5 Tips for Managing ADHD in Children

Source:https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/

Children who struggle to focus or display impulsive behavior may be showing signs of a neurobehavioral disorder like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a chronic condition affecting millions and can persist into adulthood.

It involves persistent issues such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may also face challenges like low self-esteem, school anxiety, and poor academic performance. While symptoms can diminish with age, many individuals do not completely outgrow them, though they can learn strategies for success.

ADHD Subtypes

• Inattentive ADHD
  Formerly referred to as ADD, people with inattentive ADHD display symptoms of inattention, but do not possess symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
• Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD
  This subset of ADHD displays symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity but doesn’t exhibit symptoms of inattention.
• Combined
  People with combined ADHD display symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is the most common subset of ADHD.

Gender differences with ADHD

ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than in girls, but research indicates that the prevalence is nearly equal in adulthood. This discrepancy in childhood diagnoses may be due to girls often exhibiting the inattentive form of ADHD, which presents fewer obvious symptoms. Over half of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Many adults may only recognize their ADHD after a child’s diagnosis reveals similar behaviors in themselves, often seeking treatment when their lives become unmanageable in various aspects.

ADHD treatment

While there is no cure for ADHD, effective treatment can significantly alleviate symptoms. Treatment generally includes medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Collaborating with a therapist specializing in ADHD is also essential, as they can provide coping strategies and enhance medication effectiveness through behavioral, psychological, social, educational, and lifestyle support.

Behavioral strategies for managing ADHD

Here are five behavioral strategies to help manage your child’s ADHD:

1. Give praise and rewards when rules are followed: Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism more than other children. This can affect their self-esteem. Some days, you might have to look for good behavior, but you should praise good behavior at least five times more often than you criticize bad behavior.

2. Give practical directions or commands: Make eye contact or gently touch your child’s arm or shoulder to get their attention. Give brief, simple steps and short commands that get to the point rather than multiple directions or wordy statements and questions.

3. Establish healthy habits: If your child is on medication for ADHD, make sure they take it as prescribed. Contact your child’s healthcare provider team if problems arise. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep , eating a well-balanced diet consisting of three meals, a snack and adequate fluids daily, and has an outlet for some form of daily exercise. These healthy habits will help your child to feel their best and help minimize ADHD symptoms.

4. Develop routines around homework and chores: Work together to make a checklist of what needs to be done daily for your child to refer to, including such tasks as chores, getting ready for bed and preparing for school. Encourage your child to use a daily planner so they are aware of all homework assignments. Have an established time and location for doing homework, and use a timer to remind your child to show you how the homework is going two to four times per hour. Factor in brain breaks if your child needs them like movement between tasks or using an appropriate fidget.

5. Help your child build relationships, develop strong social skills and maintain friendships: Be a good role model for the behavior you want your child to use. Factor in some special time three to five days a week with your child that is conflict-free and does not involve a screen to help maintain a solid parent-child relationship . Help your child develop at least one close friendship. With younger children, parents may need to take the lead arranging and hosting play dates or getting kids involved in activities with kids the same age.

Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/5-tips-for-managing-adhd-in-children/

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