Last Updated on Thursday, 03 September 2009 17:41

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - What You Can Do

Children with this condition can stretch the patience of all members of the family. You need to try a range of strategies to help your child learn and develop, and reduce stress in the family. It is also important to be consistent, work as a team and support each other as much as possible. Frequent breaks from the child are also valuable to gain some respite from the demands of caring for a child with ADHD.

Some strategies are:

• Develop consistent routines at home and school.

• Keep rules clear and simple and give reminders calmly.

• Remember, your child does not intend to be difficult.

• Get close to your child and make sure you have their full attention when you talk to them.

• Give instructions one or two at a time.

• Praise your child and look out for them doing something good.

• Supervise closely as your child may put themselves in dangerous situations.

• Try to ignore minor irritating behaviours.

• Provide clear disciplinary consequences for major misbehaviour—for example, time-out (between two and ten years of age) or logical consequences for older children.

Points To Remember:

• Not all children who are inattentive, impulsive and overactive have ADHD.

• No single test can diagnose ADHD. Assessment by a doctor or a psychologist involves putting together lots of pieces of information before a diagnosis can be made.

• Medication, positive parenting strategies, school support and counselling can greatly help most children with ADHD and their families.

• Children with ADHD need support and understanding from family and teachers.

See your doctor if you are concerned about your child's health.

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