ADHD or ADD is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects your child's day-to-day performance and activities. It causes the brain to process information and external stimulus in a different way to other people.
Children with ADHD have minds that churn with a kaleidoscope of thoughts, images and sounds, which distract them and make it impossible to focus.
Common symptoms seen in ADHD are:
- Inattention
- Distractibility
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
What Does This Mean For Your Child?
Children who have been diagnosed with ADHD can grow up to be highly successful adults if given the right encouragement, positive reinforcement and behavioral training. Your child needs to learn strategic coping mechanisms and have an understanding about how their brain functions so that they can excel in school, in the workplace and in personal relationships.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD the first thing you need to do is to forget about standard parenting advice. ADHD children have unique needs and require creative parenting techniques in order to thrive.
Given the extreme distractibility of ADHD there are many seemingly simple tasks that will be very difficult for your child to accomplish.
- Time management is non-existent for ADD children and mornings are particularly difficult. Give your child only a couple of tasks to do such as: brush teeth, get dressed and eat breakfast. Always give them 5-10 minute warnings when you are getting ready to go. Reward your child whenever they are on time.
- Organization causes a lot of distress for most children with ADHD. This is because they try to be good and have everything in order but to start and finish a task is overwhelming for them. What also complicates matters is a terrible short-term memory. Misplacing and forgetting important documents or books is commonplace for ADHD sufferers. Get your child in the habit of packing their school bag the night before class and double-checking the contents.
- Paying attention is another major issue for your child. Many ADD children are so lost in their own minds that they do not notice when someone is speaking to them. They may even look directly at you but not hear one word.
To ensure you have your child's undivided attention stand directly in front of your child, make eye contact and have them repeat what you have said. Keep your directions clear and concise.
- Acting on impulse is of major concern for parents with an ADD child. This is one of the most difficult behavioral issues and the one that causes the most problems. Consistency and positive reinforcement for good choices is paramount for your child's well being.
- Hyperactivity will cause your child to run when they should walk and fidget when they are supposed to be still. ADHD children cannot be still. Allow them the freedom to move and organize high-energy games to channel their restlessness in a constructive manner.
- Compliance to rules and schedules is another difficult thing for your child. This is not because they want to rebel or act out, it is because they live in the moment and have no concept of consequences. You need to give immediate feedback on behavior if you wish for it to change. Giving rewards for compliance will also help to reinforce good behavior and boost your child's self esteem.
Children with ADHD require more positive reinforcements and reward based behavioral training than others. Depression and low self-esteem can manifest if your child is left to cope with the symptoms of ADD on their own.
Author Resource:
The Dr. Svec Institute provides psychological services for adults and children including the assessment of ADD, ADHD, work stress consultation, and pain management. When doing research on ADD or ADHD, consider the Dr. Svec Institute of Psychological Services.
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