University of Virginia Library

Nursing Panel Assesses Hyperactive Children;
Disabilities Director Suggests Group Help

By CHRIS KOHAN

Behavioral problems of
hyperactive children and new
solutions to them were
discussed yesterday by parents
and professionals as part of a
workshop on "The Hyperactive
Child–Who Is He?," being held
through today.

Sponsored by the School of
Nursing, the workshop delved
into hyperkinesis, a disability
resulting in perpetual motion,
irritability, impatience and a
low frustration tolerance in
children affected by the
disorder.

Edity Grottberg, director of
the American University
Program for Learning
Disabilities, said hyperactive
children can often be aided in
their problems by other
children, "who can be very
supportive and patient when
informed of the problem."

Mrs. Grottberg gave
examples of classmates who
would criticize a hyperactive
child when he exhibited unruly
behavior and praise the child
when his behavior had calmed
down.

She said more emphasis
should be placed on such group
help, because "we're not
presently training our teachers
well in group dynamics."

Chemicals are also used in
the treatment of hyperactive

children, including a stimulant
called "dexadrine." Some
concern was expressed
concerning the danger of
addiction due to prolonged
use, but Mary Robinson,
director of the St. Maurice
School's psychological services
in Maryland said, "In all my
experience, I have never seen
an addicted child."

Mrs. Grottberg said
"America is becoming too
bio-chemical–we solve all our
problems with medication.
Sometimes it's necessary, but