Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Following Example Julia's - Essay Example

Julia’s Case StudyJulia’s case is a perfect indication that she suffers from Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whenever a child is suffering from this disorder, they have a difficulty in maintaining focus to a single task or even concentrating on a given activity, without getting easily distracted. Additionally, children suffering from ADHD are characterized by the tendency to frequently forget things (Hartmann, 2003). Such children will always have a difficulty in organizing any of their possessions or activities, thus cannot manage to accomplish them in time.

On the academic front, children suffering from this disorder are unable to follow the instructions as issued by their teachers, thus ends up not finishing their assignments and any other tasks intended for them in good time (Rucklidge, 2010). More apparent indication of the disorder is the inability of the child to learn something new, which makes such kids stall back and always lag behind their peers in learning. Considering the fact that from the case given, Julia exhibited all these symptoms, then, it is a reasonable ground to believe that she is actually suffering from ADHD.

Therefore, Julia’s case is not another case of over-diagnosis but a perfect indication that she is suffering from this disorder. Since it is clear that Julia’s case cannot be cured, then, an excellent management of this case is vital. There are various ways through which the case can be managed, to ensure that Julia leads a normal life, regardless of the disorder she is suffering from. Medication and behavioral therapy ranks as the most viable means through which this disorder can be managed (Southall, 2007).

However, while behavioral therapy is known to have no side effects, it is not the case with medication. Though medication could be preferred for addressing this disorder, through medication, a child is likely to experience some side effects such as insomnia, stomach upsets, and loss of appetite (Hartmann, 2003). This is detrimental to the welfare and overall health of the child. On the other hand, behavioral therapy entails the reorganization of the child’s environment to make it more interesting, while issuing them with simple and clear directions as well as giving them some incentives that would enhance their ability to accomplish tasks (Rucklidge, 2010).

Considering that it is observed that medication works well while combined with behavioral therapy, then it would not be worthwhile to order medication for Julia. On the contrary, alternative interventions, such as this combination should be adopted to help manage her case. To help a young girl like Julia succeed academically and enable her make and keep friends, some behavioral strategies should be adopted. Through creating a routine, where a certain schedule and flow of activities are followed all the time, it will make it easier for such children to get used, thus limit the chances of losing focus or forgetting (Hartmann, 2003).

Additionally, working towards eliminating all distractions ensures that the kids will not focus their attention elsewhere, allowing them to concentrate on class work thus increasing their chances of excelling academically (Southall, 2007). By having other children support all the activities such a child is interested in, while motivating the child to continue doing what she likes, she will form a close bond with those who supports her, thus establishing and keeping friendships. ReferencesHartmann, T. (2003). The Edison gene: ADHD and the gift of the hunter child.

Rochester: Park Street Press.Rucklidge, J. (2010). Gender differences in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America.Southall, A. (2007). The Other Side of ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Exposed and Explained. Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.