How can therapy help your child with ADHD? Let's talk about it!

Has the doctor told you that your child has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when that happens. But don't worry. ADHD is a condition that, if managed properly, does not hinder your child's success. One important treatment for this is therapy. Today, let's talk about how this therapy can help your child.

What is this therapy for a child with ADHD?

Simply put, ``Therapy`` is a special training that helps children with ``ADHD`` to better manage their daily activities, studies, and relationships with others. In this, the child meets regularly with a therapist and talks, learning different things. Think of it like a child going to a class to learn something new. But this class is a little different. Here, the child learns things like how to pay attention, how to listen, and other things that help overcome the difficulties caused by ``ADHD.

Some children with ADHD may need another special therapy called Occupational Therapy. This helps with things like writing beautifully and improving balance. Because sometimes, either ADHD or a learning disability can cause some difficulties with these things.

Why does our child need therapy for ADHD?

Now you may be wondering, 'Why does my child need this kind of `(Therapy)'?' In fact, this has many benefits for the child. This therapy is a great help for children with `ADHD` to successfully complete both schoolwork and household chores . See how important these things are:

• Becomes accustomed to being organized: The child learns to keep their books, toys, and schoolwork in order, and to plan their day.
• You can focus better on schoolwork: This helps you focus on your studies in class and complete your homework properly.
• Listening and following instructions: Children learn to listen and act accordingly. This is very important at school and at home.
• You can get along well with others and get along well: It helps you maintain good relationships with friends and family.
• They learn to be patient while waiting for their turn: This patience is important, whether it's while playing or waiting in line.
• You learn to express your sadness and anger in words, without yelling or screaming: you learn to control your emotions and express them properly. This reduces a lot of unnecessary problems.
• I'm learning to be patient.
• It helps you to think before you act: This helps you to make thoughtful decisions without rushing.

Not only this, some children also have to struggle with the mental difficulties that come with `ADHD`. Just think, when `ADHD` is constantly criticized, and when a child is unable to do a task properly, he may feel disappointed in himself and lose self-confidence . Thoughts like `I can't do this', `I am useless' may come to mind. Also, `ADHD` can cause feelings like sadness, anxiety, anger, and frustration to arise frequently.

So, in this `(Therapy)`, the child learns how to deal with these feelings. When the child learns ways to help with `ADHD`, the child is able to do his work successfully. Then he feels good about himself, has self-confidence . The child starts to be happy and confident .

In this `ADHD (Therapy)`, the child does not learn like lessons in a book, but by doing activities, playing, and practicing. The therapist works with the child and teaches the child what they need, such as how to stay focused, good study habits, and so on, through various activities. All this is done by encouraging the child and providing the support he needs.

What exactly happens in this ADHD therapy?

First, the therapist will meet with you and your parents to discuss your concerns about ADHD. Then, together, you will set goals for what you want to improve through therapy.

Then, in a therapy session, you and the therapist do things like this:

Talking

Therapists teach children to talk about their feelings. The child learns to express their sadness, anger, and happiness with words, without yelling or screaming. When they talk like this, and listen to what the other person has to say, the child realizes that there is someone who understands them. Then they are more likely to learn new things. Also, through this conversation, the child learns to listen to others and be attentive.

Playing

Therapists use a variety of games to teach children important things. For example, children learn things like waiting their turn, following rules, and how to handle winning and losing . They also help children learn to work slowly and with self-control .

Various activities (Activities that teach lessons)

Therapists use a variety of lessons and activities to teach children about emotions, how to organize their schoolwork, study techniques, and how to understand others. These lessons are made more fun by using activities like worksheets .

Practicing new skills

The therapist teaches the child new things, for example , Mindful Breathing.Things like this can be taught. These things help train attention and calm the mind and body. Therapists also help children practice what they are learning.

Problem-solving

The therapist will ask you about the problems that ADHD is causing at school and at home. They will talk to you about how to solve those problems and help you find solutions for them yourself.

How long should this therapy be done?

How long you need therapy will depend on your goals . Typically, the therapist will meet with you once a week for a few months . After that, you can return to see the therapist as often as you like.

How can you help with this from your side? (For both parents and children)

Having ADHD is not a child's fault. However, there are many things you can do to help your child get through this process with the help of therapy. As a parent, you can also help your child on this journey. Here's how to do it:

• Practice the things you learn well: In `(Therapy)`, the child learns many valuable things. These things improve day by day only when they are practiced regularly. Encourage the child to do those things at home.
• Believe in yourself/your child: You/your child must first believe that children with ADHD can improve their attention, self-control , and behavior. The feeling of 'I can' is very important.
• Ask for help: There are many people who are willing to help you/your child. Don't be afraid to ask for help from parents, teachers, and therapists when you need it.
• Do things you/your child is good at: Maybe you/your child is good at sports, music, drawing, reading, making something. Maybe you/your child is funny, creative, talented, kind. Think about your/your child's best talents and qualities. Try to use at least one of them every day.
• Take good care of yourself/your child: Find time to play, run, and have fun in a way that gets your body moving. This will put your/your child's energy to good use. Then it will be easier to focus on schoolwork and studies.

Important: ADHD is not a weakness in a child. It is just a slight change in the way their brain works. Just like someone who needs glasses, a child with ADHD may need a little help with some things, or a different type of training.

Finally, a few things to remember

So, therapy is a very valuable treatment for a child with ADHD. It can greatly improve the child's daily life, learning, and social interactions. Remember, every child is different, and every child has their own unique talents.If ADHD is managed properly, there is no obstacle to your child conquering the world to the best of his or her abilities. Patience, love, and proper guidance are the best things you can give a child. Never hesitate to seek the necessary medical advice and therapeutic support during your child's ADHD journey. Everything will be fine!

` ADHD, therapy, children, Sinhala, Sri Lanka, mental health, behavior, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder