Dear Counsellor:

My son has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is doing poorly in school and his teacher is unable to help him. He has difficulty reading, writing and doing mathematics. I need help.

- Maureen

Dear Maureen:

You are not alone. There are many families that have children with ADHD. It is useful to join a support group. At these meetings, you will get tips to cope and an opportunity to ventilate about your problems. Support is important, so you need to keep your family up to date with what's happening to your son.

ADHD is a neurological disorder with lots of psychosocial issues. Neurological means that there is something wrong with some parts of the brain. This condition, therefore, needs medication, behavioural strategies and educational interventions. Not every child needs medication but they all need behavioural and educational intervention.

Unable to concentrate

These children can be hyperactive, disruptive, easily distracted and unable to concentrate for periods. They also have temper tantrums and need anger-management training. Children with ADHD are prone to physical and emotional abuse. People call them names and try to beat them into submission.

Without help, they are unable to control themselves. They need help with organisational, problem-solving and decision-making skills. They tend to be impulsive and inattentive. Depression and learning problems often coexist along with the ADHD. These conditions need to be treated.

Parents need to work with teachers and therapists to provide optimal care for these children. Children with ADHD fall under the category of children with special needs. Therefore, ask your principal about educational intervention programmes for your child.

Your son will need individualised tutoring to address his challenges. I know that everything is expensive but investing in a tutor is an excellent idea.

Teach your son to be polite and sociable. He should also be taught social skills so he may get along well with peers.

There are interesting websites and educational CDs which can help your son. Discuss the role of medication in his treatment with your doctor. Medication is useful but the different types will have various side effects. Consider moving your son to a smaller class in a different school. This can be helpful as he will be given more individualised attention.

ADHD is one of the challenges that parents and teachers will have to deal with. Working together to advocate for change in the educational system will ultimately benefit the students.

Tired of problems Dear Counsellor:

I am 25 years old and sometimes feel dissatisfied with life. Life seems to be filled with problems and challenges. I am thinking of migrating to greener pastures.

- Carol

Dear Carol:

The pasture is always looking greener on the other side. Migrating from Jamaica to a more prosperous country can be a golden opportunity. You need to assess your options and make wise decisions.

Life is filled with pitfalls and problems. We set goals but have to constantly make changes. As a young adult, you have to realise that your future is in your hands. You have to ask God for guidance and direction.

You need to be aware of your values and ideals, so that whatever you do will be in keeping with your personality.

Life is about loss, grief and disappointment. It is also about happiness, joy and laughter. Humour helps to brighten the day.

Life is also about change, transition and delays. Some of the qualities that are needed are tolerance for changes, perseverance, long-suffering and humour. We must get used to sad moments because these are common.

Talking to our friends and family will help us to deal with these moments. Prayer is important. Having accepted that there are challenging times ahead, you should still make plans, set goals and work towards achieving them. Accept change as part of life and roll with the punches. When times are happy, enjoy them because there will be sad times as well.

Live one day at a time.

Email your questions to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or phone her at 978-8602.