Does your child have trouble staying focused? Is he or she unable to focus on one task at a time? Or is he or she acting a little recklessly, without thinking? These could be signs of Attention- Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) . When a doctor tells you your child has ADHD, you may be thinking, “Oh my God, what do I do next? Who do I turn to for help?” But don’t worry. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. There is a team of skilled professionals who can help your child succeed at school and at home.
ADHD is not a disease with a single treatment.
The first thing we need to understand is that there is no single treatment that works for every child with ADHD. That means there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. For some children, behavioral therapy is enough. For others, medication may be needed. Often, a combination of both approaches is the most effective. The most important thing is that it all depends on your child’s needs. It is best to work with a team of specialists. Like a good cricket team, everyone has a special role to play.
Who can help us? (The Support Team)
There are several key professionals who can help you and your child manage ADHD. Let's take a look at who they are and how they can help. This table will help you understand more.
| Professional | How do they help? (How they help) |
|---|---|
| Pediatrician | Your child's general health care provider can also treat ADHD. They're usually the first person you'll see. If your child is between 4 and 5 years old, they may recommend behavioral therapy. If your child is over 6 years old, they may add medication to the treatment plan if needed. They may also check for other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disorders. |
| Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist | This is a doctor who specializes in child mental health. He or she has the special ability to prescribe medications for ADHD, monitor their effects, and make necessary adjustments. If your child has ADHD and other mental health conditions (such as mood disorders) or sleep problems, it is very important to seek the help of a psychiatrist. |
| Psychologist | A psychologist is someone who helps a child manage their behavior and emotions without medication, through talk therapy and various therapeutic techniques. They teach the child things like how to control their temper, how to control anger, how to pay attention in class, and social skills (e.g., how to wait their turn, how to share toys with others). |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | Is your child having trouble organizing their daily routine? For example, if they have difficulty organizing their school bag, getting to work on time, or getting from one class to another on time, an occupational therapist can help. They can observe your child's daily life and teach them practical ways to make those tasks easier. |
| School Support Team | If ADHD is interfering with your child's learning, you can get special accommodations from the school. You can talk to the class teacher and principal and come up with a plan to help your child, including small changes in teaching methods and help with behavior management. Good communication between parents and teachers is very important here. |
The support of a psychologist in a little more detail
A psychologist may use two main treatment methods:
1. Behavioral Therapy : The main goal of this is to help the child change some of their behavior patterns. For example, they teach them how to cope with difficulty completing schoolwork or emotional outbursts. This therapy teaches the child to self-monitor their behavior, and to praise themselves when they do something good (e.g., controlling their anger), and to give them small rewards.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ): This is a bit more in-depth. It uses techniques like “mindfulness” to improve the child’s focus and concentration . Simply put, the child is taught to be aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment and to accept them . This can be a great help in reducing anxiety.
The important thing is that all of these professionals are working to provide the best outcome for your child. So, if your doctor recommends seeing a specialist, don't think twice.
ADHD Coach and Social Worker
These two could be important members of this team.
- ADHD Coach: These are people who provide practical advice. Like a life coach. They advise on things like planning, organizing, time management, and setting goals . While this service is most suitable for young children and adults, some coaches work with parents to help younger children as well.
- Social Worker: Sometimes a social worker may be the first to recognize a child's ADHD symptoms . ADHD is especially common among children who live in challenging home environments. They can help refer them for a medical evaluation and answer parents' questions.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not a “bad” or “naughty” child. It is a real medical condition that requires proper attention and treatment.
- Treatment is a team effort. The support of everyone, from the pediatrician to the psychologist and school teachers, is important.
- Your first and most important advisor is your pediatrician . Talk to him or her first about any concerns.
- Just as important as medication, and perhaps even more so, is behavioral therapy, especially for young children.
- Never hesitate to ask for help. Talk openly with your doctor about all your questions and fears. You are not alone!
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