As many as 5 percent of pre-school and elementary school children might have ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. You might wonder whether an epidemic is in progress, and an editorial in the Christian Science Monitor has even suggested that a diagnosis of ADHD is merely a fad, similar to phrenology or shock therapy. However, new technology such as magnetic imaging has come to the rescue to refute the naysayers: the brains of ADHD children irrefutably look different. According to the website Help 4 ADHD, you might be dealing with one of three types: predominantly inattentive -- which is ADD without the hyperactivity -- predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, or combined.
Step 1
Obtain a comprehensive assessment that includes psychological, medical and educational evaluations to be certain your child actually has ADD. Inform the school of your child's diagnosis and obtain an Individual Education Plan for him, which will determine the type and level of support he is entitled to receive at school.
Step 2
Handle situations without blaming the child. This may be easier said than done, especially when hyperactivity is involved and objects get broken due to carelessness or tantrums. Take the edge off in these situations by being compassionate, understanding and non-blaming.
Step 3
Model calm attention. Parents cope best when they see themselves as "distractibility management coaches," says Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein in a July 2009 article in "Psychology Today." If your child feels overwhelmed by a big task, for example, breaking it into several smaller ones might be enough to relieve his anxiety. However, Dr. Bernstein warns not to cross over from being a helper into becoming an enabler. Do not reinforce your child's shortcomings, but help him manage them.
Step 4
Help with socializing. He might be alienating others with his behavior. Show him, again through modeling, how he can be a good friend. If necessary, talk to the parents of someone he is close to, to let them understand the issues involved and, when necessary, to cut your child some slack.
Step 5
Encourage exercise, especially rhythmic exercise like running, which helps organize the brain, according to Dr. John Ratey, author of "Driven to distraction," and "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain." In his research, Dr. Ratey found exercise boosts the two neurotransmitters also targeted by ADHD medications norephedrine and dopamine.
Step 6
Tolerate idiosyncrasies. As stated by the University of Maryland Medical Center, if your child only wants to wear green for a whole month, and this is feasible, you could allow this and focus on other, more important issues. Choose your battles.
Tips and Warnings
- A loving parent who occasionally loses his cool will not ruin the child. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, open yet non-abusive disapproval is better than a falsely calm demeanor, which underneath harbors resentment.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: What is Attention Deficit Disorder?
- The Christian Science Monitor: Has This Diagnostic Fad Run Its Course
- National Resource Center on ADHD: Frequently Asked Questions
- National Resource Center on ADHD: Parenting a Child With AD/HD
- Psychology Today: Blog: Liking the Child You Love
