Coping Successfully with ADHD

from BestHealth, September 2003

For parents coping with a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), each day can bring new challenges.

“ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity (or acting and talking before thinking), and hyperactivity,” said Elizabeth Allen, M.D., a WFUBMC pediatrician and expert on ADHD. “Children with ADHD often lack motivation to respond to rules and rewards.”

A neurological disorder caused by alterations in the neurotransmitter system of the brain, ADHD is often a lifelong disorder, although the hyperactivity frequently improves somewhat during adolescence, Allen said.

Treatment includes a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

“Over 80 percent of children are helped with medication,” Allen said. “Stimulants and other medications help set the stage for the child to focus on and begin addressing the behavioral issues. Each child is different and several medications may need to be tried before one is found that works best for the individual. Side effects, if any, can usually be managed effectively by changing the dose if necessary.”

Behavioral therapy also helps the child function at optimal levels.

“Parents should focus on ways to motivate the child to complete necessary homework assignments and tasks around the house by using small, frequent and immediate rewards for appropriate behavior,” Allen said. “Routines should also be designed so that a favorite game or activity follows the completion of homework or tasks. Remember that children with ADHD will become bored with reward systems faster than other children would, so the format of the reward system should be changed frequently.”

Children diagnosed with ADHD are at increased risk for developing learning disabilities, mood disorders and oppositional behavior. Adolescents with ADHD are at increased risk of substance abuse as a result of their impulsivity, said Allen.

Helpful Behavioral Tips

• Rewarding positive behaviors can help the ADHD child feel good about herself. The child selects the reward (such as fruit snacks, stickers, cards or special activities) while the parent sets the reward criteria.

• Use a point system to reward appropriate behavior such as making up the bed, dressing on time and completing homework assignments without being asked. The child exchanges points for a privilege. Misbehavior causes loss of points.

• When given a lengthy project to complete, help the child break it down into manageable parts and task lists.

• Eliminating distractions such as TV, computer games and toys can help.

• Touch and make eye contact before speaking to the child.