fine.

I also think a lot of this stems from this attitude lately that kids are super fragile and cant handle anykind of disappontment or hardship. I think this is bunk. Kids by definition dont know squat and can adapt to pretty much anything easier than adults in some instances. The practice of not giving kids an F on their tests so as not to hurt their feelings or not keeping score in baseball games so they wont be disappointed is wrong on so many levels. Mainly because the world is anything but fair and the first time they experience the real world up close theyll be in for a big shock and not have the experience to handle some A-hole boss.

Raising kids means preparing them for adulthood and real life. Sparing them from real life is doing a great disservice to them.

[markmarc]

Faster:
Sorry to disagree with you, but as a parent myself, this can and is done by some. I can testify the difference in how students learn and act at school is amazing. They have better imaginations, can form and lead groups, and comprehend better.

Respectfully, if the kids have time to play video games and watch TV, they have time to do other things as well. Sure, it's not easy, but since you have made it a point to have dinner together, the rest can happen as well (TERRIFIC). Remember, I didn't say to take away the TV/Video games, just curtail them to 30min. Life is about balance and moderation, unfortunately, TV and Video Games have overwhelmed the balance.

[F1nut]

It's easy to get kids to do something else besides watch TV or play video games, just say NO! Point to the door and tell them outside. There is nothing better for developing the mind than a little imagination and the great outdoors. Not to mention it would help solve the problem of all these over weight kids.

[MacLeod]

^^^ Bingo!

Its not so much kids have an affliction, its just that theyve become spoiled and lazy!

Hell you can tell in the difference in teenagers appearances in just the last 20 years. All of us around 35+ think back to your highschool I bet it was full of 16 year old guys that looked like they were 30 with hairy chests and 5 oclock shadow. Go to a high school today and most of them look like they still havent hit puberty! Its because instead of being put to work out on the farm or in the backyard theyre playing games or watching tv.

[VR3]

I call BS. Absolute BS.

Kids are not at fault here. I think everyone knows where I stand on this subject...

The problem are the people that gave birth to the child, ya know... their "parents" - the only reason a kid dosnt work is their parents, the only reason a kid dosnt listen is a parent, their parents dont care, and their parents cant control their kids. Its not really a matter of good parent bad parent, its a matter that kids dont respond to politicaly correct BS, kids respond to pain.

Example? Your Mom tells you to not touch the stove, its hot... you touch it... you never touch it again purposely.

Same goes with everything else... you dont talk back to your parents, if you do... you get spanked... do it again, you get spanked more... eventually you learn... talk back = pain. Act up in school = pain. So they dont do it.

Stop saying the problem with kids today is...

Start saying "the problem with parents today is..."

If society raises politically correct punks who sit on the couch all day, it is NOT their fault. This is what society wants - lazy kids that get it easy from day one.

I am sure diseases like bipolar and ADHD exists, I have a few family members with both of those diseases and I've seen what that is - but I will say that alot of it just has to do with the fact they dont listen, dont want to listen or just want a ton of attention...

Like I said, its not KIDS.. its PARENTS, the laws that restrict them...and the laws that restrict them from their kids.

[audiobliss]

Good post Sid. I agree with you. I'd say at least the majority of diagnosed cases of ADD/ADHD are purely problems arising from a lack of disciplining and punishment from the parents. However, I also believe there are true cases of ADD/ADHD.

[Zero]

I just had to interject here and note something funny, and thats a number of the posts in this thread coming from people that have never had a child (or raised a child) of their own.

Funny shtuff..

[ND13]

When corporal punishment was deemed un-pc, everything went downhill, period.
Now kids taunt there teachers and elders, knowing that the adult can't really do anything to them, except a trip to the counselor or the like, without being sued.

[steveinaz]

Mark, agree 100%. My children (when they were children), were raised without video games and violent television. None. Neither saw an "R" rated movie until they were at least 17, and saw very few PG movies as children. I wanted them to learn how to play like we did, go OUTSIDE, get dirty, roll around, use your imagination---play sports.

The problem now is that these "new" parents want to be their kids best friend-----HUGE mistake------parents are way more than best friends, they take the time and personal pain to punish, reward, discuss, explain, etc. You do what you do as a parent to make your children feel good---not to make yourself feel good. Raising well-adjusted and SECURE kids means RULES and structure. These kids now are so insecure they're morons---terrible behavior because there are no rules at home, they get what the want when the want it---and it's OUR fault.

Ask yourself, how many freinds do you know that are raising their grand children---scary isn't it? Why? No damn discipline, responsibility or expectations put on to their kids--now they are carrying the burden. I say BULL****, you have it, you will raise it.

