How To Help A Child With ADHD

“How to help a child with ADHD: first of all we may discuss what is ADHD, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurobehavioral condition that is usually first diagnosed in childhood.    It is characterized by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive which make it difficult to pay attention to work and control their behavior. It is life long condition but symptoms change gradually and attract day-to-day functioning.”

How ADHD starts And How To Help A Child With ADHD

The primary features of ADHD include lacking concentration and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder starts at the age of 3 years to 12 years,  Symptoms are lacking concentration and hyperactive-impulsive that might be mild, moderate, or severe but remain continue into adulthood. It is a common neurobehavioral condition.

What  is the cause of ADHD

The cause of ADHD is unknown but current research shows that genetics plays an important role.  Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD. In addition to a genetic risk factor of brain injury are also under research.

How to help a child with ADHD, Tips for parents of ADHD child

It is very difficult to deal with an ADHD child. But there is a way to help such children.  The brains of ADHD children are functionally different from the other normal child. However, children with ADHD can learn what is acceptable; their disorder makes them more prone to impulsive behavior.

Promoting the Development of an ADHD child means modifying your behavior and learning how to modify the behavior of your child.  First of all, start proper medication under the supervision of a specialist in the respective field.  Behavior therapy also plays important role in the treatment. Start behavior therapy under the supervision of a psychologist. Medication and behavior therapy help your child to overcome self-doubt.

Principles of behavior management therapy

There are two basic principles of behavior management therapy.

• Encourage and give rewards to good behavior.

• Punishment for bad behavior.

First of all, teach your child to understand that actions have consequences by establishing rules and clear outcomes for following or disobeying these rules. Follow these principles in the classroom, at home, and in the social areas.

Choose which behavior is acceptable and which is nonacceptable

We must schedule a plan related to behavioral modification and control the impulse of the act. This requires patience, affection, sympathy, energy, and strength on the part of the parents. First of all, parents must decide which behavior are tolerable and which are intolerable. Some behavior such as physical outbursts, refusal to get up in the morning, refusal to turn off the television, are not tolerable. It may be hard for a child to enact as per guidelines.

  Rules must be simple and clear.  Children must be rewarded for following them. Prepare a list related to acceptable work, declare prize to be accrued by doing said work. Give a prize to the child accordingly. Repetition of positive reinforcement may help your child to understand and obey the rules.

Allow Flexibility in rules

Reward good behavior and discourage destructive behavior but rule so prepared should not be too strict.  

How to help a child with ADHD And Manage aggression

Aggressive outburst in an ADHD child is a common problem.  Time out is an effective way to calm down an overactive child.  If a child over acts out in a public place,  remove him in a calm manner. Try to ignore mild disruptive behavior.  But destructive, abusive, and intentionally disruptive behavior should always be punished.

Other do’s for coping with ADHD

Make a  daily routine for children and remain strict to it daily. Schedule rituals around a meal, fix homework time, mealtime, playtime, and bedtime and follow. 

The task must be in manageable small pieces

Use a wall calendar that will help your child to remind him to complete his school assignment, homework.    

How to help a child with ADHD And Limit distraction

Children suffering from ADHD easily accessible distractions such as television, computer, and video game encourage impulsive behavior and must be regulated.  Increase the energy level of your child by decreasing indoor activities such as play on electronics, and increasing outdoor activities.

How to help a child with ADHD And Encourage exercise

Physical activities play an important role in the all-around development of a child and help a child to focus on specific movement or work.  Physical activity may also help to improve concentration, decrease the risk of depression and anxiety. It also stimulates the brain in a healthy way and makes the child focus their passion, attention, and energy.

How to help a child with ADHD And Regulate sleep pattern

Most children suffering from ADHD have a lack of sleep worsened inattention, hyperactivity, and restlessness.  Educate your child regarding the essentiality of sound sleep of  8  hours.  Decrease television time and eliminate stimulants like sugar and caffeine.

Encourage out–loud thinking

ADHD children can lack self-control which causes them to speak and act without thinking.  Educate your children to think first when the urge to do an act arises. It will make your child out of the curb impulsive behavior.

How to help a child with ADHD And Promote wait time

Educate your child on how to pause a moment before talking or replying. Encourage more thoughtful responses by helping your child with homework assignments and asking interactive questions about any book or any other activity.

Encourage positive thinking

It is important to remain positive and encouraging.  Praise the good behavior and right activity of your child.  Feed confidence in your child and remain positive about his future.

Do individual counseling

Individual counseling plays an important role in the development of  ADHD children. It is better to get the advice of a psychotherapist, make a schedule of daily activity and act accordingly.

Take break

It is better for your child to take a break by going to the park or going to the gym or taking a relaxing bath and also much other outdoor activity. This will help your child to come out from ADHD.

Do Yoga

Yoga plays an important role in the development of ADHD children.  Do daily yoga exercises either in the morning or in the evening.  It will help your child to come out of the vicious circle of ADHD.

Frequently Asked Question about How To Help A Child With ADHD