CHARGE Syndrome Canada Newsletter Summer 2008 Vol. 1 No.16 © copywrite |
MOBILITY OPPORTUNITIES VIA EDUCATON (M.O.V.E.)
TRANSITION RESOURCES
Behaviour - ADHD
Past Edition of the Newsletter
Behaviour in CHARGE Syndrome – a look at ADHD
Many of the children with CHARGE syndrome have reported behaviour issues. One common diagnosis for these children early on is that of “ADHD”, or “Attention Deficit Disorder”. In CHARGE Syndrome research shows that executive functions can be affected, resulting in conditions such as impulsivity, problems with expressive communication, initiating action, decision making, and transitions. Some of this behaviour has been attributed to anomalies reported in the frontal lobe, (Nicholas, 2004).
Families look for solutions often in pharmacological approaches. Many of the children remain on Ritalin until adulthood. Recently Shire has announced that in the US, the “FDA” has approved a new drug, “Vyvanse”, which is geared to adults with ADHD. The drug was launced in June of 2008. Symptoms greatly improved for these adults and in a short time product sales are reported at $24 million. But with CHARGE children, many find themselves on a variety of drugs, and some parents reach for alternative solutions.
There have been recent studies outlining a direct relationship to decreasing the symptoms associated with ADHD when a link to diet was investigated. It was back in the 1980’s that researcher Dr. Doris Rapp, from the Allergy Research Center in Buffalo reported on the connection between food dyes and ADHD, as well as other links to chemicals in the environment, in cleaning products and allergy or intolerance to certain foods and the connection to behaviour exhibited by school children.
One question that may need further investigation is that are children with special needs more susceptible to these unnatural insults, and especially children who may also suffer from an underdeveloped immune system?
Artificial food dyes are often made from petroleum or coal tar. New research finds that these dyes may interfere with dopamine. We know this chemical is important in helping the individual focus and think clearly. Impulsivity is also a huge factor in those with ADHD.
In this English study conducted by Southhampton University (2007), the sample group was very large at 300 children. They gave them what was typical in a normal diet, including dies and other food additives especially found in food geared to children, and reported “significant adverse effect” on the conditions associated with ADHD.
While children who have CHARGE are not always able to eat, chew, swallow and digest a normal diet, and could be missing vital components that could affect their overall health and nervous system development, the relationship between diet and behaviour is one that deserves specific study.
Adapting the environment for these children is also an educational tip. Here are some specific examples:
1. Exercises that promote bilateral integration and crossing the midline, these can be structured like some of the HANDLE ® or BRAIN GYM ® prescriptions, or simply riding a bike or PLASMA CAR ®.
2. Daily physical exercise, especially after long bus rides, "walk" breaks, planned active programs
3. Elimination of distraction, both auditory or visual (boundaries around work station for example)
4. Ordered list or "reactive-interactive" calendar of choices
5. Goal setting, by specific time periods, or amount of work
6. Reduction of stress, calming activities interspersed with table work, area for sensory reduction provided in space.
7. Time with transitions
8. Awareness and attention to emotions and their affect on behavioural actions, reactions, and decision making
~ reported by Ann Gloyn, Education Specialist
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