Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, fidgeting and lack of focus are some of the symptoms of ADHD. According to HealthCentral, ADHD affects boys three times more often than ADHD affects girls. In addition, emotional development for ADHD children is 30 percent slower than for non-ADHD children, meaning a 10-year-old with ADHD is emotionally more like a 7-year-old. Children with ADHD may suffer from poor relationships with peers, low self-esteem and academic challenges.
Behavior Management
For ADHD children, behavior management involves parent training and child education. To help modify negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors, parents learn to use brief verbal directions, provide assistance with organization and planning, create routines, limit choices and reduce distractions. In addition, parents are encouraged to implement a positive reward system and discipline their child with removal of privileges, extra chores and time-outs. Children should learn self-calming methods including deep breathing, positive imagery and moving to a quiet place when over-stimulated. Both parents and children should learn the benefits of regular sleep and exercise to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Medical
A child's pediatrician or family physician often provides the diagnosis of ADHD and may prescribe medication to treat some of the symptoms. Because ADHD may exist with other conditions, doctors determine if those conditions--such as anxiety disorders, depression or conduct disorders--require treatment also. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. The most common stimulant medications include Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta. The U.S. Food and Drug Adminitration approved one non-stimulant medication, Strattera, in 2003.
Counseling
Some children with ADHD require counseling or psychological treatment to help with behavioral skills and social issues. Children and youth learn new ways to manage their anger and frustration as well as new social skills. The Mayo Clinic suggests that because some children with ADHD have co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety disorder, counseling can help both disorders.
Educational
Educational difficulties occur with some children diagnosed with ADHD. They may be inattentive, display an inability to complete assignments and have difficulty following directions. Parents and teachers should collaborate to create the most effective environment for success. Educational supports may include sensitivity to issues of self-esteem, providing multiple ways to communicate directions and positive reinforcement. Parent-teacher communication needs to be strong, and other school professionals may be involved including the school counselor or the special education teachers.
Other
Neurofeedback, or electroencephalographic biofeedback, may help some children with ADHD, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests. It reports improvements in impulsivity and inattention, although the studies undertaken so far are small. The benefits of alternative treatments for ADHD including mega-vitamins, herbs, supplements and glyconutrients, are unproved and may be harmful for children.
