Hyperactive Child Syndrome Hyperactive child sy

Hyperactive child syndrome is a set of behaviors presumed to affect 3 of every 100 school-age children (Grinspoon, 1975, p. 251). The major symptoms of this condition are an increase in purposeless physical activity and a significantly impaired span of focused attention (Cantwell, 1975, p. 8). These and other factors prevent many hyperactive children from doing well academically and socially. Therefore, hyperactive child syndrome is an important concern to both parents and teachers. Many causes have been suggested, but experts have not yet agreed on a single one. The following are some of the more widely accepted suggestions.

Hyperactive child syndrome has long been believed to be the result of a neurological disorder caused by birth defects. The acceptance of this theory is demonstrated by the many names used synonymously with the syndrome, such as "brain damage syndrome," "minimal brain damage" and, more recently, "minimal brain dysfunction." However, considerable research has not produced much additional information about this disorder. Despite the wide acceptance of the "neurological disorder" theory by the medical profession and the public, anatomical brain damage has never been documented (Bosco, 1976, p. 112). Allergy is another accepted possibility. B.F. Feingold, this theory's most prominent advocate, believes that hyperactive child syndrome is caused by "junk foods containing certain additives" (Bosco, 1976, p. 97). Psychological factors are also consi

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ractive children (Bosco, 1976, p. 91). Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the learning difficulties of hyperactive children. The first suggests that some type of neurological impairment causes both behavioral problems and learning disabilities (Cantwell, 1975, p. 163). The second states that "the motor activity of the hyperactive child interferes with his ability to attend to a task, thus disrupting acquisition of information" (Cantwell, 1975, p. 168). Although there is data to support each of these hypotheses, neither is completely accepted. Hyperactive child syndrome has been treated in a variety of ways. Diet, promoted primarily by B.F. Feingold, is one such treatment. The "Feingold diet" consists of natural foods and excludes "junk foods" loaded with sugar and additives. Recent studies, however, have not demonstrated a connection between diet and the syndrome. Despite a lack of evidence, this diet is still recommended by doctors and in many cases is effective (Cantwell, 1975, p. 89). Behavior modification, based on the work of B.F. Skinner, is another prevalent treatment. This modification is accomplished by the systematic rewarding of desired actions. The child might be rewarded with food, play time, TV

Category: Psychology - H