ADHD in Children: Recognize the Symptoms and Treatment Options

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children. As a result of this disorder, children can become hyperactive, less focused, and impulsive. These symptoms can later affect the child's learning process and the way they socialize. This condition can have an impact on children's achievements in school. Unfortunately, the symptoms of ADHD vary from child to child and are sometimes difficult to recognize.

CAUSES OF ADHD

The cause of ADHD is not known with certainty. However, research shows that there are several factors that can increase a child's risk of developing ADHD, including genetic and environmental factors. ADHD is also thought to be related to disturbances in the brain's electrical flow patterns, or brain waves.

There are also those who think that hyperactive behavior disorder in children is caused by a sugar rush or excessive consumption of sugar. However, this has not been proven to be true.

Every child may experience many of the symptoms of ADHD. So, to get an accurate diagnosis, the pediatrician must evaluate the child using several criteria. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children aged 7 or older. If parents are worried that their little one has ADHD, here are some symptoms to look out for.

ADHD SYMPTOMS

There are several symptoms of ADHD that parents should be aware of:

1. Cool with Himself

Children with ADHD are usually unable to recognize the needs and wants of others. They tend to focus more on themselves and don't care about other people. For example, when told to wait their turn, children with ADHD tend to be very impatient and can even annoy other children.

2. Like Interrupt

Self-focused behavior can cause a child with ADHD to interrupt others when they are talking or engaging in conversations or games they are not part of.

3. Difficult to Control Emotions

Children with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their emotions. They may express their rage at the wrong time.

4. Always Anxious

Most children with ADHD are often unable to sit still. They may try to get up and run, fidget, or squirm in their chair when forced to sit down. Anxiety can make it difficult for children with ADHD to play quietly or engage in relaxing activities.

5. Unable to Complete Tasks

A child with ADHD often shows interest in many different things but ends up having difficulty with them or not completing them at all. For example, when they play stacking games or do homework, the Little One can suddenly move on to the next thing that interests them before completing the previous task.

6. Less focus

Children with ADHD tend to have a hard time paying attention, even when someone is talking directly to them. The little one may say that he listens to what the mother says, but when asked to repeat, the child will not be able to.

7. Often makes mistakes

ADHD can make it difficult for your little one to follow instructions or carry out a plan. This can then make the child careless and lead to mistakes. However, the mistakes he made were not because he was lazy or unintelligent, but because he had ADHD.

8. Daydream

Not all children with ADHD are always loud and noisy. Some children may even be more quiet and find it difficult to socialize with other people. He could have preferred to daydream and ignore what was happening around him.

9. Difficult to set up 

Children with ADHD often have difficulty managing their tasks and activities. This can create problems at school, as they find it difficult to prioritize homework, school projects, and other assignments.

10. Forgetful

Children with ADHD can be forgetful in their daily activities. They may forget to do chores or homework and often lose things, such as toys.

What should parents do if their child has ADHD?

Children with ADHD are actually the same as children in general. They need love and affection from their parents. It's just that they need more attention and a different approach.

Here are some tips for raising a child with ADHD:

1. Tell the child about the condition

It's best not to keep secrets about ADHD in children. Inform and educate children about the situations they are in. Explain that this is not their fault or mischief. That way, the child will understand and start trying to control it.

2. Don't sue children

Children with ADHD may be more inconsistent than children in general. It could be that today their test score is 95 and tomorrow only 60. Avoid demanding that your child be better, let alone questioning why yesterday's grades were good and today's are bad. Children with ADHD are actually smart. They certainly know what to do, but sometimes they don't know how to begin. This is what people in general misinterpret about children with ADHD. 

3. Keep teaching responsibility

ADHD can make it more difficult for children to do something, but parents still need to be firm and teach children about responsibility. For example, if a sulking child doesn't want to do their homework on the pretext that they are a child with ADHD, be firm. Give children the understanding that doing their homework is a necessary responsibility. Even though it's difficult, tell your child that he still has to do it.

4. Apply rules and consequences slowly

For children with ADHD, parents will find it easier to apply rules and consequences verbally and in writing. For example, parents can post a list of their children's responsibilities and house rules.

If you want to give rewards to children, that's fine. However, don't lure children with gifts for something that is old, like "Mom will buy you a bicycle if you win." Children with ADHD have trouble planning ahead, so it doesn't make sense to promise a new gift will be given next year. Instead, buy gifts that can be given in the near future, such as being given permission to play games outside of a predetermined schedule.

Parents also need to explain the consequences to children clearly. Then, gradually but firmly implement the consequences that have been established. Maybe sometimes parents feel frustrated and tired of dealing with their children. However, try not to educate children with anger.

5. Helping Children Find Their Strengths

Children with ADHD are often ostracized. This can make her feel worthless and prone to depression. Children may feel that they cannot do anything useful and are always wrong. Then it becomes easy to lose enthusiasm.

If this happens, parents need to revive the child's enthusiasm. Try to observe and find out what the child is interested in. As long as it's positive, encourage him to work on it until he's really good at it. Don't forget to give your children the understanding that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Then, invite him to find his strengths together.

6. Don't be Overprotective.

Along with time, children with ADHD will certainly grow up. So, they need to learn to be independent. Even if you want to make sure everything goes smoothly for your child, occasionally let him make decisions and work things out on his own, as long as it's not dangerous.

 

Then, how do we handle and prevent it?

Treatment of ADHD can be done with drugs or psychotherapy. It should be noted that parents, families, caregivers, and teachers at school also need guidance in dealing with children with ADHD. ADHD cannot be cured completely, but the treatment given can relieve symptoms and help sufferers live a normal life.

 

The appearance of ADHD in children cannot be prevented. However, pregnant women can reduce the risk of their children developing ADHD by staying away from cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and drugs, especially during pregnancy. In addition, keep children away from cigarette smoke and exposure to toxic substances.

 

Here are some symptoms and strategies for dealing with ADHD children that parents should be aware of. If parents find these signs in their child, they can immediately take the child to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further treatment.