If your child exhibits the three big signs of ADHD (inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity) these symptoms can cause problems without intervention. This is true even if it’s not ADHD. These children struggle in school and in social situations . Often they find it hard to get along with others and create friendships. For a family with an ADHD child, there can be stress and the behaviors may be modeled by other, usually younger, children without the ADHD.
There are lots of treatments to choose from. You know your child best so try several, get outside help and do what is right for your family.
The best thing you can do to help your child is not to wait to find help. As soon as you get the feeling something may be wrong, after you look for signs and talk to others close to your child, make the call to a pediatrician or behaviorist. Early intervention is key to success.
Start with therapy, implementing a better diet to reduce hyperactivity, and modifying the home environment to increase focus and reduce distractions.
Having a solid diagnosis increases options. Work with your doctor to find a good therapist and talk to the school about getting an assessment from them and supplemental help in the classroom. Discuss whether or not drugs can help your child’s cases of ADHD or at what point the pediatrician might recommend drugs. It is not necessary to start with drug therapy. Parent education and training is key. Both parents need to work together with the same game plan because consistency is key whether it’s with snack food or homework strategies.
Children with ADHD need structure, consistency, clear communication, and a system of rewards and consequences that is meaningful to them. It may be overwhelming at first, but is possible to parent in a playful and loving way while nurturing the ADHD child.
Source: HelpGuide, WebMD
