Does this sound like your child?
- Is it hard for your child to sit still?
- Does your child act without thinking first?
- Does your child start but not finish things? If you answered “yes” to these questions,you may want to read this blog to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder!called ADHD for short. ADHD is a real illness that starts in childhood. It can change the way children act, think, and feel Some children with ADHD squirm, fidget,or wiggle all the time and act without thinking.Others seem to be in another world, often staring into space or daydreaming. All of these behaviors may be signs of ADHD. This may sound like many children. But when such behaviors make it hard for a child to do well in school or make friends, ADHD may be the cause. Parents of these children may know there is a problem, but they may not be sure what the problem is or what to do about it. Reading this booklet will help you learn what you can do to help your child.
- Is it hard for your child to sit still?
- Does your child act without thinking first?
- Does your child start but not finish things? If you answered “yes” to these questions,you may want to read this blog to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder!called ADHD for short. ADHD is a real illness that starts in childhood. It can change the way children act, think, and feel Some children with ADHD squirm, fidget,or wiggle all the time and act without thinking.Others seem to be in another world, often staring into space or daydreaming. All of these behaviors may be signs of ADHD. This may sound like many children. But when such behaviors make it hard for a child to do well in school or make friends, ADHD may be the cause. Parents of these children may know there is a problem, but they may not be sure what the problem is or what to do about it. Reading this booklet will help you learn what you can do to help your child.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
All children are occasionally impulsive or unable to sit still or pay attention. This is especially true of children in the early grades who have not yet gained the maturity to know how to act appropriately in a classroom or on a playground. But some children may seem to be inattentive, fidgety, or impulsive much more often than others their age. These children may have ADHD. Children with this condition will show a cluster of symptoms, which appear before age seven, occur in more than one setting, and last at least six months.No one knows the exact cause of ADHD. But scientific research suggests that the condition may result from a chemical imbalance in the brain, or from a lack of certain brain chemicals that affect behavior. Studies also suggest that ADHD has a genetic component and may be inherited. Many children with ADHD have relatives with the disorder.
Look for signs of ADHD.
Put a check mark next to each one that sounds like your child.
My child often...
- is moving something—fingers, hands, arms feet, or legs.
- walks, runs, or climbs around when others are seated.
- has trouble waiting in line or taking turns. doesn't finish things.
- gets bored after just a short while.
- daydreams or seems to be in another world.
- talks when other people are talking.
- gets frustrated with schoolwork or homework.
- acts quickly without thinking first.
- is sidetracked by what is going on around him or her .
Does this sound like your child? If so, talk with your child’s doctor . The doctor can tell you whether your child has ADHD. The
doctor can also tell you which treatments can help your child. If you visit the doctor or psychologist , take this checklist with you.
What is normal?
Most children have trouble sitting still. Many kids don ’t finish their schoolwork.
Few children sit through meals without tapping,
kicking, or drumming. So how do you know what is normal and what is ADHD? Only a doctor/Psychologist can tell you for sure. ADHD behavior doesn ’t happen in only one place, like at school. It may happen every day in the classroom, on the playground, and at home. ADHD can lead to problems with learning, friendships, and family life.
Learn that ADHD is an illness that can be treated.
ADHD can make children feel bad about themselves. They may see themselves as failures, when they are not. They need help with this common childhood illness.
With the right care, children with ADHD are able to pay attention, control their behavior , and slow their fast pace. With the illness under control, children can grow , learn, and develop better than before.
Ask your child’s doctor for help.
If you are worried about your child’s behavior , trust your feelings. Ask your child’s doctor for help. Many parents start by taking their child to see a family doctor or pediatrician. Some families go on to see doctors who specialize in childhood problems such as ADHD. These doctors
are called or “child psychiatrists” or “child psychologists.”
Tell the doctor about the behavior that worries you. The doctor will tell you if the cause may be ADHD.
The doctor will also want to look for other possible causes of the behavior . Sometimes
children who are dealing with divorce, death, or other problems act in ways that look like, but aren ’t, ADHD. F or this reason, your doctor will ask about things that are happening at home.
The doctor will also make sure there are no other diseases or disabilities that might be causing your child’s behavior .
Medicine and the “behavior therapy are the most common treatments for ADHD.
Medicine for ADHD can help children pay attention, finish tasks, and think before they act. Behavior therapy involves meeting with the doctor to work on new skills to make it easier to deal with relationships, rules, limits, and choices. Both medicine and behavior therapy are safe and proven to work. These treatments used together give the best results.
Talk to your child’s teachers.
Y our child’s school may be able to help in many ways. Talk to your child’s teachers about ADHD.
Ask if your child is having any problems in the classroom or on the playground.
Tell the teachers that your child has ADHD, a common childhood illness.
List any medications your child takes and explain any other treatments.
Find out if your child can get any special services that help with learning.
To make sure your child gets all the help he or she needs, you can also talk to a guidance
counselor at the school.
Work together to help your child.
Parents, children, teachers, and doctors should work together as members of a team.
Together you can set goals for your child and find the right treatment to reach those goals.
Some of the goals families can work toward include:
- helping children feel better about themselves,
- helping children do better in school,
- helping children follow classroom and household rules,
- helping children make more friends, and
- reducing the behaviors that cause problems.
Some children with ADHD also get tutoring or counseling at school. Let your doctor know
about any services provided by the school.
ADHD in teens and adults:
Many people think of ADHD as a childhood illness, but it can continue through the teen
years and into adulthood. The teen years can be especially hard.
With ADHD, people act without thinking first. This can make it hard for teens
to make careful choices about drugs, drinking, smoking, or sex. In therapy , teens and parents work on rules, limits, and choices to help things go smoother at home and school.
ADHD also makes it hard to finish what you start. This can be a real problem for adults.
Men and women may have trouble keeping up with the things they need to do at home and at work. Adults with ADHD may lose job after job because of their illness. At any age, treatment can help.
Tips for parents:
Try to learn as much as you can about ADHD.As a parent, trust your thoughts and feelings.
You know your child better than anyone else.
If you don ’t think your child is getting the services he or she needs, speak up. Tell your child’s doctor or school what you think. And don ’t stop asking questions.
Remember ADHD can be treated. Keep working to help your child get better .
To be your child’s best helper , take good care of yourself and stay healthy .