[ND13]

The community also had alot to do with raising kids when I grew up. I wouldn't have dared to do some of the things I see kids today getting away with when I was a kid, because I knew that the neighbors were watching out.

Today, everyone just turns their head, because they are afraid they'll get sued or arrested for "getting involved".

[unc2701]

Personally, I'm gonna go with the mercury in all the inocculations that they get. Look it up, the stats are pretty scary

[markmarc]

Definitions: ADD- someone who has a hard time focusing, usually not disruptive to others.
ADHD- someone who lacks focus and is hyperactive, easily gets on others nerves.

As a teacher, when I hear of a child who has been diagnosed ADD/ADHD, I ask, what types of behavior modification and dietary changes have been tried. In many cases, one or both of these two choices is enough for the student to successfully handle school. Drug therapy is a last resort. But, I have seen students where drug therapy was the only way the child could learn. For them it was/is the only way they can stay on task.

The younger students are broken of the TV/Video as the main form of entertainment, the easier it is for the brain to rewire into a slower pace.

For those of you who think coporal punishment will solve any ADD/ADHD isssue, all I can say is that won't work. One must remember, that many students who lacked focus in the classroom back when we were kids (I graduated in 80) went into shop classes. Well, nowadays shop is all but gone because having an extra foreign language teacher is more important, so those students are now back in the classrooms.

[audiobliss]

I can testify that ADHD is a real thing and that disciplinary matters won't solve the true cases of ADHD. When you're dealing with little kids, you can't be sure if they really have the disorder or if they're just bent on not paying attention. At 17 I can say (and hopefully trustworthily so) that I was interested in school and learning, and that there was some reason I couldn't focus. Mom heard/read about this program called the Feingold (sp?) diet. It severely limited the preservatives, colors, etc. you could eat. That diet did wonders for me. I don't remember the instance myself, but Mom tells that one day (I'd say in the first or second grade) while we were doing school (I'm homeschooled) I looked up from my book with a big smile on my face and said, "Mom! I can focus!"

ADHD is a real thing. Diets help. Discipline and behavior is also a problem for today's kids. I bet some kids diagnosed with ADHD/ADD just haven't been disciplined, while some truly have a problem with concentrating.

[F1nut]

Zero,

You don't know what experiences others have had with regards to children. You may think you do, but you don't.

[Zero]

Over the fence again, eh?

[faster100]

another thing is, alot of the people in this thread are older and were brought up a long time ago, raised their kids a long time ago.. Times have changed, face it, beleive it, MY mom thinks of the old ways/days just like some of you guys.. Yes its true kids should do more hands on and less watching TV, Its certainly not the sole reason for hyperactive kids. ie: add/adhd and this parent blame game Yes some parents are the blame but to say as sid and the other youngsters have alluded to, Its the parents.. Bull****! partial blame is in order. but full responsibility is non sense.

I also agree, you have to have kids to comment , not be a kid, not know people with kids. Their is nothing in this world that compares till you have first hand experience, I'm a stay at home dad for 6 years.. I surely have a grip on child raiseing.. I tell ya what, i learn everyday and everyday is a challenge.

I guess im lucky to have girls as generally girls don't suffer from add/adhd or alot more boys do i should say

everybody has their own way or plan to raise kids, My oldest watches alot of tv, less now with being in school.. But she is one of the top kids in her class, has been useing a computer since she was 2 (cd rom learning games only) has a computer in her room, Is very well mannered and brings home achievment awards, optimist club member... grant it she is in first grade but it has to start somewhere, and we are proud of her. and she watches tv, doesnt play video games, plays on the computer and drinks colored drinks.. No soda.. so its just that, a theory... no concrete evidence.

[audiobliss]

What's a theory? What doesn't have concrete evidence? You go on and on with that post and then at the end say it's just a theory without concrete evidence? What is? That just doesn't make any sense.

[faster100]

That's why your a kid with alot to learn, Kids watching tv, playing games and drinking colored drinks is a theory to why kids suffer from add/adhd.. I don't buy it 100%

you and sid saying its the parents fault, is a theory, I don't buy 100% either.

Understand now?

[audiobliss]

If you'll go back and read my post again (and I'm not saying this with any kind of an attitude...since you can't get that in text), you'll see that I'm not advocating anything 100% either. All I'm saying is that there are legitimate cases of ADD/ADHD, and that there are a lot of case in which the only problem is a lack of disciplining by the parents. I don't think you can disagree with that.

[Frank Z]

Parenting is the key. This means being the adult and controlling your child’s environment 100% in your home. It's too easy to park the kids in front of the TV/Video Game and let it baby sit them.

