Symptoms and Treatment of ADHD in Children
In terms of social impact, a child with ADHD can cause significant anxiety in those around him, straining parent/sibling-child relationships.
As children with ADHD grow into adults, they may exhibit emotional (trouble controlling anger, depression and mood swings, relationships and problems at work) and behavioural imbalances (addictions and substance abuse, chronic boredom).
ADHD in India
A study conducted in Coimbatore, India, discovered that ADHD prevalence in children was higher than the global estimate, at 11.32%. The highest prevalence is in children aged 9 (26.4%) and 10 (25%).
Furthermore, the study found that more males (66.7%) had ADHD. Children with ADHD were found to have problems not only with academic performance and behaviour but also with reading and writing.
Another ADHD study conducted in various parts of India found a prevalence ranging from 2% to 17%. According to an article published in India Today, it is estimated that 10 million Indian children are diagnosed with ADHD each year.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms
A short attention span and high energy level do not necessarily indicate that your child has ADHD; there are a variety of reasons why children may be hyper or have difficulty concentrating. However, some children struggle more than others to sit still and pay attention, which causes problems in their daily lives if not adequately addressed.
If you have a child who seems to bounce off the walls or who struggles to focus long enough to complete homework, you should be concerned about the possibility of ADHD.
ADHD parenting techniques
In a nutshell, ADHD does not have to be “cured” or “fixed.” It is more important that it be accommodated and supported. If parents and children have sufficient affirming and accepting information about ADHD, they can collaborate to help the child thrive.
ADHD Characteristics
Children, like adults, can have one of three types of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation: Children with ADHD who are primarily inattentive struggle to focus and stay on task. They may appear to be daydreaming frequently and have difficulty staying organised.
- Hyperactive/impulsive presentation: Children with hyperactive presentations are sudden and cannot sit still. They frequently squirm and fidget in their seats and appear to have boundless energy.
- Combined presentation: The combined presentation impairs attention and causes hyperactivity.
ADHD symptoms must interfere with a child’s daily life in some way to meet the criteria for a diagnosis. An inattentive child, for example, may struggle to understand homework assignments because they are not paying attention in class. A hyperactive child may struggle to complete their schoolwork because their high energy levels make it challenging to sit still.
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as kindergarten. Characteristics must be present before the age of 12 years old.
How Do We Assess ADHD?
If you or your child’s teacher suspects your child has ADHD, it is critical to seek an evaluation to determine whether treatment is required. Early intervention has the potential to prevent the child from experiencing additional distress and trauma.
There is no specific lab test used to diagnose ADHD. Instead, mental health professionals can assess a child’s characteristics and determine whether or not the criteria are met. Several techniques are frequently used to gather information about a child’s behaviour.
These assessments are designed to look at ADHD symptoms from a neurotypical perspective.
Hope Trust has the resources, tools and competence to diagnose and treat ADHD.
Teacher report forms are used to gather information from teachers about a child’s behaviour and attention span in the classroom. Teacher reports can help determine how difficult it is for a child to stay on task and seated compared to their peers. Feedback on a child’s peer interactions can also be beneficial, as some ADHD children struggle to maintain friendships.
Parental report forms assess a child’s behaviour at home. A mental health professional may look into the child’s ability to listen, follow directions, or wait their turn in a conversation.
The clinician will learn more about your child’s development and family history through parent-child interviews.
While these tools are widely used, consider consulting with a neurodiversity-affirming mental health practitioner. A provider who understands ADHD or has lived experience as an individual with ADHD can offer affirming support without pathologising the symptoms of ADHD.
What should you bring?
You may also be asked to bring the following items to the assessment:
- Your child’s medical records, your contact details, and the contact information for your child’s paediatrician
- Names and contact information for teachers or other adults in a supervisory role with your child
- School report cards and notes
- Individualised education plans (IEPs), if applicable
Any adult supervising your child may be asked to complete forms, which you should bring to the evaluation.
Helping Children With ADHD
Parents are sometimes hesitant to discuss concerns about ADHD because they are afraid their children will be put on medication with severe side effects.
Many other types of assistance do not include medication. Parental support can be highly beneficial. This entails assisting parents in learning more about neurodiversity and how to accommodate their child’s brain and characteristics.
School modifications can also benefit your child.4 Simple strategies, such as having a child sit near the front of the classroom to reduce distractions, can sometimes be helpful.
A school psychologist or mental health professional may be able to make recommendations to help teachers provide a child with a learning environment that reduces ADHD symptoms.
Parenting Techniques
Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging. Because society does not accommodate ADHD, parents must frequently exert additional effort to obtain school accommodations for their children. Parenting a child with a different neurotype can also be stressful because parents may lack information about how to support their child best.
Children with ADHD are also more likely to be injured in an accident.5 They could be injured by falling off furniture after climbing, falling or jumping out of windows, unbuckling restraints and standing up in the car or pram, or even accidentally drinking poison, which would result in more emergency room visits.
They frequently require more structure and constant supervision than other children. Here are some common behaviour modification strategies taught in parent support programmes:
Pay attention to the positive. Positive playtime reduces the need for attention. Positive attention assists parents in developing healthier relationships with their children, and a stronger bond means that children are more likely to respond to praise.
Give clear instructions. Before giving directions, get your child’s full attention. This can vary depending on the child. Inquire about what helps them focus, follow instructions, and accommodate their neurotype. Writing detailed instructions, showing them how to do the task, body-doubling, and flexible scheduling are some examples.
Recognise your child’s efforts. Catch your child doing something good and praise them. Praise can help your child form a secure attachment, and frequent and specific feedback is essential.
Create incentives. Reward systems can be an excellent way to keep children with ADHD on track. Set a few goals for yourself, such as staying at the table during a meal or using gentle touches with your pet.
How Your Child’s School Can Help
Experts recommend that parents, teachers, and healthcare providers collaborate to help the child succeed in school.Here are some additional resources that may be useful:
Extra time to complete tests or sitting in a quiet area can boost a child’s chances of success.
A behaviour management strategy for home and school: A child’s teacher may award points or tokens that can be exchanged for home privileges such as watching TV or using a computer.
Household structure: A consistent homework schedule (with scheduled breaks) and a homework area that accommodates your child’s ADHD brain can assist them in finishing their work. This could include fidgets, visual timers, making tasks and homework more fun, or anything unique to each child.
It may also be beneficial to make checklists to remind them of what they should pack in their bags daily. They will then need fewer reminders from you to be responsible.
Your child’s teacher, guidance counsellor, and therapist can assist you in developing the best academic plan for your child.
Click www.hopetrustindia.com to book an appointment with a therapist.