Learning To Understand And Live With ADHD
by: Denise Hoptons
Helpful Hints On How To Manage Your Childs ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can afflict children. People suffering from ADHD have symptoms such as:
1) They have a low level of concentration and a very poor attention span.
2) Their memorizing powers are low and they have poor concentration.
3) The are very impulsive and do things without thinking.
4) Their frequent temper tantrums and outbursts are a result of easy frustration
While most children as well as adults face similar difficulties during daily routine, those children who suffer from ADHD have a far larger frequency of these difficulties. The extent is so acute that they are unable to undertake tasks such as:
a) at school (they are not able to pay attention or finish their work in time or they can be disruptive and destructive in class, may be talking excessively in the class)
b) at home (are not able to finish chores, are clumsy, get into fights with siblings and more)
c) socially (unable to take turns or wait in line, bossy and overbearing, easily frustrated leading to temper outbursts and aggression, impulsive, so often in trouble for doing antisocial actions e.g. unwise "practical jokes").
ADHD is not a disease or illness in the sense that it is caused by germs, by injury, or by a clearly defined physical malfunction (such as asthma or diabetes). It is simply the result of parts of the brain not working at full efficiency.
What is clear is that ADHD does run in families and is at least partially genetic - often a parent has the same symptoms. What is also clear is that the symptoms, and therefore the problems, are long term. They are not going to go away or be cured in a short period of time, but are almost certainly going to continue through into the teen years, and probably even into adulthood.
HOW IS ADHD MANAGED?
Children suffering from ADHD can get long term complications which may run into their adulthood as well. These complications could be:
a) Score poorly or fail in school because of lack of concentration.
b) Are constantly in trouble because of their impulsive behavior
c) may turn to social ills like drugs, crime, drink because of their constant failures.
All of these, in turn, can lead to long term complications that affect functioning in adulthood.
Effective management of ADHD starts at home. Parents have to be very patient and give their best to their child. The treatment of ADHD is very long, but it has to be given to the child so that he is a better adjusted adult. The goal is to prevent those long term compliations. Since you as the parent know your child the best, it is you who will have to take an active part in the management of his ADHD. An effective ADHD management program should include the following components:
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Learning To Understand And Live With ADHD
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