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ADHD: How to Help Your Child Get Ahead in Life
25 October 2017
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects children. While the symptoms disappear by adolescence for roughly half of those affected, some may experience it in their adulthood. The general symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention, which means that children with ADHD are often unable to control their impulses – and this may present challenges for them in school or at home.
There are 3 common types of ADHD, namely:
1. Inattentive
This is when a person finds it challenging to keep their attention or focus on one thing. They typically have difficulties following instructions and are easily distracted.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive
Children who have this condition tend to be very fidgety, and they find it hard to stay still or be quiet. It’s common for those who have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD to interrupt others or not be able to maintain self-control.
3. Combined
As the name suggests, this ADHD type is a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive, and it is also the most common type among children. While the child may have phases where they can calm down and be quiet, they are still unable to process information like other children.
In Malaysia, the documented prevalence rate of ADHD is 3.9%, but experts think it could be higher due to unrecorded cases. The incidence rate in the population is higher in boys (8-10%) than in girls (4%) with diagnosis occurring before the age of 12 years old.
It is important to understand that ADHD is a brain-based psychological condition and is not a result of external factors or bad parenting. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, how do you ensure an upbringing that will allow your child to overcome the challenges? In order to do this, parents need to first identify the kinds of challenges their child is likely to face with ADHD. Some of the things the child may go through include:
- They may experience learning disabilities
About 20-30% of children diagnosed with ADHD will face some form of learning disability, where they may find it hard to understanding certain sounds or words.
- They may have difficulty making friends
Children with ADHD tend to be louder, have less filter over what they say and are prone to interrupting others. This can cause other children to feel uncomfortable around them, even to the extent of disliking them.
- They may struggle to carry a conversation
Losing track of conversations or getting distracted by unrelated thoughts are normal for children with ADHD. They may even misunderstand what others are saying, which could confuse all those involved in the conversation.
- There may be fits of overreaction
Struggling to find word to express themselves or their emotions can be very frustrating for children with ADHD. Out of frustration, they may physically lash out at others, or have meltdowns at ages where it’s no longer appropriate.
These issues can be disheartening for both parent and child, and while ADHD is a lifelong condition, rest assured that there are treatments and strategies that can help to manage the condition. With the proper knowledge, the right resources, understanding and patience, your child can learn to manage ADHD and make the most of their strengths and talents.
Here are some ways that you and your child can manage ADHD together:
1. Don’t underestimate the importance of early detection
If your child has ADHD, it doesn’t matter when you find out since it’s a lifelong condition, right? Wrong! The earlier you find out, the better. Early intervention gives you more time to teach them the social skills they will need to help them fit in with other children; and also reduces the risk of them developing difficulties with executive functions such as planning or organising.
2. Therapy isn’t a bad word
In more conservative societies, such as ours, therapy may sometimes be seen as taboo. However, behavioural therapy can help improve your child’s behaviour, self-control and self-esteem, making social interactions easier for them to manage. Here are a few centres that provide therapy for children with ADHD:
- The Mind Psychological Services and Training
- Hils Learning
- Kits4Kids
3. Remember that medication is a helpful guide, not a magic cure
It’s true that the right medication can make a huge difference in behaviour, but it is not the only thing that helps. Avoid shaping the mindset that forgetting to take their medication is the reason for their unruly behaviour, and remember to encourage them to keep making their own efforts to improve themselves.
4. Teach your child neat habits
Small objects such as keys or bills can be easily misplaced. Create specific storage areas for these items and get your child to practise placing the important things in each designated space so that they will carry this habit into adulthood. Teach them how to use day planners or calendar apps to keep track of appointments and deadlines.
A colour-coding system is also useful for organisation and initiating a sense of responsibility. For example, assigning specific colours to each child for everyday belongings (such as towels and toothbrushes) can help them immediately identify which item is theirs, so you can minimise arguments among siblings and also get them to take charge of their own items.
5. Don’t believe all the negative stories about your child
At all times, is important that your child feels they have a safe place to run to. Don’t let the “bad news” you hear about your child discourage you from fighting for their future. Give them the benefit of the doubt and keep showing them that you believe in them and that you are there to support them, no matter what.
6. Invest in protection for the future
The right coverage can ensure that your child stays fully protected from life’s uncertainties. A protection plan like A-Life Joy which covers Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (the first benefit of its kind in Malaysia) can help you feel secure not only about your child’s future, but also your journey through parenthood.
References
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2014/03/02/more-attention-needed-for-adhd-lack-of-awareness-facilities-the-bane-of-better-awareness-of-disorder/
http://www.iium.edu.my/medicine/mahir/resources/adhd
http://www.psychology.com.my/ADHD-For-Children/#.WbtY7tMjHVo
https://www.psychiatry-malaysia.org/article.php?aid=810
https://psychcentral.com/lib/problems-related-to-adhd/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/growing-friendships/201503/social-challenges-children-adhd
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/5-ways-adhd-can-affect-your-childs-social-life
http://www.adhdandyou.co.uk/impact-of-adhd-on-life/
http://www.chadd.org/understanding-adhd/for-adults/workplace-issues.aspx
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/managing-adult-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm
https://www.additudemag.com/behavior-punishment-parenting-child-with-adhd/
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/overview.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317815.php
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.
