As a former early childhood teacher and a marriage and family therapy candidate, I’ve had my fair share of navigating ADHD in children. However, perhaps my most valuable experience has come in the form of parenting a child with ADHD. I’ve combined some valuable tips for parents navigating ADHD in children from both professional and personal experience with the topic.
ADHD is not a sign of laziness or bad parenting.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder recognized in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). ADHD affects a child’s ability to focus, can result in hyperactivity and often results in impulsivity in some manner. There are several effective treatments for ADHD, including medication, behavioral therapy and parent training (to assist parents with supporting a child’s needs in the home).
There are three “types” of ADHD.
ADHD may present as being predominately inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive, or a combination of both. Most associate ADHD with children being hyperactive. In my daughter’s case, she was not the classic “out of her seat all day” or “impulsive with others”, feedback that so many parents receive from others regarding their child. She would simply be unable to focus. She might turn on a faucet to fill a sink, become distracted and walk away, then come back to a flooded kitchen floor.
ADHD can present differently in boys and girls.
Girls are more likely to display inattentiveness, rather than being hyperactive or impulsive. This can lead to girls being misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than boys. Additionally, girls may also have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Girls may struggle with poor time management or a lack of organizational skills. Boys, on the other hand, may display excessive talking, fidgeting or “acting without thinking.”
ADHD is not a complete inability to focus, but rather a lack of ability to control and direct focus.
Parents or teachers may notice children with ADHD hyperfocus on a task or interest and may become upset when asked to stop an activity or transition to a new task before completing what they are working on. One might also observe defiance or avoidance strategies, being employed when asked to transition from an enjoyable activity (video game, art project, playing a game, etc.) to one that is difficult or not as enjoyable (homework, chores, etc.).
How can I help my child?
ADHD can result in a child struggling academically, socially and at home. Parents may be wondering what treatment options are available to assist children with an ADHD diagnosis in being more successful. Multiple forms of treatment exist, including behavioral therapy, medication, and parent education regarding supporting the child’s needs. Behavioral therapy can help a child develop coping skills to minimize the effect that symptoms may have on academic or social performance. Stimulant and non-stimulate medication options exist as well.
Parent education focuses on helping parents build a routine and structure within the home that helps a child thrive. This type of education may also be helpful in helping parents navigate the educational system and having the child evaluated for a 504 plan or IEP, which can put into effect accommodations for the child to be as successful as possible at school. The most effective treatment often combines multiple approaches.
Whatever approach parents ultimately decide fits their family, implementing it consistently will yield the best results!
Brandy Browne has fourteen years of experience as an elementary and early childhood educator and is currently in her candidacy period as a marriage and family therapist.
