Tips and Tricks: To Help Child With ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also known as Hyperkinetic Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). You don’t need to be so confused with these different names, because they describe the same problems in children who are unable to concentrate and are overactive. ADHD is (at least) four times more common in boys than girls. Children are usually diagnosed around the age of 7, but symptoms can persist into adolescence and adulthood.
The behavior of ADHD children is impulsive, hyperactive, and hard to focus. Although they may understand what’s expected of them, they may have difficulty following through because they can’t sit still, pay attention, or pay attention to details. Kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow your instructions no matter how clearly you describe them, or who burst out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. There are times when these children are labeled as troublemakers or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. They may, however, have ADD/ADHD.
If you think your child has ADHD, it’s important that you get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible so that his/her symptoms don’t get worse and his/her development isn’t too badly affected.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which a child has difficulty controlling some aspects of his or her behavior leading to three major symptoms; attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Attention difficulties
- During work or play, fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
- Is unable to finish tasks or maintain attention during play activities.
- Seems not to listen to what you said to him or her.
- Inability to follow through with instructions or finish homework or chores (not due to confrontational behavior or inability to understand instructions).
- Disorganized about tasks and activities.
- Try to avoid long-term mental strain tasks like homework.
- Loses things needed for certain tasks or activities, such as pencils, books, or toys.
- Easily distracted.
- Forgetful in the course of daily activities.
Hyperactivity
- Moving all the time (Runs around or excessively climbs over things).
- Can’t sit still (Squirm in their seat, swing their legs, tap their fingers).
- Talk too much.
- Cannot play quietly.
- Left seat in the classroom (or in other situations where remaining seated is expected).
Impulsivity
- Do things without thinking (for example, they may run out into the street without checking for traffic).
- Blurt out inappropriate comments.
- Shout out answers in class before the teacher has finished the question.
- Interrupt other people (butts into other conversations or games, find it hard to wait their turn).
What causes ADHD in Children?
Children with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive and have trouble focusing. Despite understanding what’s expected of them, they have difficulty following through since they can’t sit still, pay attention, or pay attention to details. There are kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate remarks at the wrong time. They are often criticized for being lazy and undisciplined or labeled as troublemakers. However, they may have ADD/ADHD.
There may be some causes that lead to your child having ADHD. What are they?
Genetics
A lot of today’s research suggests that genetics play a major role in ADHD. Half of all parents with ADHD will have a child with the disorder. A child with ADHD who has a particular version of a gene has thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention.
Environmental factors
Researchers have found a link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children. Children who are exposed to high levels of lead, which can be found in plumbing fixtures and paint in old buildings, may also be at a higher risk of developing ADHD.
Brain injuries
Some symptoms of ADHD may be present in children who have suffered a brain injury. A very small percentage of children with ADHD have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Sugar
The idea that refined sugar causes ADHD or worsens symptoms is a popular one, but more research refutes this idea. According to one study, children were given sugar or a sugar substitute every other day. Children who received sugar showed no differences in their behavior or learning ability from those who received sugar substitutes. Researchers conducted another study in which higher than average levels of sugar or sugar substitutes were given to children.
Food additives
Recent British research indicates a possible link between consumption of certain food additives, such as artificial colors or preservatives, and an increase in activity levels. Research is underway to confirm the findings and to learn more about how food additives may affect hyperactivity.
ADHD Treatment for Children
You know, treatment depends on a child’s exact diagnosis. If there are specific difficulties, it should be taken into account, as well as any strengths that may facilitate improvement.
The AAP recommends that doctors speak with both parents and teachers when diagnosing ADHD. Moreover, you should determine whether your child has any emotional disorders.
Here is some treatment suggested by doctors for you:
Medication
The most common and effective medications are stimulants like amphetamines, such as methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin) and dexamfetamine (Dexedrine). Coexisting conditions may also require medication. Taking Ritalin reduces a child’s hyperactivity and impulsiveness and helps them to focus. As a result, they become less aggressive, seem to comply with requests, and become less forgetful.
Educational management
Learning support for coexisting learning difficulties and educational underachievement may be provided to individuals or groups.
Psychological treatment
Anxiety management, cognitive therapy, individual psychotherapy, and social skills training are some forms of psychological treatment.
Diet
A healthy diet does not seem to be a significant factor in ADHD for most children. Make sure your children do not have any food allergies. You should consult your doctor and nutritionist before changing their diet.