Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children around the world. It is a brain disorder that affects a child in paying attention, sitting still, and controlling his/her behaviour. It can start from childhood and may continue till adulthood.
ADHD is usually spotted during the early school years when a child finds difficulty in paying attention in his or her class.
ADHD can be treated and cured if spotted early and managed with good care and treatment. Parents need to understand the signs and symptoms of ADHD so that they can get their children the help they need.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate attention, focus, and behaviour.
What causes ADHD in Children?
The exact causes of ADHD in children are still unknown but medical experts believe there can be several factors that can be taken into consideration. One of the causes of ADHD can be genetic role. Additionally, medical factors like meningitis, exposure to toxins like lead, and any nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to ADHD in children.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?
The signs and symptoms of ADHD can vary from child to child. Some common signs and symptoms include:
Difficulty in paying attention, hence making careless mistakes at school, playground, and during other activities.
Difficulty in following directions or instructions to complete certain tasks at school or home.
Difficulty in organizing tasks and activities.
Fidgeting or restlessness
Impulsivity – Acting without thinking or having difficulty in self-control.
Hyperactivity – showing too much energy or moving and talking too much.
Getting easily distracted by unreal thoughts and stimuli.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no one test to diagnose ADHD in children. Based on their specific symptoms, ADHD can be diagnosed depending on their type – Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combine. Doctors usually diagnose ADHD using questionnaires or other tools. During an evaluation, a doctor usually examines the person’s mental health and medical history. They use a standardized behaviour rating scale or ADHD symptoms checklist to determine whether a child meets the criteria for ADHD diagnosis.
The medical experts also administer psychological tests that talk about cognitive skills, such as working memory, functioning abilities, visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. Such test results help to identify strengths and challenges and rule out possible learning disabilities.
How is ADHD in Children treated?
There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments that can help children manage their symptoms. The most common treatments for ADHD in children include:
Medication
Psychotherapy
Behavioural interventions
For children, treatment of ADHD also includes parent education and school-based programs. Researchers are continuing with their study to find new treatments for ADHD, such as cognitive training and neurofeedback. These options are usually recommended only after trying medication and psychotherapy.
What can parents do to help their children with ADHD?
There are many things that parents can do to help their children with ADHD. The way parents respond can make a big change in the life of a child with ADHD. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD,
· Be Involved. Try to learn and understand what is ADHD and how it can be managed. Follow the treatment recommended by the doctor. If your child is on medication for ADHD, give the dose at the prescribed time. Do not change or stop the therapies unless your doctor suggests it.
· Know how ADHD affects your child. Every child is different and so are the symptoms of ADHD. You may observe that your child needs help in paying attention and listening, while other children may need help with any other symptom of ADHD. So, do not overlook your child’s needs and hence talk to your child’s therapist for tips and ways to manage ADHD daily to help your child improve and get better.
· Do not rush, move at a slow pace. Managing ADHD in children requires patience. Therefore, do not try to teach your child everything in one go. Be slow, start small. Pick one thing to focus on and do not forget to appreciate your child’s effort.
· Discipline your child with warmth and love. Children with ADHD usually take some extra time to follow discipline and the usual routine. And they are also sensitive to criticism. Hence, correcting their behaviour may seem to be a challenging task. However, it can be possible if you talk to the therapist and ask for ways to handle the child’s behaviour politely and encouragingly. The thing that works best with children is love and warmth. It can make everything easy and doable.
· Talk about it with your child. Having ADHD is not a child’s fault nor yours. So, talk freely and openly about it with your child and discuss together the challenges you both face in managing ADHD daily. Try to learn together, the journey will become easy.
· Your relationship with the kid matters the most. Children with ADHD often feel that they are somewhere ‘less’ in comparison with other children. But this is incorrect. Such feelings can make them feel like failure and inferior. Hence, your relationship with them as a parent plays a critical part. It is your responsibility to make them feel inclusive and an integral part of everything. Such children need support and guidance, that’s it! As a parent, if you don’t value your child who else would do?
Final Thoughts: ADHD in Children is Manageable, if You Both Are Together
Although we understand that ADHD has no cure because it is a neurological difference rather than a disease, still it is manageable if you (as a parent) and your kid with ADHD are together is handling it. It has been observed that children with ADHD often have strengths in the areas of creativity, spontaneity, and out-of-the-box thinking. The only thing they need is your support and understanding. The treatment and therapies will work if you support them. Hence, do not neglect and overlook your child with ADHD. After all, it is only the perception that changes the world.
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