What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed in childhood. Children with ADHD may exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Common Symptoms:
- Inattention: Easily distracted, misses details, forgets things, frequently switches from one activity to another.
- Hyperactivity: Constant motion, squirms in their seat, talks excessively.
- Impulsivity: Difficulty taking turns, blurting out answers before questions have been completed, interrupts others.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis involves gathering information from multiple sources, including schools, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This will include using rating scales, looking at school reports and getting information about your child’s development from pregnancy onwards.
Treatment Options:
- Medications: there are multiple different types of medication that can be helpful for ADHD. This can include stimulant medication or non-stimulant medication depending on the child’s individual circumstances. Prior to commencing medications, it may be necessary for your doctor to do a physical examination or order other tests if there is anything of concern.
- Engaging with a psychologist: Recommended as the first line of treatment particularly for younger children with ADHD before medications are tried. Helps children learn to regulate their emotions and provide strategies for organisation. If seeing a psychologist has been tried and there are ongoing issues, it may be worth seeing a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist to explore further options for treatment.
Tips for Parents:
- Stay Positive: Give praise and encouragement for specific tasks completed well. Children with ADHD often receive and perceive more negative feedback than their peers.
- Structure and Consistency: Regular routines and clear expectations are beneficial.
- Help with Organisation: Break tasks into manageable pieces and use organisational tools like calendars or checklists.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure your child has a healthy diet, gets plenty of physical activity, and has regular sleep routines.
- Collaborate with the school: it may be helpful to discuss the diagnosis with the school and collaborate with them to find out specific supports that may be available for your child in the school setting. This may include the school having a system for administering medication to your child during the school day.
Contact a Healthcare Professional:
If you suspect your child has ADHD or if they have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional who specialises in this area. Regular follow-ups and adjustments in treatment plans may be necessary to best support your child’s development and well-being.
Remember: