Parenting

There are a lot of misperceptions when it comes to ADHD. Many people often jump to the most extreme case when picturing the disorder in their minds. A crazy kid running around like a maniac, bouncing off of miles, talking a mile a minute, mostly inappropriately, acting completely without tact or control is what typically comes to mind. But, ADHD is a much more complicated disorder than that and can affect kids in different ways. Most importantly for parents is that ADHD is not completely uncontrollable. There are steps that can be taken to help your child cope with the disorder and channel it into something productive.

 

First, let’s get to know the disorder a little bit better. ADHD usually presents itself in early childhood but can’t be diagnosed until around age 4 or 5. Prior to that, the symptoms of ADHD may just be routine toddler behavior and children grow and develop greatly during this period. It is also possible that your child’s symptoms may be caused by something else, from a medical condition to a psychological disorder to a learning disability or a trauma, so it is important to seek the help of a doctor when diagnosing your child.

 

A doctor will perform a medical exam, take a history of the patient and possibly perform a brain scan to determine if your child has ADHD. But how do you know when to take your child to see a doctor? If your child demonstrates the symptoms of ADHD continuously for more than six months across multiple settings, it is time to seek help.

 

There are three types of ADHD. ADHD symptoms are known by three different categories, inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. The common form of ADHD is a child who exhibits symptoms from all three categories. But there are also two other types. One is a combination of hyperactive and impulsive. This child is able to pay attention but has trouble sitting still. The third type of ADHD is inattentive. This child will not be a disruption but will lack focus and is often daydreaming. The symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are more noticeable, but inattentiveness can be just as harmful.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?

Inattention:

Distracted, difficulty with instructions, difficulty remembering things, lack of focus, careless mistakes, inattentive to details, disorganized, inability to plan ahead, unable to finish tasks, misplaces things, easily bored

Impulsiveness:

Acts and speaks without thinking, disruptive, interrupts others, trouble waiting turns, inappropriate, intrusive, highly emotional

Hyperactivity:

Fidgets, constantly moving, excessive talking, difficulty relaxing, quick temper

 

What can you do to help a child with ADHD?

ADHD can negatively impact a child’s schoolwork, friendships, and family life. If your child has the disorder, it is important to get help. This does not necessarily mean medication, although medications are often helpful in the treatment of ADHD. Treating ADHD is most effective when medication is combined with behavioral therapy. There are things you as a parent can do to help your child.

 

1. Remember that ADHD is a disorder. Your child is not acting poorly on purpose. ADHD does not mean that your child is not talented or smart. Just because your child has ADHD does not mean he or she is incapable of accomplishing great things. In fact, ADHD can be an asset when channeled and treated properly. Children with ADHD can be highly creative. Their ability, or rather need, to jump from task to task makes them highly flexible. They are often enthusiastic, driven, and spontaneous, which in the right doses can lead to great things and will never be boring. Always believe in your child.

2. Structure: Children with ADHD need consistency in the way they are treated. Establish a routine with a simple daily schedule and stick to it. Children with ADHD work best without distractions so create a quiet place just for them to get their work done.

3. Consequences: Communicate clearly with your child about what is expected of them. Set up rules that your child understands and are easy for him or her to remember. Establish reasonable consequences for poor be behavior and be consistent about enforcing them. Use positive reinforcement and praise.

4. Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage your child to get lots of physical activity. Cut out things such as caffeine and create a relaxing environment before bedtime so that your child can get a proper amount of sleep. Have your child eat a healthy, balanced diet. No junk food. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Take vitamins.

 

Image by Stelen Scott on Flickr Creative Commons.