Supporters vital part in ADHD

Mon, August 25, 2008

FAMILY ADVICE: Expert says setting a timeline helps athletes cope with disorder

By Kathy Rumelski, FREE PRESS REPORTER


A teacher once told Deborah Phelps that her son Michael, who struggled with ADHD as a child, "will never be able to focus on anything." (The Associated Press)

The biggest star of the Beijing Olympics, which just wrapped up, has no doubt inspired children to dream about success in sport.

Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals at the Games, succeeded despite having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

One teacher told his mother Deborah, "Your son will never be able to focus on anything." Phelps, who was diagnosed at age nine, proved that teacher wrong. Kids with big dreams like Phelps are getting set to return to school and try out for teams.

While many teachers think about ADHD in the classroom, a local psychologist is asking coaches to be aware of signs of the disorder as well.

Henry Svec, a member of the Western Mustangs football squad that won two national championships in the 1970s, said it wasn't until long after his days as a Mustang that he realized he had ADHD.

But he did know at the time that his athletic performance suffered some days and he was affected by inconsistencies in his play. "The real frustrating part is you do everything right and then (the next day) you do everything wrong. You think you did everything the same and you can't figure out why."

Svec, who is the founder of the Svec Institute of Psychological Services and has clinics in Chatham, London and Sarnia, implores coaches who suspect ADHD to talk to parents and students about getting an assessment and brain scan. "Coaches are really huge in this."

Some signs an athlete may be struggling with ADHD include:

- Problems focusing during practice or mundane routines.
- Emotional difficulty.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Appears distracted during team meetings.
- High school and college athletes may also struggle with alcohol and drug use.

Unfortunately, there are a significant number of athletes who do not attend university due to their undiagnosed condition, Svec said, noting this is "tragic."

"You see a lot of amazing athletes who might be in high 60s, low 70s per cent range who can't go on to university.

"With proper assessment, however, they become eligible to attend and receive the support to make them successful at the university level."

Svec said athletes can help themselves by setting goals and a timeline.

"Figure out what do I have to do at 9 o'clock to achieve those goals?"

Deborah Phelps has said she also had a task list she went over with her son.

"With Michael, there were always certain things that he knew he needed to do before going to swim practice or playing outside with friends."

Athletes can also learn how to turn ADHD into a positive by focusing their energy.

Getting school support is imperative so that a schedule can be set that benefits the student athlete, Svec said.

He said their last period of the day should be a spare. "They get all their homework done so when you go to practice, you're finished with school.

"The problem with ADHD is the brain gets tired really easy."

Exercise is something that can ease the symptoms of ADHD and help the brain function at its best, so even kids who aren't especially athletic would get some benefit from sport.

For the parents of little ones heading to school for the first time next week, they've got other issues on their mind.

How will their child handle more structure?

Will she be OK on a bus?
Will he make friends?
Is he/she scared?

Linda Ludke, who selects children's materials for the London Public Library, has provided a list of some picture books that will help youngsters (and parents) with the transition to school.

- Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes: Wemberly frets about everything that could go wrong on her first day of school. Caring parents and a patient teacher help her conquer her butterflies.

- Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten by Joseph Slate: Miss Bindergarten, just like her pupils, is busy preparing for the first day of kindergarten.

- The Bus Stop by Janet Morgan Stoeke: Nothing beats the thrill of riding a big yellow school bus for the first time.