Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can afflict children. People suffering from ADHD have symptoms such as:
1) Poor attention span and concentration - unless totally engrossed in something (like a computer game). 2) Poor concentration and memory 3) Impulsivity - doing things without thinking first 4) Easily frustrated - often leading to temper tantrums and outbursts
The above traits are even shown by people who are not suffering from ADHD. Because of ADHD children suffer in various fields and activities in and out of school. They have to face defeat and failure in various areas like:
a) at school (getting work done, paying attention, daydreaming, losing homework, talking in class, being disruptive, etc.),
b) at home (are not able to finish chores, are clumsy, get into fights with siblings and more)
c) Participate and contribute actively in social activities such as being tolerant and accommodating of others, controlling temper and aggression, not playing practical jokes on others etc.
ADHD is not a malfunction of any body part as it is in conditions like asthma or diabetes. This condition of ADHD happens because parts of brain are not working at full efficiency
Studies have proved that ADHD is partially genetic, gets transferred from parents to children and in a way runs in the family. What has also been established that the symptoms and the problems associated with ADHD are almost life long. They cannot be cured over night are with you for a long time. In most cases, these symptoms and problems continue well into the teens and often into adulthood too.
HOW IS ADHD MANAGED?
Children suffering from ADHD can get long term complications which may run into their adulthood as well. These complications could be:
a) Score poorly or fail in school because of lack of concentration.
b) Are constantly in trouble because of their impulsive behavior
c) Their fear of taking recourse to anti-depressants such as drinks, drugs, crime etc to avoid getting anxious and depressed.
All of these, in turn, can lead to long term complications that affect functioning in adulthood.
Effective management of ADHD starts at home. Parents have to be very patient and give their best to their child. The treatment of ADHD is very long, but it has to be given to the child so that he is a better adjusted adult. The goal is to prevent those long term compliations. Since you as the parent know your child the best, it is you who will have to take an active part in the management of his ADHD. An effective ADHD management program should include the following components:
COMMITTED PARENTS who are ready to support their child in full. Through the information available to the parents through the books, videos, Cds and internet, the parents should be able to help their ADHD afflicted child. A word of caution here is that along with all the information, there is a lot of mis-information also available on the net and other sources. This skewed information might cause a problem in understanding the condition of ADHD. There is no magic cure available for ADHD, anybody who claims to have a magic cure is lying!
GOOD COMMUNICATION is very essential between parents, support groups and the school teachers. If all three groups care to communicate and solve particular problems it will be beneficial for the child.
ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. Children with ADHD do best in a quiet, calm, structured, low-stimulation environment (e.g. one to one) and poorly in chaotic situations (e.g. busy classrooms, noisy, busy homes). As a family you may want to find ways to reorganise life so that it is less stressful for all of you. At school the teachers will be doing the same, and it is best if the two can be co-ordinated.
CLEAR BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Children with ADHD have to be given clear and exact instructions and expectations. If they are clear on the reward and punishment system then they will adjust their behavior accordingly. The support or the social worker can help you devise strategies for a Clear behavioral management program to help your child.
SUPPORT FOR THE PARENTS. Looking after children with ADHD can be very stressful for the parents. Bringing up these children can be very taxing. At times it may lead to depression and marital breakdown in parents. To help the parents to cope with the stress of bringing up a ADHD child, the parents should also consult the parent support groups and parents training groups, marital counseling, and family therapy etc.
MEDICATION. While there is no medicinal cure for this affliction, medicines do help in reducing the symptoms. If these symptoms are reduced, the child gets an opportunity to learn social behavior, academic knowledge and other skills. Medication is not a cure, but can be an invaluable help. To ensure that the right medicine and in the correct dosage is provided, you would need to consult a professional worker.
There are several types of medication that are used. The most common are the 'stimulants' (discussed on the next page), but increasingly common is the new medication atomoxetine, which seems to work very well with few side effects. Ask your doctor for full information.
The path of correct management has to be tread by the parents themselves. Healthcare professionals can only advise and guide the parents on this lonely path. They can assist you where ever you get stuck and help you along in implementing an effective management plan.
But, in the end, it is you and your family who have to live with it, and so the more you learn about it, and the more you learn the best ways to manage it, the better your chances of a good outcome.
Need some ideas for handling your childrens behaviors? Why not take a look at Dr. Noel Swansons parenting help newsletter. His book, The GOOD CHILD Guide, is also one of the best available. You can get it here: http://www.good-child-guide.comGet your own completely unique content version of this article.
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