Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

A child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) finds it very difficult to pay attention, and is easily distracted. They are also impulsive, and have seemingly endless energy. An ADHD child is often very talkative and fidgety, has a hard time taking turns, and can struggle socially.

ADHD children have a hard time staying with one task for any length of time, and have difficulty in a school structure; in fact ADHD behavior is most noticeable once a child has started school. The structure of a classroom setting can be extremely challenging for a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They may have a hard time sitting at their desk, keeping their hands to themselves and completing assignments. Because an attention deficit hyperactive child is impulsive, they can say inappropriate things at inappropriate times. The ADHD child often struggles academically and is often are the child who is always in trouble. It is estimated that up to 5% of school age children suffer from ADHD.

Parental Guilt

Parents often feel guilty when they find out that their child suffers from ADHD, feeling that it they have somehow caused this disorder. But experts believe that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is brought on by biological causes and not from parenting styles.

Diagnosing ADHD

A parent who is concerned about their child's behavior should consult their physician, but they should not jump the gun in assuming their child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder because he can't pay attention in school. It is very important to follow through with a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions which might be causing the behavior. His inability to pay attention in class may be caused by a range of other medical and treatable conditions such as an over-active or under-active thyroid, dyslexia or even chronic middle ear infections.

A diagnosis of ADHD is typically determined by a number of diagnostic tests given by a qualified physician.

Treating an ADHD Child

Although there is no cure for ADHD there are effective treatments. Many parents fear that an ADHD diagnosis means that they must frequently medicate their child with prescription drugs; but there are alternative ways to treat ADHD. Stimulant medication has been shown to be the most effective way to treat ADHD; but other treatments have been shown to significantly alter ADHD behaviors.

Many parents have found a significant improvement in their child's behavior when artificial sweeteners and flavoring were eliminated from their diet. Behavior modification has also been shown to be an effective way of treating ADHD, as well as counseling for both the child and the parents.

Seeking Support

Parents of ADHD children are often under an extreme amount of stress. Parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be extremely frustrating and exhausting. Getting support from family members and from ADHD parenting support groups can make the job of parenting an ADHD child less overwhelming.

Mary Boakyewaa is publisher and co-owner of http://www.child-development-guide.com -- a website for the development of children from birth to teens offering helpful tips and advice for parents, early year's professionals, and students.