Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is a disorder affecting approximately 5.3 million children between the ages of 3 and 17, according to 2009 statistics from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. A number of medications and treatment options are available to help your child manage the symptoms of this condition. Attending a camp for children with ADHD may be one option to consider.
ADHD Characteristics
ADHD has three primary characteristics: inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Your child may posses symptoms of one or all three characteristics. If inattentive, he will have problems focusing, make careless mistakes, not listen when spoken to and lose items easily. Signs of hyperactivity include constant fidgeting, excessive talking, being quick to temper or problems playing quietly. Acting without thinking, speaking out of turn, angry outbursts, temper tantrums and inappropriate comments are signs of impulsivity.
Goals of ADHD Camps
ADHD camps provide an array of services to help manage your child's ADHD symptoms. If your child has a problem focusing, staff members may work on developing her ability to complete a task. If she has behavioral problems, the staff may put a consequence and reward system in place for her. Teaching your child how to develop a healthy relationship with her peers is another goal. Specific goals may vary depending on the camp you choose for your child.
Treatment Plans
ADHD camps set and achieve goals by creating an individual plan for each child. The counselors, which consist of teachers, psychologists and social workers, devise strategies to help your child overcome learning disabilities. The staff also focuses on ways for your child to solve problems. You are involved as well. Parents learn how to maintain the lessons their children learn at camp. This may make it easier for you to manage your child's symptoms at home. When the program ends, parents receive a summarized report of their child's progress. This can help determine what, if any, changes are necessary to their current treatment plan.
Choosing Your Camp
One major factor in choosing the right camp for your child is cost. Although you desire the best program for your child, make sure it's feasible financially. The cost may vary with each camp. Let your child help choose. If the program isn't fun as well as educational, chances are it won't benefit your child. Speak with your child's teacher and ask what she thinks of the program. If it won't benefit your child, keep searching.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); February 2011
- HelpGuide.org; ADD/ADHD in Children; Melinda Smith, M.A., et al.; May 2011
- Children's Hospital Cleveland Clinic: Summer Treatment Program
- ADDitude; ADHD Summer Camp: Choosing the Best Program for Your Child; Phylis Hanlon; Spring 2011 Issue
Member Comments