| Parents who still refuse to believe that ADHD is for | | | | The most common medicines prescribed for ADHD |
| real need to wake up. Studies have confirmed that not | | | | are methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin and Concerta), |
| treating ADHD in children increased the chances of | | | | dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), atomoxetine |
| these kids leading anti-social lives, depression, taking illicit | | | | (Strattera - which is a non-stimulant drug), and a |
| drugs, poor academic performance, and even | | | | combination drug (Amphetamine and |
| unwanted pregnancies. This article strives to provide | | | | dextroamphetamine) called Adderall. |
| tips on the best practices to adopt in dealing with | | | | What can I do at home to help my ADHD kid? |
| ADHD. | | | | Children with ADHD are not disabled individuals. In fact, |
| What should I do if I suspect my child has ADHD? | | | | many famous personalities, past and present, have |
| Talk to your doctor about it. If he is not trained in | | | | ADHD and yet they managed to do wonders for |
| ADHD and other behavioural disorders (most doctors | | | | mankind in many field. However, because the brain |
| are not), ask him to recommend an expert who could | | | | circuitry of ADHD kids are wired differently, they do |
| do an evaluation and prescribe treatment. Generally, | | | | need special care and attention all the time. Here are |
| child psychiarists have the most training in this field. The | | | | some things which you can do for your child at home: |
| doctor will most definitely want to know the kid's | | | | * Routine, routines, routines. Kids with ADHD dislike |
| behaviors when they are in school, at home, and in | | | | surprises, so do make a schedule on what and when |
| social environments. So do keep a good record of all | | | | they are supposed to carry out certain tasks, such as |
| these as it would come in handy for an accurate | | | | doing homework, do chores, go to bed etc. If routines |
| diagnosis. | | | | need to be changed, explain it to the child clearly. |
| What causes ADHD? | | | | * Draw up simple house rules and paste it in areas |
| After decades of research, scientists are still not able | | | | which can be clearly seen. Among other things, the |
| to pinpoint the exact cause/s of ADHD. But generally, | | | | rules should stipulate what would happen if the rules |
| they believe it is inherited and that it has something to | | | | are flouted, and what rewards would follow when it is |
| do with the brain which is slightly different from normal | | | | obeyed. |
| kids. Often, you hear people say that bad parenting, | | | | * Be quick to reward good behavior, and be slow with |
| watching too much television, consuming food | | | | criticisms. |
| additives, and video games can cause ADHD. All | | | | * Compare notes with his or her teachers on what |
| these are viewed by many experts as just myths. Let | | | | works at home or at school so that some kind of "fine |
| us take excessive exposure to television as an | | | | tuning" in terms of education could be implemented. |
| example. How do you account for ADHD happening | | | | * Keep the communication lines open. For example, in |
| way before the invention of television. | | | | teaching children with ADHD, tell them what you like or |
| What can I do to help my ADHD child? | | | | want him to do. |
| Try to be "partners" with your child's teachers and | | | | Will my kids with ADHD outgrow it? |
| doctors. Also, read up on ADHD as much as you can | | | | The answer is both yes and no. Based on available |
| so that you will be able to make informed decisions. If | | | | data, for every three ADHD kids, only one of them do |
| you know of any ADHD support groups, try to join | | | | outgrow it. Those who continue to have it normally still |
| them as the exchange of tips, experiences and ideas | | | | exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and |
| can be of great help in coping with ADHD disorder. | | | | impulsivity, but at less severe levels. |
| What medications are normally used to treat ADHD ? | | | | |