You may have heard some people casually state that they have ADHD just because they like cleanliness or want things to be a “certain way.” However, ADHD is much more than obsessing over cleanliness or wanting something to be placed a certain way.
So, what is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. So when kids suffer from this mental health condition, their brain develops differently than others, and one might experience troubled behavior when dealing with them. Now, as simple as this may sound, one must not confuse ADHD with the childish behavior of your kid.
Diagnosing ADHD is difficult as it requires close monitoring of the child’s behavior, and only professionals who are experts in this field will be able to give you the right information. However, the article below talks about some of the common symptoms of ADHD.So, if you encounter your kids displaying these behaviors, it is important to take them to an ADHD testing center for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
A lot of kids have troubled behavior, and while this is absolutely normal, you should be alarmed if you encounter the following symptoms:
- Inattentiveness: When your child gets easily distracted or has trouble listening to or paying attention to what you are saying. They may also have difficulty organizing tasks or activities because of their inattentiveness and inability to understand what their teacher is saying because they can’t focus.
- Impulsiveness: When the child has no control over what they are saying or doing and takes impulsive actions like interrupting others or constantly fidgeting. They may also talk too much or run around even after you have told them to stop.
- Hyperactiveness: You can identify whether the child is hyperactive or not when they have no patience and can’t wait for their turn when playing a game. Moreover, they are most likely to interrupt a game when others are playing and have trouble doing an activity in silence.
Now, most of the symptoms mentioned above are typical behaviors that most parents encounter in their kids. However, if you identify a combination of numerous symptoms, it is time to take the child to an ADHD testing center for proper diagnosis.
Treatment for ADHD:
Studies have found that medicine alone is not very effective in treating ADHD in young kids. However, a combination of medicines and behavioral therapy works wonders. Here are some common treatments that a professional suggests once they have diagnosed ADHD in a child:
- Behavioral treatment:
In this, the therapist or counselor teaches the child techniques to control their behavior. Moreover, they also teach the parents how to manage their children’s behavior. For instance, rewarding the kid for their good behavior and discouraging bad behavior have been found to be very effective in treating ADHD.
Moreover, establishing a routine for the child and setting clear expectations can also help the kid control their actions. Additionally, the child is taught time management, organization, and planning ahead in order to help them manage their emotions and act appropriately.
- Medication:
Psychostimulants are also prescribed in a few cases to treat ADHD. These medicines help the child stay focused and ignore distractions, thus helping them manage their hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Apart from psychostimulants, non-stimulant drugs are also used to help them control their behavior. Some of the common drugs prescribed for this mental illness include amphetamines and methylphenidate.
- Other therapies:
When a kid is diagnosed with ADHD, they are given social training skills, which help them develop and maintain healthy relationships with their friends and family. Moreover, neurofeedback training also helps diagnose the symptoms and make the child aware of their behavior. Apart from this, many kids have also recovered from this mental illness through meditation and yoga.
Conclusion
ADHD is not as uncommon as one thinks. What may look like typical childish behavior may have an underlying cause, which, if left untreated, may impact the quality of life of your child when they become adults. Therefore, if you suspect that your child is showing symptoms of ADHD, it is best to act promptly and take them to a professional for a proper diagnosis.
