Understanding ADHD in Children

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by decreased attention and impulsivity or hyperactivity. It manifests in preschoolers, children, adolescents, and adults. ADHD symptoms in kids start manifesting when they are toddlers.

According to Salari et al. (2023), the incidence of ADHD is 7.6% in children aged 3 to 12 years and 5.6% in teenagers aged 12 to 18.” If your child displays symptoms suggestive of ADHD, there are many ways to help your child manage this condition. For a detailed evaluation and structured management, you can visit the best lady psychiatrist in Trichy. 

Signs of ADHD in Children

The signs of ADHD in kids include hyperactivity, attention deficit (short attention span, distractibility, failure to finish tasks, inattention and poor concentration), impulsivity (action before thought, abrupt shifts in activity, lack of organisation, jumping in class), memory and thinking deficits, specific learning disabilities. A significant percentage of children may show aggression and defiance.

How to Manage ADHD in Children

Understanding how to manage ADHD in kids can go a long way in helping them control their symptoms and lead a normal life. 

Develop a Structure

Developing a structure like visual timers for tasks can help manage ADHD symptoms in kids. Setting a structure and routine helps kids stay organised and focused on completing tasks, and control their impulsiveness. 

Behaviour Management Techniques

Behavioural management techniques like positive reinforcements, rewards, and others can help manage signs of ADHD in kids. It helps define the expectations for your child and gives them clear instructions to follow. You can also connect with the leading psychiatrist in Trichy to understand behaviour management techniques.

Breaking the tasks down

ADHD in kids causes them to be overwhelmed and unable to complete their tasks. When a child with ADHD is assigned a task, make sure you help them break it down into smaller steps to help them finish them. Using visual aids or charts can help guide them through every step. 

Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can help your child in many ways. As parents, you can encourage them to exercise regularly, follow a properly balanced diet and get adequate sleep. A healthy lifestyle will help manage ADHD symptoms in kids and help them improve their attentiveness, mood and behaviour and not be as overactive or impulsive as before. 

Get Educated

One of the most crucial factors is for the parents to learn about ADHD and the signs of ADHD in kids. It helps parents provide proper help and guidance for their kids, assisted by medical experts. Knowing about ADHD will also help you develop empathy towards children with ADHD and offer support when they need it. To get your doubts about ADHD and how to manage it answered, consult the best lady psychiatrist in Trichy.

Parenting tips for ADHD

Raising a child with ADHD isn’t like traditional childrearing. Normal rule-making and household routines can become almost impossible, depending on the type and severity of your child’s symptoms. Therefore, you will need to adopt different approaches.

Fostering the development of a child with ADHD means that you will have to modify your behaviour and learn to manage the behaviour of your child. Medication may be the first step in your child’s treatment. Behavioural techniques for managing ADHD symptoms in kids must always be in place. By following these guidelines, you can limit destructive behaviour and your child can overcome self-doubt.

Reference:

Salari, N., Ghasemi, H., Abdoli, N., et al. (2023). "The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 49(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-023-01456-1