Can't your child sit still? Let's talk about ADHD! (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Do you sometimes think, "Oh, my child can't sit still for a minute"? He runs around, jumps around, doesn't listen to what you say, and doesn't finish what he starts. When you see this kind of behavior in a young child, many parents think that these are normal mischief. True, not all mischief is a disease. However, if this behavior pattern continues and affects the child's education, relationships with friends, and home life, we should be a little concerned. Because these can be symptoms of a condition called ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) .

What exactly is ADHD?

Simply put, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the development and functioning of a child's brain. It's not a child's laziness or the fault of their parents. Children with this condition have difficulty controlling their attention, staying focused, and acting impulsively.

Symptoms of ADHD in children usually become apparent by the time they start school, around the age of 6-7. However, in some children, these symptoms can be identified even earlier, as young as 2-3 years old.

There are three main categories of ADHD symptoms. Some children may have symptoms from just one of these categories, while others may have symptoms from several of these categories together. Let's take a look at what they are.

Is the brain of a child with ADHD different?

Yes. This is the best way to understand it. Think of our brain as a police officer controlling traffic in a busy city. In a normal (medically called Neurotypical ) brain, this police officer sends out signals, controls the vehicles (that is, our thoughts and actions), and makes everything go smoothly and on time.

But in the brain of a child with ADHD, this "traffic police" is a bit restless. Sometimes his attention is distracted, some signals don't work properly, some cars drive forward without stopping when told to stop. This is why these children have difficulty staying focused, controlling their emotions, planning, and organizing.

When should we see a doctor?

Don't be afraid of the fact that your child has one or two of the above-mentioned symptoms. It's normal for children to be mischievous and have a short attention span when they're young.

However, if you see these things, definitely talk to a doctor:

• If these behaviors continue for more than 6 months .
• If these behaviors are seen in two or more places (e.g. at home and at school).
• If this is clearly interfering with the child's schoolwork, relationships with friends, and family life .

Your family doctor (GP) can examine your child to see if there are other causes for these symptoms (e.g. hearing or vision problems, other learning disabilities). If necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist .

Can a teacher diagnose ADHD?

Often, the first to notice signs of ADHD in a child is the school teacher. Because the child spends most of the day in class. If there is a difference in this child's behavior compared to other children of the same age, the teacher will easily notice it. The teacher can tell you about it.

Treatment and how to help the child?

ADHD is not a completely curable disease, but it is a very manageable condition. With proper treatment and management, a child can live a happy, successful life.

Treatment methods are generally divided into two parts:

1. Behavioral Therapy: A psychologist or counselor teaches parents and children how to manage these behaviors. This includes things like how to organize tasks, how to control emotions, and how to build social relationships.

2. Medication: If necessary, the specialist can prescribe medications that balance the chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). These can be a great help in controlling the child's attention and activity. Don't be unnecessarily afraid of these medications. Talk to your doctor openly about it.

What you can do as a parent

• Work together with the school:Stay in touch with the teacher regularly. Talk about your child's progress. Use the same discipline rules and reward system at home and at school. For example, the teacher can draw a star in the book when the child does a good job. At home, you can give the child a small gift for that number of stars.
• Create a consistent routine: Create a consistent routine for things like mealtime, playtime, bedtime, and homework time. It's a great relief for the child.
• Give instructions simply: Don't give too many instructions at once, give them one at a time, simply and clearly.
• Encourage your child: Instead of focusing on your child's mistakes, praise even the little things they do well. This builds the child's self-confidence.
• Be aware: Read about ADHD, learn about it. Know that you are not alone in this journey. If necessary, talk to other parents who have children like this.

Raising a child with ADHD can be a challenge, but with patience, love, and the right knowledge, you can definitely overcome this challenge.