ADHD – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurological disorder that manifests from childhood. ADHD problems in children affect the ability to carry out planning, focus, and execution of tasks. The common signs of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, improper organization of thoughts, execution of tasks, issues with focusing, and oppositional behavior.
Myths relating to ADHD
- It is a myth that ADHD is caused by bad parenting, excess sugar intake, disinterest, or exposure to video games.
- It is also a myth the ADHD subsides with age. It is claimed so because physical signs may reduce overtime. The child may be able to control the symptoms with age, if mild. The symptoms and levels of activity keep varying with age. In reality, the physical manifestations of ADHD change into added chaos in the head. The organization, planning, and thought process keeps getting tougher as a child grows up. Therefore, the ADHD doesn’t reduce but gradually becomes unnoticeable on the outside.
- It is said that ADHD occurs in a 4:1 ratio among boys and girls. Impulsivity in boys generally is higher compared to girls. A lot of times, the difference from comparison neglects the recognition of girls with ADHD. Not only boys and girls, a lot of times ADHD among other students in a class gets ignored due to comparatively more severe signs in a single student.
- Another myth is that ADHD is a behavior or attitude problem. Behavioral shortcomings are a manifestation of ADHD, not vice versa. These behaviors are impulsive out of the individual’s control, and aren’t intentional.
Challenges with ADHD
- ADHD affects academic skills. Even if a child is intelligent, the lacking ability to pay attention can impact studies. ADHD children lag in higher grades because of inattentiveness in the primary level as their fundamentals are weak. The academic disabilities must be noticed from a young age as it gets overtaken by hyperactivity and other prominent signs in the infant years.
- The need to continuously satisfy their adrenaline rush becomes a basic need of the child, hence children with ADHD constantly active and moving. Activities like running, jumping, etc. give them that adrenaline rush as children. As child grows, the adrenaline rush comes from breaking rules and impulsively indiscipline behaviors.
- Teenagers with ADHD can become very antisocial and engage in risks. Their inability to judge or take a calculative risk results in problematic consequences. These behaviors often become habits if not intervened at the earliest. Parents and teachers must understand that these actions are not purposeful.
- Teens often fall prey to screen-time addiction, smoking, rash and reckless driving, drug and alcohol abuse, etc. These issues affect very differently that behavioral issues and must be addressed as early as possible to prevent any risks to the child’s future.
- In teenage girls, ADHD signs like hyperactivity and impulsivity, added with hormonal changes can create more conflicting behaviors. It can be channelized as inappropriate flirting and outward behaviors that are unacceptable in society.
- It is also common for children with ADHD to fall victim. In schools, children get bullied because of their condition. Peers and classmates often trigger impulsive behaviors in these children just for the fun of it. This results in a bad image of the child and complains against him/her. It is necessary to keep an eye out for such situations and take preventive measures against such bullying.
- Children and adults with ADHD face challenges in prioritizing tasks or following up on them. Lazing around and procrastination are also major symptoms of ADHD with growing age. This habit is reinforced due to the satisfactory rush of completing things in the last moment. This is a result of their lack of judgment and organization abilities.
- If ADHD is left untreated, it can become very severe with time. Even mild ADHD can result in severe consequences. Insufficient treatment and severity can also lead to brain damage. Addressing ADHD is very important as it affects an individual in the long-run.
These challenges end up coming so constant in the lives of individuals with ADHD that it becomes their second nature. It can be difficult to reverse them and therefore they must be taken into consideration before it becomes a habit.
Early identification through assessments is ideal. Moreover, following up with efficient treatment and training is crucial to help from the beginning and enhance better overall development.
Different types of treatment for ADHD
Treatment of ADHD in children depends upon the type of diagnosis and severity level. Medication for ADHD is a crucial part of the treatment procedure. Doctors usually prescribe stimulants or non-stimulants as required. These medications often have side effects and must always be under expert clinical guidance. Behavioral therapies to target oppositional behavior and impulsivity, brain exercises, physical exercises, nutrition, etc. are also crucial parts of treating ADHD in children.
How does MANAS Learning help?
Besides planning, organization, and management, supporting your child’s development and learning, includes proper awareness and assistance. Finding suitable treatments and administering them takes a lot of understanding of your child’s condition, which can be carried out through our scientifically-curated assessments.
Our ADHD assessment for children is simple and can be carried out online with ease. We also have ADHD assessments for adults and extend detailed reports dealing with treatment and remediation plans specific to your child’s ADHD level. Moreover, we guide parents to teach children at home with better plans and routines to improve nurturing right from the early years. Take your online ADHD test today and enquire us for any help or consultation. We are here to guide your child’s neurodivergence through creativity, enthusiasm, and multi-sensory learning techniques.
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