Advice About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (NAPSA)—It’s back-to-school time—and that means classroom assignments, homework, andafterschool activities. But for many children, it meansdifficulties staying focused, sitting still, or controlling their behavior. And with three percent to seven percent of school-age children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to be aware of its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatmentoptions. Yet despite the widespread prevalence of ADHD, manyparents and teachers are confused about the disorder and don’t know whereto turn for help. To answer the questions and confusion, Shire US, makers of once-daily ADHD treatment Adderall XR™ (mixed salts of a singleentity amphetamine product), is sponsoring for the fourth consecutive year ADHD Experts on Call, a nationaltoll-free telephone hotline (1-888-ASK-ADHD) that allows callers to speak one-on-one with leading English- and Spanishspeaking ADHD experts, including doctors, school nurses, teachers, and advocates. Callers also may request a free booklet about ADHD with information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. “As an educator and parent of seven children with ADHD, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of finding accurate, credible information about the disorder,” said Sandy Jones, Ph.D., a special needs educator who will be answering questions about ADHD for the fourth year in a row. “As part of ADHD Experts on Call, I’ve answered thousands of phone calls from people with questions about symptoms, support groups, treatment options, and how to talk to their child’s teacher.” While the hotline is available to anyone with questions about ADHD, it may be especially helpful for parents who see symptoms of the disorder in their children at the beginningof the school year, a time when referrals for ADHD diagnoses often are made. Symptoms include inattention, impul- FREE ADHD HOTLINE 1-888-ASK-ADHD MONDAY, AUGUST 26 8AM TO MIDNIGHT Speakdirectly with Englishand Spanish-speaking ADHD experts @ sivity, and hyperactivity and may be serious enough to interfere with the child’s ability to function normally in academic or social settings. The experts participating in ADHD Experts on Call will not provide specific medical advice for patients or parents or recommend a particular course of action but will serve as resources on topics such as: How teachers should approach parents if they suspect a student has ADHD * How parents can approach teachers about their child’s ADHD-related needs How to manage ADHDas an all-day disorder: before, during, and beyondthe classroom The proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD The myth that children with ADHDarejust lazy or misbehaving Children with ADHD usually respond well to a combination of treatments, including educational approaches, psychological and behavioral therapies, and medications. Although there is no cure for ADHD, physicians, parents, teachers, and nurses are finding ways to help children with the condition adapt to their academic, social, and work environments. The most commonside effects of Adderall XR are decreased appetite, loss of sleep (insomnia), abdominal pain, and emotional lability. Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. For expert advice about ADHD, call 1-888-ASK-ADHDor log on to wuww.adhdexpertsoncall.com on Monday, August 26, from 8 a.m. to Midnight EDT. For more information about Adderall XR,visit www.adderallxr.com.
