Why can’t they be still

By Arthur E. Nowlin, LMSW, CAADC & Dr. Kim Logan-Nowlin



The teacher was concern about the young boy who could never be still during the class session.  The constant movement and agitation of the other students became disruptive and irritating to the teacher and other students.  During the course of the day it became very difficult to encourage the young boy to focus and complete assignments.  During individual attention it became obvious that there existed difficulty in the ability to engage with his teacher.  As the teacher persisted in her attempts to find a better method in reaching the young boy, her frustrations increased.  Eventually a meeting with the parent was held and a decision needed to be made to seek help.  The child was exhibiting symptoms of ADHD.   What is ADHD?  ADHD is a common behavioral disorder affecting an estimated 8% to !0% of school age children.  Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with it more than girls.  In observing the behavior of a child who is demonstrating, poor attention span and hyperactivity during school and other social environments, finding treatment is essential.  

Suggestions to contact a physician and have the child examined was one of the options as well as scheduling the child for an Individual Educational Program or IEP.   The IEP would offer the parent assistance in obtaining special attention to help their child achieve.  A team of educators and professionals will determine  the best possible solution to improve the quality of learning for the student.  In many IEP’s there are suggestions to have the child schedule an appointment to see a physician to diagnose the problem and determine if medication is needed to assist the child in maintaining focus.

Once a doctor or psychiatrist has suggested medication for a child with ADHD it is important to find the medication with the least side effects.  Not all children will have side effects from medication but the parent and teacher should observe the child and document improvement or lack of improvement in the child’s behavior.

Our children should have every opportunity to obtain help during the critical years of their development.  The percentage of parents reporting ADHD diagnosis has increased by 22% from 2003 to 2007 and the percentage continues to rise.  Even more alarming is the fact that ADHD is a lifelong behavior disorder.  Many adults are having issues regarding ADHD but the symptoms may not be as pronounced as it was during their childhood.  The symptoms can change and the adult can develop coping mechanism.  ADHD has been linked to adults who have alcohol and marijuana problems and particularly people who have other psychological disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder.  If you suspect your child to have ADHD disorder seek help and have the child evaluated. Provide proper support to improve the behavioral concerns in the school and in the home.

Arthur E.. Nowlin, LMSW, CAADC & Kim Logan Nowlin, Ph.D. LPC, BCCPC, MFT are a husband and wife counseling team and owners of the Kim Logan Communications Christian Family Counseling Clinic in Detroit, Mi. www.kimnow.com, www.familylifelrc.com,  drkimklc@gmail.com, aenowlin@yahoo.com. www.Psychology Today.com