October 07, 2024
Parenting is always a journey filled with challenges. When your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), those challenges can take on unique forms that may require additional patience, understanding, and flexibility. But with the right support and information, these experiences can also open the door to a deeper connection with your child.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. According to a study that used data from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health, more than 10 percent of U.S. children ages three to 17 have ADHD.
There are three types of ADHD:
If you think your child may have ADHD, your first step should be to schedule a visit with their doctor. They’ll ask you and your child about your child’s health, behavior, and activity and what ADHD symptoms you’ve both noticed. They’ll also perform a medical exam to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms and to check for other conditions common with ADHD.
Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD, learn as much as you can about the condition. Trusted online resources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
It’s also important to understand your child’s specific diagnosis and how it affects their daily life, both at home and in school.
Learning about ADHD will help you make informed decisions about the best treatment options for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a combination of medication and therapy.
Medications for ADHD include:
• Stimulants, which help increase focus and concentration
• Non-stimulants, which boost attention and memory and don’t have the side effects of stimulants
The form of therapy most commonly used to treat ADHD is behavior therapy . It teaches a child how to monitor their own behavior and adjust it when necessary.
Children with ADHD may qualify for free, public special education services under one of two federal laws. If ADHD affects your child’s ability to learn, they may be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If they don’t qualify for an IEP, they might still receive special accommodations under Section 504.
Accommodations under IDEA or Section 504 include:
• Behavioral plans
• Movement breaks
• Help with organization
• Modified instructions and assignments
• Extra time on tests
In addition to professional therapy, it’s important for parents to also learn behavior therapy techniques so they can be used at home.
Behavior therapy has two simple principles: Reward good behavior and discourage bad behavior. To do this effectively, you need to make sure your child understands what is considered good and bad behavior. Be sure to build in some flexibility so your child can make mistakes and doesn’t feel that their personality is being stifled.
In rewarding good behavior, celebrate small successes and big ones. Just patting your child on the shoulder or hugging them after they do something right can give them a big boost.
In discouraging bad behavior, when you need to discipline your child, make sure your child understands why and don’t yell at them. Be encouraging and supportive.
Life can seem overwhelming to someone with ADHD. Creating structure, establishing routines, and keeping your home organized can help make daily life feel more manageable. Make sure your child has a quiet place they can read and study or just be by themselves and think. When they encounter a particularly complicated task, help them break it down into smaller steps.
Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. The best thing you can do as a parent is learn all you can about the condition, work closely with your child’s school and pediatrician, and focus on making life enjoyable and manageable for you and your child. This approach may not solve every problem that ADHD presents, but it can help you and your child appreciate each other more and focus on their condition less.
