Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is two different disorders and is not always seen together. However, in children who are seen together, sometimes hyperactivity and sometimes attention deficit can come to the fore. Moreover, it can also vary according to gender; Among children diagnosed with ADHD, attention deficit is more common in girls, while hyperactivity and impulsivity are more common in boys.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; While it may cause problems in the academic, work, social and private life of the child, additional problems such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, failing in class, dropping out of school, low success in business life, frequent job changes, dangerous driving and substance use can be added.
CRITICISM, NOT THEIR PERSONALITY
These children may fall frequently, damage the furniture in the house, and get injured while playing. In such a situation, criticize his mistake, not his personality. For example; When he breaks a vase, saying “If I gave birth to a stone instead of giving birth to you, your hands and feet will not stand still” hurts your personality. Instead, “You broke it while playing with the vase in the living room. You can make him realize his mistake by saying, “This is wrong and I’m going to send you to your room for ten minutes.”
GIVE BRIEF AND CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS, REPEAT
They may not listen to what you have to say until the end. Even though he said “I understand”, he did not fully understand what you were saying and what you wanted from him, and even your first and last sentence will remain in his mind. Therefore, making eye contact with your child, giving clear and short messages, and then repeating them increases the effectiveness of your instructions.
CONFIGURE HOME RULES
They need visual, concrete reminders and fixed rules to organize their tasks. For example; Even if you say that dinner will be eaten at 7:00 pm, then the table will be helped, and then he has to do his homework, he will forget what you said if he is busy with something else at the time. Therefore, determine the rules of the house with a common decision, make a list and hang it on your child’s study table. Rules that will always be in mind will be more effective than words.
DON’T AVOID PRAISE
Praise your child’s actions and behaviors that you like right away, without wasting time. Like, “I really liked that you put it on the bus.” Verbal reinforcers increase the likelihood of the desired behavior being repeated. You will see that the behavior that you verbally reinforce and praise several times becomes a habit for your child over time.
DO NOT CRITICAL LONG
Do not criticize your child’s unwanted behaviors for a long time. Behaviors that are criticized much and often can become a way of attracting attention and communication.
DO NOT REPLACE ITEMS AT HOME
Keep the places of your belongings clear and stable in your child’s room. You can mark the locations of toys, socks, underwear, books and notebooks with colored labels. Over time, you will see that your child gets used to the labels and starts to make his room more organized.
CONTACT THE TEACHER
Keep in touch with their teacher. Their observations are very important in diagnosis and treatment. When teachers of children with ADHD realize that these children are fidgeting in their places or teasing their friends, they should say the child’s name or turn around, etc. Instead of making warnings in the form of warnings, they can do a behavior that they have agreed with the child beforehand (for example, hitting their desk with a pencil while passing by). This behavior both serves as a warning for the child and prevents the child from standing out among his friends.
START SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Introduce your child to sports activities. Sports done in a certain order can reduce behavioral problems. Coaches/coaches and similar adults can act as role models for your child. Team games support your child’s social skills and can enable him to model his circle of friends.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Since you need to take care of your child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder much more, you may feel exhausted, tired and sluggish most of the time. Take time for yourself at least one hour a week. Don’t feel guilty for this. Because by taking time for yourself, you will also benefit greatly in providing the energy you need for your daily life and parenting skills.
DIFFERENT METHODS ARE APPLIED IN THE TREATMENT
Behavioral therapies are primarily applied in pre-primary education and mild symptoms, parents are informed about the right approach. In moderate to severe symptoms, drug therapy is recommended as the first choice in primary school and older children.
Drug treatment should be carried out together with individual and family psychotherapy, and after one or two years of treatment, the drug should be interrupted for one or two months, preferably during the school term, and it should be reassessed whether treatment is needed. The drugs and therapies used temporarily control the symptoms and prevent the development of additional disorders and problems. In order to observe these benefits, it is recommended that parents stay in contact with their children’s teachers, and apply to child psychiatry outpatient clinics if symptoms such as school failure, inattention, and hyperactivity persist for six months.
