Articles of interest
Headstrong and irritable…the confluence of ADHD and emotional dysregulation
The powers that be who publish the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including its latest offering published in 2013, have thus far given little credence to the importance of emotional symptoms in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder...
read moreWhat is autism?
Autism is a developmental condition, present from early childhood, which affects how a person relates to others. People with autism have great difficulty communicating and forming relationships. It affects around 1% of the population, and is commoner in boys than in...
read moreDAD: The power and beauty of authentic fatherhood
This book is an encouragement to all fathers to step up to the plate and be what we are supposed to be. It is easy to read and enjoyable, yet conveys a profound message. These key points stuck with me: 1. The way we live speaks louder than anything we say 2. We can...
read moreADHD: Is there an epidemic?
Day after day in practice, concerned parents ask me why ADHD has suddenly become so prevalent. 'Better recognition' has been my standard response. But I am no longer satisfied with this reply, and nor are these parents. Let's examine this question in more detail....
read moreChildhood depression
Took part in a radio interview on SAFM this morning on childhood depression. This is the audio link for those who are interested: http://iono.fm/channel/1337 (scroll down to 27 August)...
read moreHelp! My child is underachieving!
This is a very common refrain from parents and teachers alike. But what does it mean exactly, what are the causes, and what can be done about it? We all want to believe the best for our children, academically and in every other sphere. It is natural for parents to...
read moreMisuse of stimulant medications by university students
http://youtu.be/_Yn7gT2uSbc
read moreDavid and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell
Just finished Malcolm Gladwell's latest offering, 'David and Goliath.' I was particularly inspired by his chapter on 'Desirable Difficulties,' including conditions such as Dyslexia (and probably ADHD). What we assume to be disadvantages very often have a silver...
read moreBullying and resilience in children
The recent upsurge in media reports of school bullying has prompted parents and professionals to explore the factors which protect children against the consequences of this scourge. There will always be bullies, so how do we ‘immunise’ our children against them? This...
read moreRitalin and sudden death
Several concerned parents have recently drawn my attention to this death certificate which is currently doing the rounds, accompanied by the comment: "As promised for a long time now, this is the official copy of my son, Matthew's, autopsy report. Please note the...
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