HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH ADHD

Information taken from an article in a magazine

• Educate yourself and your child about ADHD - ADHD is a biological disorder caused by differences in the brain.  Most children and adults with ADHD have above average intelligence.  People with ADHD have trouble paying attention, sitting still, remembering to complete tasks, and/or controlling their behavior.  (All About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.  Thomas Phelan.  ParentMagic 2000.)    

Miriam, mother of a child with ADHD said, "You know, I wasn't happy about Danny's ADHD diagnosis.  But I'm grateful now.  He needed treatment - and he's getting it."

• Contact a parent support group.  The CHADD organization (www.chadd.org)  runs support groups.  If you can't locate a local number through the website, call the main Utah number:  (801) 537-7878

• Set and monitor behavior goals.  With your child, set achievable goals in different areas.  For example, you can set goals for behavior, relationships, emotions, and responsibilities. (1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12.  Thomas Phelan.  ParentMagic 2000.)

• Consider counseling.   You, your child, and other family members may want counseling to help heal the difficult feelings that ADHD can bring up.  Ask your doctor for advice or referral.

• Try to be accepting and positive.  ADHD is a challenge-but it shouldn't be a tragedy.  Try to accept the disorder and help your child do the same.  Be consistent and firm to help your child.  But carry out your home plan in a positive way.

Myths & Truths

about

ADHD

Myth: 

"ADHD isn't a REAL disorder."

Truth: 

"Over 100 years of research have found that ADHD is a real medical disorder caused by differences in the brain."

Myth: 

"ADHD happens to people of low intelligence."

Truth: 

ADHD is about poor performance, NOT poor intelligence.  Treatment can help people with ADHD reach their full potential-whatever their IQ.

Myth: 

ADHD is caused by bad parenting."

Truth: 

ADHD is a biological disorder.  Environment can affect ADHD behaviors, but it doesn't cause them.

Myth: 

ADHD is over-diagnosed." 

Truth: 

Studies show that ADHD is probably under-diagnosed.  It's one of the most common behavioral disorders in children.  It affects 3.5% of school aged children-and many adults as well.

Myth: 

"Children with ADHD are over-medicated."

Truth: 

Prescriptions for ADHD medications  have increased.  But most experts think this is due to better diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.

Myth: 

"Even if it really is ADHD, you're better off ignoring it."

Truth: 

Hardly.  Studies show that without treatment for your ADHD, you're more prone to alcohol and drug abuse, school and work problems, and difficulty with personal relationships.  You're at greater risk for criminal behavior, too.