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ADHD

Illness of the nervous system mostly caused by genetic or biological factors.


It is commonly seen and reported among children of school-going age (almost 8-10% of school age children meet the necessary criteria for diagnosis of ADHD)

There is no single ‘cause’ that leads to ADHD and in fact, the child is born with it. Some children may require treatment for a really long time whereas some children outgrow their symptoms quite early.


What Happens in ADHD?


Imagine someone constantly pressing the buttons of the remote control to adjust the temperature,
but the thermostat is broken. Even if it is centrally controlled, just fixing the thermostat won’t be effective,
the wiring needs to be taken care of.

It is Characterized By Components Of

Inattention, Hyperactivity-Impulsivity or Both Combined

Inattention

  • The child seems to have trouble paying attention in school
  • They may have a short attention span,
  • They gets easily distracted and cannot sustain an activity or task for longer time periods,
  • They may leave tasks incomplete, may daydream frequently and get bored easily
  • They may find it difficult to follow through on instructions
  • They may seem disorganised
  • They do not seem to be overactive or impulsive

Hyperactivity

  • The child seems to be over-energetic
  • They cannot sit still for very long and fidgets very frequently
  • They are very impulsive, jumps into action without considering consequences
  • They may be very impatient
  • They may talk a lot and be very loud

Other Types May Include

Over-focussed type:

The child may seem to be low on energy,
or seem to not care about anything, may feel worthless and helpless at times

Anxious type:

the child would seem to be nervous and
worried all the time, would startle easily

Depressed type:

The child may seem to be low on energy,
or seem to not care about anything,
may feel worthless and helpless at times

Do’s For A Child With ADHD:

  • Give them time, be patient with them
  • Give them a safe space where they can calm down
  • Encourage them and appreciate them often as they really like receiving praises
  • Always be interactive, promote active learning
  • Give them simple and clear instructions, and keep them short, don’t load them with too much info
  • Make routines for your child and break down difficult tasks into smaller simpler ones
  • Regulate your child’s sleeping patterns
  • Incorporate a lot of exercise and physical activity during the day

Don’t’s For A Child With ADHD:

  • Do not make sudden changes in their routines, they like to be prepared for what’s coming next
  • If your child makes a mistake or doesn’t listen to you, do not lash out or yell at them
  • Do not become too negative towards your child

Some Advantages Of ADHD:

  • Children with ADHD may be able to multi-task very well
  • They are quite creative and very intelligent
  • They are very energetic and always eager to try out something new

What Can You Do To Help Your Child?

  • Medications aren’t the only treatment for your child and they work best when combined with other therapies
  • Exercise and physical activity are one of the mosteffective ways that would improve attention and hyperactivity. Playing games and sport with your child can prove to be really effective
  • Green time’: studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD (encourage your child to spend time and play outside )
  • A good undisturbed regular sleep is essential, setting a sleep routine and sleep time and removing distractions (like the unwanted noise of a fan) can prove helpful
  • Take care of your child’s nutrition- set meal times and emphasise on a nutritious balanced diet

What Kind Of Therapy Is Given Or What Therapies Work?

  • Sensory Integration – to simulate them to work towards their senses and make sense of their actions
  • Behavioural therapy – to manage their hyperactivity and inattention
  • Speech therapy –If need be

Who Can You Approach?

  • Child and adolescent psychiatrists (to diagnose and prescribe medications)
  • Psychologists (provide talk therapy, help children with ADHD explore their feelings)
  • Behavioural therapists (to set behavioural modification programs at school, home, etc.; to set concrete goals for behaviour and achievement; help family and teachers maintain rewards and consequences
  • Educational specialists (to teach techniques to succeed at school; help children obtain accommodations from school; to give advice to parents about assistive technology (helpguide.org)
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy (to help with exercises and physical activities for the child; to help the child with functional daily activities and curate a sensory integration program)
  • Nutritionists (to help with the child’s nutrition needs)