This article suggests that the cause of certain characteristics of the overactive child should be a determinant of the type of intervention used. An attempt is made to differentiate between organic and environmental causation of overactivity. It is suggested that organically based overactive children may benefit from chemical intervention. The teacher has special responsibilities when a child in class is medicated for hyperkinesis. A step-by-step plan is suggested to educators, including the teacher's role in dealing with parents and physicians and his responsibilities in observing and recording the child's behavior.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Bradley, C.: The behavior of children receiving Benzedrine. Amer. J. Psychiat1937, 94, 577–585.
2.
Burks, H.F.: Effects of amphetamine therapy on hyperkinetic children. Arch. Gen. Psychiat1964, 12, 604–609.
3.
Campbell, S.B.: Cognitive styles in hyperactive children and the effect of methyphenidate. J. Child Psychol. Psychiat1971, 12, 55–67.
4.
Conners, C.K.: Dextroamphetamine sulphate. Arch. Gen. Psychiat1969, 21, 182–190.
5.
Knobel, M.: Psychopharmacology for the hyperkinetic child. Arch. Gen. Psychiat1962, 6, 30–35.
6.
Millichap, J., and Fowler, G.: Treatment of “minimal brain dysfunction” syndromes. Pediat. Clin. N. Amer1967, 14, 767–776. Ohio State Medical Assn., Committee on School Health: Suggested Procedures… for School Medical Emergencies. Columbus, O.: Ohio Medical Assn., 1973.
7.
Sainz, A.Hyperkinetic disease of children: diagnosis and therapy. Dis. Nerv. Syst. 1966, 27, 48–50.
8.
Stewart, M.A., and Olds, S.: Raising a hyperactive child. Chicago: Aldine, 1971.
9.
U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare: HEW News, March 19, 1971.
