Excessive physical movement (beyond a normal or acceptable limit) is termed hyperactivity. Reasonably objective parents can recognize when the amount and degree of activity (constant and involuntary) is different than that of peers of the same sex. When in doubt, a visit to a classroom or recreational setting for children of the same age can be illuminating. Requesting a friend to observe and provide objective information regarding comparative activity levels is especially helpful. A very useful concept is that hyperactivity is indicated by the inappropriateness and undirectness of the activity, as compared to the very active but purposeful and productive child. Practical indicators to parents are the frequent reports of the child "being all over the place" and "climbing the walls" in various settings and the frequent failure to complete tasks in spite of much activity. They rarely sit still and their "motor is always running."Studies have shown there to be far more hyperactivity among boys and among children from "economically disadvantaged groups. It must be noted that high activity levels are typical in children who are normal 2 and 3 years olds, mentally aged 2 or 3, highly exploratory and very intelligent, overly nagged by adults, and environmentally deprived. Most studies have found that 5 to 10 percent of all children are hyperactive. Maturation often brings some reduction in activity by the teen-age years, but some hyperactivity and poor concentration can persist throughout adulthood.
Reason Why
Constitutional temperament is an important concept, since some children appear very active from birth. Genetic factors are considered to be highly significant in producing hyperactivity. Hyperactivity often accompanies epilepsy and autism, but a large number of hyperactive children are thought to have a subtle brain dysfunction that causes the purposeless excessive movement. Blows to the head and poisoning can cause hyperactivity. In addition, environmental influences serve to reinforce or reduce hyperactive behaviors. As discussed in the following section, adult responses can both cause or exaggerate hyperactivity in children and be used to promote purposeful activity.
It is essential to evaluate the specific cause of hyperactivity in a child. Pediatric and psychological testing are crucial, and the ideal evaluation may be obtained at a multi-disciplinary diagnostic center. On one hand, awareness of the neurological basis for hyperactivity often leads to a more understanding and tolerant attitude by adults. Rather than blaming the child for purposefully bothering everyone, the focus can be on aiding the child is slowing down and effectively coping with an organically caused problem. Secondly, there are relatively rare instances where electrical brain malfunctioning, endocrine disturbances, and tumors are causing excessive activity. In those rare instances, it is essential that the correct diagnosis is made and that the best medical treatment be carried out. There is much recent controversy over nutritional and allergic causes of hyperactivity. Many allergists claim that specific substances can cause a hyperactive reaction in children. The controversial Feingold diet eliminates foods with artificial flavoring, aspirin, and salicylate (a type of salt). Most parents find it extremely difficult to keep their child from eating ice cream, soft drinks, bakery products, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. At this writing scientific evidence has not demonstrated the effectiveness of these claims.
How to Prevent
Promote a Healthy Environment. Numerous studies clearly demonstrated that the physical and mental condition of the pregnant mother effects activity level and concentration of her child. During pregnancy, various disease, drugs, and prolonged and intense stress have been associated with later hyperactivity in the toddler. Adequate maternal nutrition and drug (alcohol, cigarettes, tranquilizers, marijuana, etc.) abstention is the best assurance of a normal prenatal environment. Recently, there is growing evidence of a link between hyperactivity (and other learning and behavior problems) and method of delivery. Use of forceps and heavy doses of drugs have been implicated in causing the combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractedness in some children. There is a growing belief that the "natural" childbirth methods are the best means of avoiding physical insults to the newborn's central nervous system. Similarly, adequate nutrition, protection, and sensory stimulation of the infant assures maximum development. Even in the crib, infant studies demonstrate the positive effects on maturation of mobiles and toys of different textures. As the child matures, excessive stimulation (noise level, constant arguing, messy and and disorganized environment) or inadequate stimulation (deprivation of play materials and other normal experiences) is to be avoided. Normal and purposeful activity is maximized by a normal and relatively organized environment. Since thereis a strong relationship between nagging and hyperactivity, nagged of the child is to be avoided. A typical problem is the nagging of a child who is temperamentally different than the parents. Some acceptance and accommodation to the child's natural tempo will prevent problems.
Teach Purposeful Activity. Parents underestimate the powerful effect of their consistent teaching of purposeful behavior. From infancy on, parents can positively reinforce purposeful activity. Attention and praise for any accomplishment of the infant and toddler strengthen effective behavior. In the same vein, parents and siblings serve as models of the ability to focus upon and complete tasks. early observational learning sets the tone for focused behavior. Throughout childhood, the parents' level of (an effectiveness of) activity serves as a model to be imitated by the developing child. Similarly, parents can demonstrate the use of language as a guide for purposeful behavior ("I must finish this and then I'll rest"). Language also serves as a self-monitoring device ("This isn't finished properly, so I'll fix it").
Relevant Topic:
- Behavior Problems of Children
- Immature Behaviors
- Insecure Behaviors
- Habit Disorders
- Peer Problems
- Antisocial Behaviors
- Other Problems
