Presentation Provided To Build Upon Quality Of Life for Goddard Community

In a continuing effort to build upon the quality of life here, presentations are given to the Goddard Community to help us to better understand conditions that affect us physically or mentally.

One such presentation was recently given during the lunch hour in the Building 3 auditorium. Mood, Mind, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was presented before a Goddard community audience of nearly 100 members. The Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, the Women's Advisory Committee and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) jointly sponsored this event.

"I thought it would be a good idea to coordinate such a presentation because so many had approached me about this subject," said Jennell Dewitt, chair Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. "Once I realized how large an interest there was, I contacted Christina Kominota of EAP about helping host a presentation on this topic," said Dewitt.

Dr. Vincent Culotta and Dr. Sarah Weden give presentation about ADHD. Photo by Chris Gunn/293

During the hour-long presentation, discussion and answer period, Dr. Vincent Culotta and Dr. Sarah Weden spoke of ADHD symptoms, common misunderstandings, treatments and suggested reference material. Dr. Culotta is president and owner of NeuroBehavioral Associates, a multidisciplinary practice serving children, adolescents, and adults with neurobehavioral disorders.

Dr. Culotta talked about the misdiagnosis of ADHD as a behavior problem, especially during the elementary school years. Often children are misdiagnosed as having behavior problems instead of a learning disability. Accordingly, the students are over medicated because of the misdiagnosis.

ADHD refers to a group of symptoms that begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood, causing difficulties at home, school, at work and within the community if not recognized and treated. Common symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

Dr. Culotta talked about the evolution of brain research, learning disorders and neurobiological basis for ADHD. This includes a genetic predisposition to the disorder, a significant decrease in brain size and dysfunction of brain activity.

According to Dr. Culotta, outward signals of ADHD include forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions, low frustration tolerance, and difficulty accurately estimating time to plan or complete tasks. He also stressed accurate diagnosis as key to appropriate treatment.

Before concluding the presentation, Dr. Culotta gave a list of references, resources and answered questions from members of the audience.

"A person having ADHD was often times not looked upon as having a disability because it is a hidden disability," said Dewitt. "But if a person is diagnosis with this disability, there are many programs in place today to help minimize barriers for the individual," said Dewitt.

According to Dewitt, the school system has programs and routines to assist a child that may be having difficulties in the classroom because of ADHD. "I've received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from many about the presentation," said Dewitt. "It makes me feel good to know that this event has been a help to members of the Goddard community," concluded Dewitt.

You can check with EAP at extension 6-6666 about assistance at Goddard.