Does your child struggle to stay in one place for a moment? Is it very difficult to keep your mind focused when doing homework? Does he not listen to what the teacher says in class and complain that his mind is always wandering? Some parents blame the child for this, saying, "You are so lazy" or "You don't want to do anything." But behind this behavior is not laziness or badness on the part of the child, but a medical condition called ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) . Today, we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is ADHD?
ADHD is a long-term condition. It is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms : inattention , hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity . It is important to understand that this is a developmental and functional issue in the brain, not a fault of the parenting style or the child's own will.
The important thing is that ADHD is not a disease, but a manageable condition . With the right support and treatment, these children can move forward in life normally and very successfully.
ADHD begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood. Studies show that two out of three children with ADHD continue to have some degree of symptoms into adulthood.
What are the main types of ADHD?
Not all ADHD children are the same. Some are very naughty, others are very quiet, and live in their own world. Based on these characteristics, ADHD is divided into three main types. Let's see what they are.
| ADHD type | Main features |
|---|---|
| 1. Primarily Inattentive Type |
|
| 2. Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type |
|
| 3. Combined Type | Children of this type may exhibit symptoms of both types together. That is, they have both attention deficit and hyperactivity. |
How does ADHD affect a child's life?
This condition can cause problems for a child at home, at school, and with friends. Imagine a child who can't listen to the teacher in class. The teacher thinks he is deliberately looking away. When it comes to homework, he can't focus on writing a single word, except for looking at the book. Parents think the child is doing it out of boredom.
When playing with friends, they can't wait their turn and start fights, and they say whatever comes to mind. After a while, their friends gradually move away. All of this can lead to a decrease in the child's self-esteem , and they can start to feel lonely and sad. Therefore, it is very important to identify this situation early and provide the necessary support.
Is there a difference between boys and girls?
Yes, there is a difference. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys . This is because boys often display hyperactive and impulsive traits. They are easily distracted by teachers and parents because they are disruptive in class.
But girls are often seen as inattentive . They may not be disruptive in class, but may quietly stare out the window, lost in their own world of dreams. Since there is no major disturbance outside, there is a high chance that the condition of these children may be delayed or missed.
What causes ADHD? Is this my fault?
No. This is not the parents' fault at all . ADHD does not develop because you let your child watch too much TV, eat sugar, or do not raise them properly.
Scientifically, the main cause of ADHD is a genetic link . Simply put, if a close family member (mother, father, sibling) has ADHD, the chances of others developing the condition are about 25%-35% higher than the average person. It has also been found that changes in the functioning of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that control attention and behavior are affected.
The reason why ADHD is being recognized more often these days is because of the increased awareness among parents, teachers, and doctors about the condition. Many people who were previously labeled as "the naughty child" or "the lazy child" may actually have ADHD.
What do I do if I suspect my child has ADHD?
If you have such a suspicion, the most important and first thing to do is not to panic and talk to your family doctor about it. Don't decide that your child has ADHD based on what you read on the internet or what people say.
If necessary, your doctor will refer your child to a specialist, such as a Consultant Paediatrician or a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist .
ADHD diagnosis is not something that can be made at a glance. To do this, the doctor must talk to the parents, the child, obtain reports from the school, and carefully observe the child's behavior patterns before coming to an accurate conclusion.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not a child's fault or the fault of the parents' upbringing. It is a manageable medical condition related to brain function.
- Not all children with ADHD are hyperactive. Some children may be quiet and show only mild symptoms of inattention (especially girls).
- This condition can affect the child's education, social relationships, and self-confidence.
- If you have any concerns about your child, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about it.
- With proper diagnosis, treatment, and your love, patience, and support, a child with ADHD can live a very successful and happy life.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න