Everybody has trouble sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behavior from time to time. However, for some people, the issues are so pervasive and persistent that they disrupt every aspect of their lives: home, academic, social, and work.

Managing your child’s symptoms can have an impact on both the severity of the disorder and the onset of more serious issues over time, despite the fact that ADHD is thought to be hereditary.

It can be frustrating and even overwhelming to lead a life with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) child. However, as a parent, you can assist your child in overcoming daily obstacles, channel their energy into productive pursuits, and  bring greater calm to your family. Additionally, the likelihood of your child’s success in life increases the earlier and more consistently you address their issues.

What is ADHD?

Children and adults alike suffer from the complex brain disorder known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a neurological condition that makes it hard to pay attention. ADHD is frequently first noticed in school-aged children, when disruptive behavior in the classroom or difficulties with academic work arise.

A few key findings emerge from neuroscience, brain imaging, and clinical research:

• ADHD is not a behavior disorder.
• ADHD is not a mental illness.
• ADHD is not a specific learning disability.
• ADHD is, instead, a developmental impairment of the brain’s self-management system.
• Both adults and children can be diagnosed with ADHD.

What are the three main types of ADHD?

An ongoing pattern of the following symptoms occurs in people with ADHD:

1.    Predominantly inattentive presentation.

means that a person may struggle to focus, stay organized, and stay on task, but these difficulties are not caused by a lack of understanding or defiance. People who show signs of being distracted may frequently:

• does not pay close attention to the little things and makes careless mistakes on assignments at school or at work.
• has difficulty staying focused on a task or activity, such as lengthy reading, conversations, or lectures.
• doesn’t appear to listen when addressed (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).
• does not carry out instructions and does not complete assignments for school, chores, or work (may begin tasks but quickly lose focus).
• has issues organizing work and tasks (such as difficulty managing time; has work that is messy and unorganized; is late on deadlines).
• dislikes or avoids tasks like filling out forms and preparing reports that require continuous mental effort.

2.    Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.

A person with hyperactivity may fidget, tap, or talk excessively or appear to move around constantly, even when it is not appropriate. While impulsivity implies an individual might act without thinking or experience issues with self-control. People who exhibit symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity frequently:

• squirms in the seat, fidgets with or taps their hands or feet
• unable to remain seated (in the workplace or classroom).
• climbs or runs wherever it is not appropriate.
• unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
• always “moving,” as though driven by a motor.
• talks too much.

3.    Combined presentation.

This type of ADHD is diagnosed when both criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.

Parenting a child with ADHD is hard work. Most people do not understand the challenges that you face every day. As hard as it is though, you have the strength to do this!

If you are ready to get started with ABA therapy from a trusted and experienced intervention centre, Nurture Pods is here to help. The objective of Nurture Pods is to utilize evidence-based best practices to provide special needs children with holistic, comprehensive and effective intervention programs so that they can achieve development to their best ability. We are proud to offer quality ABA therapy and other services and are here to help and support your family. Contact us today to learn more!

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 16 January 2023