I'm here to tell you that it can be done. My son just turned 13 a few days ago and reads at a college level, is an A student, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and is an incredible football player. My 10 year old daughter is reading at a 12 grade level and is goes through 6-8 books a week. We recently asked her teacher if he'd had any problems with her conduct in class, like talking too much and doing her work in a timely manner. He said that the ONE TIME he had asked her why she was talking during class he found out that she was helping the other students around her understand the assignment they had been given...she had already completed it.

Bragging about my kids, yeah I guess so, but more to the point we pay attention to them and what is going on in their lives. TV is limited, video games are limited, and we even have to limit their reading time. I've caught them in bed at all hours with a book and a flashlight. Super Parents....not even close. We left the owners manual at the hospital and decided to wing it and ignore any so-called experts.

Children need guidelines, rules, limits, and discipline. Above all they need love and attention.

I'm fond of saying that any boy can drop his pants and make a baby, but it takes a man to pull up his pants, be responsible and raise a child into adulthood.

I'm not saying that I don't believe in ADD/ADHD, but I do believe that we are too quick to label and dope up the child when it's the parent(s) fault for being "too busy." After all, your off spring should be more important than a new car, boat, RV, bigger house, etc. Given the choice I think a child would be happier with some parents that gave a damn and got involved in their lives.


[/rant]

[VR3]

"Yes some parents are the blame but to say as sid and the other youngsters have alluded to, Its the parents.. Bull****! partial blame is in order. but full responsibility is non sense." - Faster

Let me get this straight... Parents don't discipline kids - kids dont listen and act up... kids fault? Dont think so...

Parents buy kid console... kid plays console allll day.... kids fault? dont think so

Its an A+B+C equation, Parent + Kid + Situation/Object = Outcome. A kids/teens are a powerless individual. Kids and teens have no rights, they have no say so and they shouldnt be treated as such. When you let your kids control you - then you are no longer a parent. You are a "group" of friends and your kids the leader.

Kids couldnt do anything if parents controlled them. Its all about choices.

Now, there are those instances where they do everything right and the kid still turns out bad. So theres your partial blame.

Then, there are the people with the ACTUAL problem that need medicine, thats not really anyones fault.

I may not have kids... but I've spent the last 16 years watching a child over parent relationship and have had to be the enforcer on many ocasions... so with that said I salute you all a goodnight. I think I've posted one to many today.

[audiobliss]

Very well said, Mr. Z. I sincerely wish this world had more fathers like you. That's the way it's supposed to be done, and you're to be commended for your efforts.

[faster100]

SID... so your saying if your parents buy you a game console, you have no control over yourself and have to play? take no responsibility, I don't beleive it..
Like i said, you HAVE to have kids to know... i watched/babysat my sisters kids for a few years when i was younger, It was nothing like that when i had my first kid..

Far as controling everything a kid does and sheltering them. I beleive in discipline and as ive said earlier my kid does great in school and at home.. HOWEVER she watches TV, plays on the computer and so on.. we just need an excuse for why kids are bad. Its the parents, its TV, its the damm video games..

I can tell ya, My own sister created monsters for kids, they are in trouble, smoking, drinking im sure and doing badly in school.. Parents 80% kids 20% IMO but thats the exception to the rule.. It aint always like that. some kids are just bad, some parents are just bad..


I'm kinda done with this subject as i can see it turning into a "my kid does this better" I'm a great parent, blah blah blah!!

don't want to get into a pissing match... I have my ways and beliefs and they seem to work pretty well so far, Do what works best but their is NO cut and dry with kids..

Good night, :)

[VR3]

I'm not saying its not the childs fault he plays video games all day....

However, they couldnt and wouldnt if they didnt have one or had restrictions on how much they could play... get it - still a parental thing in the end.

To me, the defining power are parents, Im not saying to shelter your kids - I believe kids should experience everything in life when the time is right... but like they say - anything in excess is NEVER a good thing. I don't believe in sheltering... if I believed in sheltering I would be very PC - and I'm far from that.

Im not saying kids dont play a part in what goes on - but I also know alot of it wouldnt happen if the parents were playing their part too...

[Frank Z]

Thanks, but it's not about me. It's about all of us (parents) doing the right thing for our own kids. Deb is a stay at home mom cuz that's the way we decided to do things. It works for us, but it may not for others.

I'm kinda done with this subject as i can see it turning into a "my kid does this better" I'm a great parent, blah blah blah!!

That's not what I intended, sorry if you got that impression. My point is that if a simpleton like me can make an effort and have things turn out the way they have for me, then it's possible for anyone to do the same thing. Are my parenting skills perfect? Hell no!! Are my kids perfect and never have any problems what so ever? Hell no...they're kids.

Kids need to have a fighting chance to be normal, healthy, and well adjusted. It's the parents responsibility to try to insure that they have that opportunity.