Treating ADHD

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are difficult to handle, as they do not seem to understand what is being told to them easily and are always active, which can be quite challenging. Children suffering from ADHD can be helped only with support and coordinated efforts of parents, teachers, caregivers and doctors. Structured therapy where the child is give an environment with greater structure and counseling with clarity of instructions that tell the child what is expected from him is the best way to tend to ADHD victims. Specialists and experts related to ADHD and learning problems can be of great help.

Treatments for the children may also include medicines such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, pemoline atomoxetine and a combination drug called Adderall that are helpful in improving attention and concentration and curbing impulsiveness and hyperactivity. It is a misconception that children outgrow ADHD. While some children may learn to adjust with their problems with age and stop being hyperactive in the late teenage years, about 50% of them are easily distracted, aggressive, have frequent mood swings and are unable to complete many tasks. However, love and support at home and school and medical supervision may help them to become well-adjusted adults. Here are some tips for handling ADHD kids:

• ADHD children are more impulsive, active and aggressive, so they need more adult supervision than other kids.
• Appreciate and reward your child for completing each step of the task by playing with him, taking him to a trip or just making him or her happy.
• Children with ADHD may be a slacker in social skills, so you need to observe them and explain them what they should or shouldn’t do. Reward for good behavior and manners when others are around.
• Daily or weekly progress notes by the teacher about child's performance in class and his or her behavior during lunch or playtime can help you too.
• Fixed schedules and timetabled can really help ADHD children. Post it in the kids’ room where he can always see it and mention time for waking up, eating, playing, doing homework and chores, taking breaks and going to bed. Inform the child about any changes in their routine well in advance and note them down too.
• It is the effort of the child that matters and not grades, so reward him for that. You may do something special for him for earning better grades too.
• Mark a fixed place for homework of the child, where there is no distraction such as other people, TV and video games. Since the child cannot remain still for long, it is better to break homework time into small parts and make time for small breaks.
• Post the rules and the results for obeying or breaking them and explain them to children too.
• While giving directions to the child, try to get his attention, look directly into his or her eyes, keep your voice clear and calm and keep the directions short and simple. Ask the child to repeat the directions to you.