When Children Have ADHD Massachusetts Parents Want To Know How To Help
When Children Have ADHD Massachusetts Parents Want To Know How To Help
As many as 12% of all children of school age suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that often follows them to adulthood. When one's child is diagnosed with ADHD Massachusetts parents often want to know what they can do to help. The condition can be even more complex if the child also suffers from impulsivity. Overall, the disorder may result in problems wit relationships, learning and behavior. It is more common with boys than in girls.
There are many symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They range from difficulty in following attention to being easily distracted. If the disorder is combined with an impulse disorder, it can be even more complex. The child may find it difficult to stay in his or her seat or have trouble waiting for his or her turn.
Children with attention deficit disorders may not produce enough chemicals in certain areas of their brain that make organizing difficult. This leads to the symptoms displayed. Parents often find such children difficult to parent and teachers find them difficult to teach. Your pediatrician may prescribe medication to help control the symptoms of the disorder.
Parents can help to provide help in the home by creating a strict schedule which is closely followed by the family. The schedule should include a specific bed time as a time to wake up. Television and video games should also be limited. There should be time scheduled for homework, chores and meals. The family should stick to the schedule every day and changes need to be explained beforehand.
When directions are provided, the parent should take time to ensure they are understood. Always ensure the child is listening and look at him directly in the eyes as you speak. Use a calm, clear voice and be very specific in what you want to be done. Ask that the instructions you give be repeated back to you in order to reduce arguments.
A child with ADD needs more supervision than other children. If impulsive, a child will need additional supervision when compared to kids the same age. Parents should offer lots of praise and rewards when he is successful at completing a task according to instructions.
To be successful, homework must become routine for the child suffering ADD. Choose a place where distractions are minimized. Video games, television and other people should not be in the area. Turn off or silence all cell phones and other electronics during homework time. Be sure to offer frequent breaks so the time is broken into small segments.
While it was once thought that children could grow out of ADHD Massachusetts doctors have found this is not true for most. While the child may get better as he or she learns to make adjustments to the disorder, it can continue to cause problems. Children may continue to suffer mood swings, be easily distracted and have hot tempers but often outgrow the hyperactivity by the late teen years. Children with loving supportive parents that work with the school staff are more likely to grow into well-adjusted adults.
