Your child was very naughty when he was little, but as he got older, especially as he got older, have you noticed a big change in his behavior? Does he suddenly miss schoolwork, leave his books everywhere, and feel unorganized and unable to stay in one place? These are not just bad behaviors, perhaps there is a problem with attention behind this, or perhaps there is a condition called ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that we have all heard of. Let's talk about this in a friendly way today.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in young people?
ADHD is often present from childhood. However, as you get older, the symptoms can become more severe or more obvious due to hormonal changes in the body, increased schoolwork, and extracurricular activities.
Simply put, there are several main features.
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Distractibility | Even the slightest noise can distract you while you're working. Things like looking out the window in class or getting distracted by your phone while studying at home. |
| Disorganization | The room is a mess. I can't find my books or homework in my school bag. I don't have a plan to do my work on time. |
| Poor concentration | It's hard to stay on one task for a long time. You get bored with it after a while. Even if you start homework, you don't finish it. |
| Hyperactivity | The inability to stay in one place. Constantly fidgeting, fidgeting, getting up from the chair. Like a motor. |
| Impulsivity | They work without thinking. They struggle to answer a question before the teacher has finished. They interrupt others while they are talking. |
How does ADHD affect a child's life?
This situation can affect several aspects of the child's life.
School life
Attention problems can have a big impact on academic performance. Grades start to drop , especially if the child is not receiving proper treatment . Forgetting homework, losing books, and getting bored in class are all very common.
Imagine, when the teacher is teaching, the child's mind is somewhere else. Or he struggles to answer without waiting for his turn. This disrupts the teacher as well as the other children. Because of these things, the child's abilities are suppressed, his grades in exams are reduced, and he is more likely to be excluded from sports teams and groups of friends.
Risky behaviors and accidents
This is a matter of some concern. Young children with ADHD are at increased risk of accidents.
Driving, in particular, is a big risk . Studies have shown that young children with ADHD are two to four times more likely to have a car accident than children without the condition. This is because they are impulsive, prone to taking risks without thinking about the consequences, and make immature decisions .
But there is good news. Studies have shown that children who take their medications properly can reduce the risk of these accidents.
Also, children with ADHD are at higher risk of alcohol and drug abuse . Therefore, providing proper treatment to the child can save him from such big problems that may arise in the future. When talking to your child about driving, talk clearly about these risks and the dangers of using a phone while driving.
What is the best treatment for this?
Although there are different opinions about ADHD treatment, the best results are often achieved by combining two methods: behavior therapy and medication.
Experts say that about 80% of children who were medicated for ADHD as children will continue to require medication as adults.
Medicines can be divided into two main categories.
| Drug type | Examples | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulant Medications | Medicines such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Dextroamphetamine (Adderall), Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). | These are widely used. They increase attention and alertness. However, some people may experience side effects such as insomnia, irritability, and loss of appetite. |
| Non-stimulant Medications | Medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv), and Clonidine (Kapvay). | These have a lower risk of addiction. The side effects are also different from other types. These may be more suitable for children with a history of drug abuse. |
Most importantly, all of these medications should only be given under the supervision of a qualified physician. Giving more than the recommended amount of medication can have serious consequences for the child, including mental health problems and drug abuse.
In addition, there are alternative treatments such as dietary changes, nutritional supplements such as Omega-3, and modern devices that stimulate brain activity (such as the Monarch External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System). Discuss these with your doctor and make decisions.
How can you help as a parent?
A child living with ADHD needs your love, support, and understanding. Here are some things you can do.
- Establish clear rules and routines: Establish a consistent routine for things like starting the day, mealtimes , and bedtimes. It's also a good idea to write it down somewhere your child can see it.
- Help with organization: Help keep homework and books organized. Have a designated place for everything. Use a checklist of things to bring home from school at the end of the day.
- Build your child's self-confidence: Encourage your child to do something they are good at (such as sports, music, art). Praise them for even the smallest good things they do.
- Stay calm: Even if you have to punish your child, speak calmly without getting angry. You are a good example for your child.
- Connect with teachers: Talk to teachers about your child's situation at school and seek their support.
- Get good sleep: Turn off TV, phones, and video games before bed. Good sleep is essential for managing ADHD.
How can you help your child become independent as an adult?
As the child grows up, he or she needs to be taught to manage his or her own situation and become independent.
- Delegate responsibility: Teach them to do things for themselves, such as taking their medication on time and refilling it before it runs out.
- Set boundaries: Don't interfere in everything, allow your child to be their own person. Let them know that you are there for them when they need help, but let them make their own decisions.
- Encourage professional help: Perhaps encourage your child to seek the help of a life coach or counselor who helps people living with ADHD.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not just bad behavior or laziness in a child. It is a real medical condition.
- This condition can be exacerbated by hormonal changes and increased responsibilities during adolescence.
- Proper treatment (behavioral therapy and medication) can go a long way in helping the child succeed in life.
- As parents, your love, support, patience, and the disciplined environment you create at home are very important for your child.
- Before making any decisions, always talk to your child's doctor. Follow his or her advice.
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