Parenting is always a journey filled with challenges. When your child has
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), those challenges can take
on unique forms that may require additional patience, understanding, and
flexibility. But with the right support and information, these experiences
can also open the door to a
deeper connection with your child.
ADHD facts, types, and symptoms
ADHD
is a
neurodevelopmental disorder
that affects the brain and nervous system. According to
a study
that used data from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health, more than
10 percent of U.S. children ages three to 17 have ADHD.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Mostly Inattentive ADHD: This type can make it hard to
focus, follow instructions, and complete tasks. People with this form are
easily distracted. - Mostly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD: People with this type of
ADHD may constantly move, talk a lot, fidget, and have trouble sitting
still. They also may act on their impulses or feelings without thinking
about the results. - Combined ADHD: This is the most common type and includes
symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Seeking a diagnosis
If you think your child may have ADHD, your first step should be to
schedule a visit with their doctor. They’ll ask you and your child about your child’s health, behavior, and
activity and what ADHD symptoms you’ve both noticed. They’ll also perform a
medical exam to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms and to check
for
other conditions
common with ADHD.
Educate yourself
Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD,
learn as much as you can about the condition. Trusted online resources include the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and the
Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
It’s also important to understand your child’s specific diagnosis and how it
affects their daily life, both at home and in school.
Choosing treatments
Learning about ADHD will help you make informed decisions about the best
treatment options for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends a
combination of medication and therapy.
Medications for ADHD include:
• Stimulants, which help increase focus and concentration
• Non-stimulants, which boost attention and memory and don’t
have the side effects of stimulants
The form of therapy most commonly used to treat ADHD is
behavior therapy
. It teaches a child how to monitor their own behavior and adjust it when
necessary.
Utilize school programs
Children with ADHD may qualify for free, public special education services
under one of
two federal laws. If ADHD affects your child’s ability to learn, they may be eligible for an
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If they don’t
qualify for an IEP, they might still receive special accommodations under
Section 504.
Accommodations under IDEA or Section 504 include:
• Behavioral plans
• Movement breaks
• Help with organization
• Modified instructions and assignments
• Extra time on tests
Learn behavior therapy
In addition to professional therapy, it’s important for parents to also
learn behavior therapy techniques so they can be used at home.
Behavior therapy has
two simple principles: Reward good behavior and discourage bad behavior. To do this effectively,
you need to make sure your child understands what is considered good and bad
behavior. Be sure to build in some flexibility so your child can make
mistakes and doesn’t feel that their personality is being stifled.
In
rewarding good behavior, celebrate small successes and big ones. Just patting your child on the
shoulder or hugging them after they do something right can give them a big
boost.
In discouraging bad behavior, when you need to discipline your child, make
sure your child understands why and don’t yell at them. Be
encouraging and supportive.
Other helpful tips
Life can seem overwhelming to someone with ADHD.
Creating structure,
establishing routines, and keeping your home organized can help make daily life feel more
manageable. Make sure your child has a quiet place they can read and study
or just be by themselves and think. When they encounter a particularly
complicated task, help them break it down into smaller steps.
Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding.
The best thing you can do as a parent is learn all you can about the
condition, work closely with your child’s school and pediatrician, and focus
on making life enjoyable and manageable for you and your child. This
approach may not solve every problem that ADHD presents, but it can help you
and your child appreciate each other more and focus on their condition less.