For the Newly Diagnosed
There are many emotions that parents may feel when their child is diagnosed with ADHD. They may be relieved that there is an explanation for behaviors that neither they nor their child has been able to understand.
Once parents come to accept the diagnosis, they find that with the right support and treatment, their child with ADHD can perform better in school and socially, and family life can be calmer and happier. In fact, early intervention may prevent academic and social difficulties relating to ADHD from arising.
There are many ways to treat your child's symptoms of ADHD, and parents must determine the best options for their child. The first step is to learn as much about ADHD as possible.
There are many healthcare professionals who can help a child with ADHD. This section provides guidelines for finding the right healthcare professional for your child.
Becoming familiar with the symptoms of ADHD can be a great help in talking with educators and healthcare professionals about ADHD.
Practical Tips
The symptoms of ADHD in children- inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity- manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways, from daydreaming to fidgeting, forgetfulness to aggressive behavior, total disorganization to obsessive organization.
Over the years, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals have found a number of ways to help parents and children cope with ADHD behavior as it plays out every day, in school, home, and social situations. This section is the result of their experience, offering practical suggestions that have worked for most parents and children.
Children with ADHD need supervision and structure, and a system to help them get from the beginning to the end of a project.
Shifting the focus from what your child does wrong to what your child does well will help avoid stressful confrontations, helping build your child's esteem and provide motivation for growth and good behavior.
Children with ADHD may have delayed language skills, both in comprehension and expression. But there are ways of dealing with these, both in school and at home.
A child who interrupts constantly or talks excessively can "put off" other children and teachers.
Not listening, not paying attention, daydreaming, or listening to irrelevant stimuli can make a child miss important lessons, instructions, or directions. Experts provide tips that may help in the classroom and at home.