Dealing With ADHD Techniques - By: Lydia Tan

Parents who still refuse to believe that ADHD is for real need to wake up. Studies have confirmed that not treating ADHD in children increased the chances of these kids leading anti-social lives, depression, taking illicit drugs, poor academic performance, and even unwanted pregnancies. This article strives to provide tips on the best practices to adopt in dealing with ADHD.

What can I do if I think that my kids may have ADHD?

Talk to your doctor about it. If he is not trained in ADHD and other behavioural disorders (most doctors are not), ask him to recommend an expert who could do an evaluation and prescribe treatment. Generally, child psychiarists have the most training in this field. The doctor in attendance would most likely take a good look at the child's history and how they behave at home, in school, and in social circles. So do keep a good record of all these as it would come in handy for an accurate diagnosis.

What causes ADHD?

After decades of research, scientists are still not able to pinpoint the exact cause/s of ADHD. But generally, they believe it is genetic in nature and that the brain of kids with ADHD are wired differently from normal children. Often, you hear people say that bad parenting, watching too much television, consuming food additives, and video games can cause ADHD. These have been brushed off by most experts as mere myths. Let us take excessive exposure to television as an example. There have been reported cases of ADHD way before television was invented.

What can I do to help my ADHD child?

Form "partnerships" with your kid's doctor and teachers. Also, read up on ADHD as much as you can so that you will be able to make informed decisions. If there are ADHD support groups in the neighbourhood, it's advisable to join them because exchange of ideas and experiences from like-minded parents can go a long way in helping you cope with your ADHD kids.

What medicines are often used as treatment for ADHD ?

Some common medications prescribed for ADHD are methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin and Concerta), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), atomoxetine (Strattera - which is a non-stimulant drug), and a combination drug (Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) called Adderall.

What can I do to help my ADHD child at home?

Kids with ADHD are not handicapped children. In fact, many famous personalities, past and present, have ADHD and yet they managed to do wonders for mankind in many field. However, because the brain circuitry of ADHD kids are wired differently, they do need special care and attention all the time. These are some of the things which you can do for your kid at home:

* Routine, routines, routines. Kids with ADHD dislike surprises, so do make a schedule on what and when they are supposed to carry out certain tasks, such as doing homework, do chores, go to bed etc. If routines need to be changed, explain it to the child clearly.

* Design simple and clear rules and place it in high traffic areas which can be clearly seen. Among other things, the rules should stipulate what would happen if the rules are flouted, and what rewards would follow when it is obeyed.

* Be quick to reward good behavior, and be slow with criticisms.

* Compare notes with his or her teachers on what works at home or at school so that some kind of "fine tuning" in terms of education could be implemented.

* Keep the communication lines open. For example, in teaching children with ADHD, tell them what you like or want him to do.

Will my kids with ADHD outgrow it?

The answer is both yes and no. Based on available data, for every three ADHD kids, only one of them do outgrow it. Those who continue to have it normally still exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, but at less severe levels.

About the Author

Treatment of ADHD does not always have to be about stimulant medications alone. Kids with ADHD can often be treated successfully using ADHD alternative methods. You can get more information on how this can be achieved from this popular site - http://www.adhdquestionsandanswers.com

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