Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I have a two-year-old son who is not talking or playing with other children. I am concerned, but don't know what to do.

- Maria

Dear Maria:

I would encourage you to take your son to the doctor who will assess him and refer him to a specialist. The specialist will assess whether or not your son has autism and or a speech and language disorder.

Autism has become fairly common and it needs to be detected early so that therapy can be started. Outcomes are good when children are detected early and therapy initiated. He may require speech therapy and behaviour therapy.

Autism is a condition in which the child's language development is delayed or is non-existent and he doesn't socialise with family and peers.

Parents usually detect something wrong with their young children and seek help from their doctors. Abnormal development should be taken seriously and help sought from their health providers. If there is delayed development, then the parents will have to be taught skills and strategies to use to stimulate their children.

All parents need to be aware of child development stages so that they can detect when there are problems with their children. Parents need to speak with their doctor and or search the Internet to access useful information. Some children develop at a slow rate while others are rather quick. Comparing your children with others will give you ideas as to the rate of development of children.

Hyperactivity causinglearning woes for child

Dear Counsellor:

My son is 12 years old and has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He was diagnosed since age nine years and is maintained on medication.

He is now in high school and is having difficulty making the transition. He is disruptive in some classes and spends time out of other classes because the teachers are having difficulty with him.

A teacher reports that he talks a lot in class and cannot sit still for long periods. I am at my wits' end as to what to do.

- Evadney

Dear Evadney:

ADHD is a common childhood condition which persists into adolescence and adulthood. It is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention and distractibility. These children have difficulty in sitting still or paying attention for long periods of time.

It is treated with medication, behaviour management and educational intervention. Some people have found that certain non-traditional therapy also works.

Your son is making the transition from primary to secondary school. It can be really difficult and his situation is aggravated by the ADHD.

Many children have problems making the adjustment to life in secondary school. He now has about 15 subjects with 15 different teachers. There are assignments for each of these subjects and he needs to keep up in class with the various materials being taught.

Your son will have difficulty in organising himself and managing his time wisely. He will need your help in time management and organisation.

Initially, you will have to help him to make a timetable for studying and assignments. He needs a corner where his school supplies are kept and a noticeboard for the assignments. You will need to check his bag as to his books and assignments and help him with the research projects.

He is under severe stress, so his inattentiveness, distractibility and hyperactivity will worsen. The teachers need to be told that he has ADHD and the doctor may have to consider increasing the medication. Transition can take up to six months, so you have to be prepared to help with the details for a time.

Phone Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email her at yvonniebd@hotmail.com.