ADHD: Pay attention to it

All kids are hyper

We all have seen kids getting overexcited and probably we ourselves have been inattentive when we were kids (maybe even now). Today in fact that 5 out of 10 kids may be hyperactive. However, similarity in pattern and commonality of occurrence is not a defense for abnormality. We need to comprehend ADHD better so we can take care of our children. ADHD comprises inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. Of course these need to be excess of normal to actually consider it to be a problem or disorder.

Why did my child get ADHD?

We don’t have definite reasons or answers for that because causes of ADHD are unknown. Sometimes children tend to have ADHD if their parents/siblings had or have it. Mothers who are stressed in pregnancy tend to transfer the stress chemical (cortisol) to their children and this chemical causes changes in the child’s brain. ADHD is set in motion early in life as the brain is developing. Imaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of other children. Overall reasons for ADHD are not definite but wisdom lies in correction not reasoning. Today hyperactivity is getting more common than it was before. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in childhood. Nowadays we see inattention and hyperactivity in 3 – 5 out of 10 children! Boys have more energy than girls so we tend to identify it more often in boys because they get destructive and rowdy.

But hyperactivity is good isn’t it?!

Hyperactive children may be regarded as normal kids who are simply more active than others. Over activity is a normal variant and it may well enough be considered a blessing. Some kids have more energy some have it less. However energy ought to be expended constructively else the child’s hyperactivity may become counterproductive. An over active child can perform more tasks in the same time, do homework faster, play better, excel in sport and become extremely talented and a high achiever. However a child with ADHD lags behind because this energy is not channelized and focused. It is wasted vigor that tires the child but doesn't refine his brain.

How can we be sure?

There are other problems in children, which can be confused with ADHD. If children cannot see or hear well, they seem to not pay attention in class. Sometimes kids are depressed or anxious or worried so they seem distracted. Lack of sleep, learning disabilities and behavior problems may be confused with ADHD. Some children primarily are inattentive; others are hyperactive while several may have a combination of types. Those with the inattentive type are less disruptive and are more likely to not be diagnosed with ADHD. They simply seem to be somewhat slow and backward in school and may be called slow learners too.

Inattention checklist

• Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
• Usually never finishes even small puzzles
• Seem to not listen when spoken to directly
• Does not follow the instructions you give
• Always evades mental effort (homework)
• Loses things often: pencils, books, toys

Hyperactivity checklist

• Seems to always be fidgety and squirmy
• Seems uncomfortable when asked to sit
• Runs around always as if on a mission
• Has difficulty in doing anything quietly
• Looks like he or she is driven by a motor
• Talks excessively (you know its not OK)

Impulsivity checklist

• Butts into others conversations or games
• Blurts answers halfway before questions
• Can just never wait for his or her turn
• Interrupts and intrudes on others often
• Needs have to always be fulfilled at once
• When in a tantrum, is very demanding

What we can do

Treating ADHD is a partnership between the counselor, the parents, and the child.

Be calm: it is a treatable condition and kids can become 100% OK

Medication (as per the doctor’s advice) and behavior therapy work

Behavior charts and involvement with the child are mandatory

Parenting principles need to be followed diligently and regularly

What is behavior therapy?

Parents are the best influencers of a child’s behavior. Parental support and appropriate behavior shaping tasks is the key to betterment.

• Limit stimuli: Without distractors there’s no distraction
• Be orderly: Cluttered homes generate cluttered minds
• Keep a daily schedule: For meals, homework and fun
• Be reasonable: Follow rules and schedules completely
• Make all changes in advance; never at the last moment
• Ensure a healthy, varied, high fiber and a nutritious diet
• Limit foods with color: candies, sweets, jellies, squashes
• Share responsibility: Check progress with behavior charts
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep and is well rested
• Praise and reward the good behavior, be mild on the bad
• Always provide sharp and consistent rules for your child

Reality check

ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. Treatment is promising but it takes time and commitment from parents, child, family members and the therapist. If it is not treated appropriately, ADHD may lead to learning disabilities, aggression, poor social relationships, dyslexia and depression and anxiety too. Help is always available. You should be enthusiastic to accept it and make that positive difference in the life of your child.