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ADHD in Children
ADHD is usually associated with academic and behavioral difficulties in children. Children with ADHD frequently have trouble in a controlled classroom environment. Boys are more vulnerable than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. This could be because boys tend to develop hyperactive symptoms. Although some girls with ADHD exhibit common hyperactive symptoms, many do not.
Daydreamers are often hyper-talkative rather than hyperactive. Many ADHD symptoms might be mistaken for typical childhood behaviours. Hence, making it difficult to distinguish what is ADHD-related and what is not.
Impact of ADHD on Children
Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-confidence, school anxiety, troubled relationships, and poor school performance. Some people, however, never totally overcome their ADHD symptoms. However, they can develop efficient strategies.
It is recommended that you speak with a Clinical Psychologist or a Child Psychologist to better understand your child's difficulties, and symptoms and to establish an effective and sustainable treatment approach.
Sub types of ADHD in Children
Primarily three subtypes of ADHD can be found in children such as-
Inattentive ADHD: It was formerly referred to as ADD, displays signs of inattention but neither hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Hyperactive/ Impulsive ADHD: This subgroup of ADHD is distinguished by impulsivity or hyperactivity rather than inattention.
Combined ADHD: The symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This is the most frequent ADHD subtype.
Goals for Behavioral therapy
Children with ADHD frequently have problems sitting still. They are sometimes impulsive and restless. They may find it challenging to pay attention. Both at home and in the classroom, it can be troubling. Your child will learn helpful skills in behavioural therapy. They are:
- Nurture good behaviours
- Reduce disruptive actions
- Communicate their feelings.
It begins with three basic steps:
- Give your child an achievable goal. Be precise and logical. Make sure your child is aware of what they have to do. For instance, finish the homework by a specific time.
- Be consistent with the rewards and consequences. Reward your child whenever they behave appropriately. Make sure they are aware of the consequences of what they're doing. And then follow it out.
- For the duration of their childhood, consistently apply the rewards/consequences approach. Thus, positive behaviour is formed.
The following specific behavioural therapy methods:
Positive reinforcement
Reward your kid for being good. For example, you can play a video game if you do your schoolwork correctly and on time.
Token economy
This merges the concepts of reward and consequence. This strategy is often used by teachers, who award items like star stickers to students, but the same idea should also be applied at home.
Healthy routine
Make sure your child has access to daily exercise, gets enough sleep, and consumes a balanced diet that includes three full meals, a snack, and enough water each day. Your child will feel better and it will help in managing symptoms of ADHD due to these healthy habits.
Routines for homework and chores
Make a list of the tasks that need to be completed. Getting ready for bed, and the classroom so that your child can look it up anytime he or she is distracted. Help your child maintain a daily calendar to remain on top of all homework assignments. Set a time and place for homework, and utilise a time limit to remind your child to check in with you every two to four minutes to see how their assignments are going. If your child needs them, take into account brain breaks, movement during tasks, or the usage of a suitable fidget.
Encourage your child to develop social skills and connections with others
Give your child a good example to follow. To help maintain a good parent-child bond, include a little extra time with your child for three to five days a week that is stress free and doesn't involve a screen. Help your child establish at least one friendly connection. Parents of younger children may need to take the lead to plan and host playdates or enrol their children in activities with other kids their age.
Unproven Treatments for ADHD
You may have read articles in the news or seen ads promoting "miracle treatments" for ADHD. Consider any such claims with care. Think about how reliable the information's source is.
The following techniques are not advised since there is no evidence from science that they are effective.
- supplements rich in minerals and vitamins
- medicine to prevent motion sickness (to cure inner ear issues)
- Candida yeast infection treatment
- (Training to boost brain-wave activity) EEG biofeedback
- Applied kinesiology (Realignment of the bones in the skull)
- Decreasing intake of sugar
- Optometric vision training (claims that incorrect eye movement and sensitivity are the root of the behavioural issues)
Never forget to inform your child's paediatrician of any alternative treatments, dietary supplements, or pharmaceuticals. These may adversely affect your child and interfere with medication that is prescribed.
Takeaways
Acknowledge that your child's concerns is due to developmental disorder. Although ADHD may not have visible external symptoms, it is a disability and needs to be handled as such. Keep in mind that your child can't "snap out of it" or "just be relaxed and normal" whenever you start to feel angry or agitated.
It looks easy, but keep things in perspective and take each day as it comes. Recognise that as the parent, you set rules for acceptable behaviour in the house. Be kind and patient at all times, but resist becoming intimidated or bullied by your child's actions when they fail to finish a task.
What you can expect out of behavioral therapy?
Behavioural treatment, whether used in combination with or without medication, can help your child reduce signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Your child might do better academically as a result, but you must persist and maintain consistency. Keep in mind that learning new talents takes time. Don't expect an immediate change. Behaviour changes could start very slowly. But with time, perseverance, and teamwork, things ought to improve.
In navigating the complexities of ADHD in children, the journey requires understanding, patience, and effective strategies. For personalized guidance and expert support tailored to your child's unique needs, consider reaching out to Rocket Health. Our experienced professionals are here to empower you and your child on the path to a balanced and fulfilling life. Take the first step towards optimal well-being – contact Rocket Health today for a consultation tailored to your child's needs.
References
Therapy for Childhood ADHD. (2016b, August 28). WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-behavioral-treatment
Alice. (2023b, November 21). Understanding ADHD & Self-Esteem and Gaining
Confidence. https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/living-with-adhd/adhd-self-esteem
Attention-Deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. (n.d.-b). Johns Hopkins
Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd
Website, N. (2023, March 13). Symptoms. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/
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