Home | Family
There are some children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The symptoms exhibited by these children are: 1) Poor concentration and attention span 2) Poor memory 3) Impulsiveness - the trait of doing things without thinking first 4) Easily frustrated - because of poor concentration and memory when they cannot remember things, they get frustrated. This causes behavioral patterns like temper tantrums and outbursts The above traits are even shown by people who are not suffering from ADHD. Because of ADHD children suffer in various fields and activities in and out of school. They have to face defeat and failure in various areas like: a) Participating in activities at school such as getting work done, paying attention, maintaining focus, being attentive in class etc. b) at home (often distracted, therefore not getting chores finished, constantly talking, "hyperactive", getting into fights with siblings, difficulty getting ready in the mornings and at night, often clumsy), and c) in society (Often bossy and overbearing, show aggression, get frustrated easily and then have temper outbursts, and more) It would not be appropriate to include ADHD as an injuries or a disease as its onset is not dependent on a germ or any specific physical malfunction. This comes into effect only as a result of some part of the brain not working at peak efficiency and not contributing totally. ADHD can be called a hereditary condition, where parents and children show similar symptoms. The symptoms and the ADHD condition does not go away in short span of time and takes a long time to get under control. Sometimes children suffer from ADHD through their teens into their adulthood also. HOW IS ADHD MANAGED? What bothers children suffering from ADHD is the danger and fear of long term implications and complications. For example: a) because they can not concentrate, they may fail in school and so drop out, 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. These fears are what bother these children as these factors could influence their attitude and performance in adult life too. What you cannot beat has to be managed, and the goal of good management is to avoid complications. Since the process of management is a long term commitment, the only people who can effectively ensure its putting into place are the parents. The parents who live with the child, understand his needs and requirements and are the foremost people who are concerned with the well being of the child are the ones who need to take a proactive part in managing this difficulty. Unless parents themselves take the lead, all efforts of others shall go to naught. It is only when parents take an active part that the efforts of others shall bear fruit too. Some of the components of effective management of ADHD are: COMMITTED PARENTS who will work for the best for their child. There is much information, including books and videos, on ADHD and how to help your child - borrow them, buy them, read them, and become informed. But remember there is also much mis-information (especially on the internet and in newspapers and magazines), so discuss what you read with your local support group and professionals. Be especially suspicious of groups who claim to have the "magic cure" for your child. GOOD COMMUNICATION is very essential between parents, support groups and the school teachers. If all three groups care to communicate and solve particular problems it will be beneficial for the child. ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. Children with ADHD perform best under one-on-one conditions and exhibit worse behavior in chaotic situations. They prefer a quiet, calm and structured environment against a noisy place. As parents, we must ensure similar less stressful surrounding for the child by re-organizing our lives if required. CLEAR BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY. These children respond best to very clear expectations of behavior, and very clear rewards and punishments - with rewards being more frequent than punishments. If you are having difficulty in doing this at home you may want to talk about some strategies with your key worker. SUPPORT FOR THE PARENTS. Looking after children with ADHD can be very stressful for the parents. Bringing up these children can be very taxing. At times it may lead to depression and marital breakdown in parents. To help the parents to cope with the stress of bringing up a ADHD child, the parents should also consult the parent support groups and parents training groups, marital counseling, and family therapy etc. MEDICATION for ADHD should be such that reduces the symptoms and lets the child the opportunity to learn academic, social, and other life skills. The aim here should be to get the correct medicine in the right dosage. child the opportunity to learn academic, social, and other life skills. ADHD patients are given various medicines. Most of these are stimulants and a new rage is a medicine called atomoxetine. This is a new medicine for ADHD and is seen to be working very well and with negligible side effects. More information on this new wonder drug could be sought from the doctor. As health professionals we cannot raise your child for you, nor can we solve all your problems as you travel with your child along life's journey. What we can do, however, is to assist you in getting unstuck when you get stuck along the way. We will try to help you to sort out all of the above points as best you can. But, in the end, it is you and your family who have to live with it, and so the more you learn about it, and the more you learn the best ways to manage it, the better your chances of a good outcome.
Go over to Dr. Noel Swanson's website for more excellent free parenting articles. While you are there, make sure you also get his book The GOOD CHILD Guide - it really is a must-buy for every parent: www.good-child-guide.com Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
Article Source:- Link Building
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
