ADHD in Children

According to various medical researchers, nearly 5 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which till 1994 was known as ADD or attention deficit disorder. Kids are supposed to be naughty, but ADHD is entirely different! Kids suffering from this disorder suffer from conduct disorder, coordination problems, learning difficulties, anxiety or depression, or problems with social interaction, communication and obsessive behaviour, tells Dr Vandana Tara, Clinical Psychologist, Child Development and Adolescent Health Centre, Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi. The symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the type of disorder.

Inattentive Type

• Inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities


• Difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities


• Apparent listening problems


• Difficulty following instructions


• Problems with organization


• Avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort


• Tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework


• Distractibility


• Forgetfulness in daily activities

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

• Fidgeting or squirming


• Difficulty remaining seated


• Excessive running or climbing


• Difficulty playing quietly


• Always seeming to be "on the go"


• Excessive talking


• Blurting out answers before hearing the full question


• Difficulty waiting for a turn or in line


• Problems with interrupting or intruding

3. Combined Type involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common among kids.
Although it can be challenging to raise kids with ADHD, it's important to remember they aren't "bad," "acting out," or being difficult on purpose. And they have difficulty controlling their behaviour without medication or behavioural therapy.

TREATMENT
Awareness among parents and teachers in terms of identifying the early signs such as distractibility, over activity, inability to follow instructions etc. can truly help the child. If you suspect that your child may have ADD/ADHD, seek experts’ help who have experience in diagnosing and treating the disorder. You can also enroll your child in a wilderness camp or a therapeutic boarding school that specializes in treating children with attention disorders.
In case of late diagnosis, a course of neuro-stimulants are offered to the patient that work by changing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medicines work by ‘controlling’ and ‘inhibiting’ part of brain, making the brain work in a more efficient way – so your child can concentrate better and behave more calmly informs Dr Tara.

What Parents Can Do
There are a number of approaches parents can take to make daily life more comfortable and positive for children with ADHD.
1. Minimize corrections and criticism. Remember, kids with ADHD often suffer from low self-esteem and high irritability. While parents should address negative behaviours, be especially conscious of balancing negative feedback with affection, encouragement, and quality bonding time with the child so as to boost his morale.
2. Make home a safe haven. ADHD makes your kid face a rough world out there. So home should be a place to regroup, refuel, and rebuild confidence for them. Be polite, if he wants to relax, unwind, and discuss the challenges faced during the day. Don’t multitask while he tries to speak to you, as they might feel ignored, and in turn lose their patience or retreat in a shell.
3. Nurture talents and soft skills. When it comes to academics and social life most kids with ADHD face failure. Counteract the negativity by helping your child identify a skill or ability he enjoys. Speak to therapist or take school’s guidance to teach your kid essential life skills like being on time, staying organized, and setting priorities. Areas to explore may include part-time work, volunteer work, participation in community projects, or trying new activities like horseback riding, sports, or arts. Finding a talent or activity to feel good about can be a positive turning point for ADHD.
4. Be patient. Remember that ADHD has a neurological basis, and therefore your kid can be vulnerable to extreme reactions during times of stress, fatigue, hunger, or PMS. Identifying the potential triggers and stressors will help the whole family manage tough situations.
5. Set up a "quiet zone. ADHD kids quickly feel emotionally overwhelmed. So allow your kid to have an emotional "time out" after an upsetting episode. And teach the techniques of stress management in a friendly manner.
6. Use reward technique for positive behaviour by breaking a task into smaller parts. Setting a structured daily routine helps a lot in dealing with this problem at initial stage.
7. Talk to teachers. Inform your kid’s teacher about ADHD and the special needs your kids require। The child needs encouragement and support to handle one another.

What teachers can do
Empathy, understanding and cooperation from the teachers can help children with diagnosed problem improve their coping mechanism, have better self esteem and be motivated to learn and grow tells Shweta Suchak, HOD Special Needs, Billabong High International School, Malad. Few basic interventions Shweta suggests to make at the child's school life include:
• Children with ADHD should be allowed to take regular breaks; they also need to be trained to get back to the tasks.
• Making the classroom more structured.
• Reducing the various distractions in the classroom including the display material.
• Helping the child to be organized with class work and soft skills
• Inform parents and discuss things with them to help the child.
When it comes to treating ADD/ADHD, early intervention is the key। Kids with undiagnosed ADHD as adults have increased likelihood of suffering from depression, anxiousness and lower self esteem. So if your kid gets easily distracted, can't concentrate, and is chronically disorganized, take him immediately for an assessment. He too could have ADHD!

Priya Singh