ADHD AWARENESS MONTH
ADHD Awareness Month is celebrated every October!
- What is ADHD?
- ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- It is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.
- ADHD also affects many adults
- ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types
- inattentive type
- hyperactive/impulsive type
- combined type
Symptoms of Inattentive type:
- Trouble paying close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities
- Listening problems
- Does not follow through on instructions
- Has problems organizing tasks and work
- Often loses things
- Forgets daily tasks
Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulse type:
- Fidgets
- Not able to stay seated
- Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate
- Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.
- Excessive talking
- Blurts out answers
- Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
- Interrupts others
PARENTING TIPS FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD
Tip #1: Accept the fact that your child has ADHD!
It is important for parents to support and accept their children.
Focus on their positive qualities and abilities!
Tip #2: Don’t believe all the “bad” about your child
Children with ADHD can succeed given the help needed!
Advocate and stand up for your child’s educational needs.
Tip #3: Don’t rely only on medication
Medication is important for children with ADHD, but there are other treatment options.
Talking to your child about how medication is the only treatment will leave your child feeling that their behavior is not their responsibility and their behavior is controlled by medication.
Outpatient therapy is great to learn healthy coping skills, social skills, and impulsive control skills.
Tip #4: Structure! Structure! Structure!
ADHD children need consistency in routines and structure in the home.
Keep a set morning and bedtime routine