You may be more familiar with the term attention deficit disorder , or ADD . Other children may experience abnormal fetal development that affects the areas of the brain controlling attention and movement. Taken in normal doses, stimulants can result in possible side effects, such as decreased appetite, stomachaches, irritability, and insomnia, but the long-term effects of taking these drugs are not yet known.
Side effects are usually dose-related.
Behavior treatments include setting up a reward system for appropriate behavior. Children who take medications and practice these behavior techniques do better than those who rely on medication alone. Specialists recommend parent education and support groups to help family members accept the diagnosis and to teach them how to help the child cope with frustrations, organize his environments, and develop problem-solving skills. It is essential that you offer your child positive reinforcement to encourage his progress. As your child's most important advocate, you should become familiar with his medical, legal, and educational rights.