Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, affects 8.8 percent of American children ages four to 17. Frankly, what impacts kids impacts their parents, home, peers, and school, too. To deal with this neuro developmental disorder, parents can follow simple strategies to help children thrive despite challenges.
Let’s talk about some strategies and where you can go for your child’s ADHD treatment in Purchase, NY.
1. Recognize That ADHD Is Real
Although impulsive actions, poor task completion, and hyperactivity may seem like simple bad behavior and lack of discipline, ADHD is a very real neurodevelopmental disorder. Often expressing itself in the early school years, ADHD seems to have a strong hereditary component. That being said, it’s important not to feel ashamed or stigmatized by a diagnosis of this common disorder.
Plus, while boys are more commonly diagnosed, girls can have ADHD, too. All children need expert evaluation by their pediatricians and by professionals, such as neuropsychologists, to rule out physical causes for ADHD symptoms and to pinpoint accurate diagnoses and treatments.
2. Have a Positive Attitude and Reward Small Successes
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can wreak havoc in the home and school when parents, caregivers, and teachers express exasperation and hopelessness toward a child’s behavior. So, being as positive as possible is key to helping a youngster control impulsivity, overactivity, and limited ability to complete chores and homework.
Praise children when rules are followed, and tasks are accomplished. Reinforce the positive aspects of their personality, and play to their strengths. Challenging sports like martial arts or dancing may provide much-needed focus and exercise for overabundant energy and physicality.
3. Set a Structured Household Schedule
That means meals, chores, homework, and bedtime at the same time each day. Assign simple chores and clearly instruct how and when they should be done. Some families benefit from posted chore charts with reward systems, such as stickers or points accumulated for favorite family activities. Strike a balance between periods of activity and time for rest and relaxation.
4. Engage the Help of Educators and Counselors
Your child’s school can be a great resource for helping your child succeed academically and to make friendships. Talk to the school psychologist about ways to restructure your child’s academic goals and schedule. Suggestions include:
- A separate location and extra time for test taking
- Teacher-provided notes on class material or use a student volunteer to help with note-taking
- Use of a calculator and other study aids
- Time in a resource room for daily one-on-one tutoring and supervised group work
- Counseling with the in-school psychologist
Enlist your school, daycare, church, and other organizations and people involved in your child’s life as partners in achieving small goals and long-term success and positivity.
Help for ADHD in Children in Purchase, NY
Families can find compassionate, accurate assessment and treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with the board-certified physicians at Westchester Park Pediatrics. Our pediatric practice in Purchase, NY, serves as the medical home for numerous area children–from newborns to teens up to 15 years old.
If you are concerned about ADHD, call us today at (914) 761-1717, or request your visit online.
