ADHD in childhood: how to help at home and at school

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a well-known and underdiagnosed disorder today.

As a result of the aroused great interest, one can find various positions and arguments that often contradict each other, and also give rise to a number of myths that should be refuted as soon as possible.

ADHD exists, and it’s not a fad. In addition, the parents are not to blame, the diagnosis (well done) is reliable, does not disappear over the years and does not only concern males.

What is ADHD?

ADHD was first identified in the 18th century, namely in 1798, when a Scottish physician named Alexander Crichton warned of the existence of a disorder that manifests itself in childhood and causes marked lack of attention, restlessness and constant mobility. .

Although there are different definitions, ADHD can be explained by three main symptoms (which can manifest themselves in varying degrees of intensity):

• Attention problem.
• Impulsiveness.
• hyperactivity

Types of ADHD

Within the framework of ADHD, various modalities can be distinguished. In fact, the acronym itself can distinguish ADD (no H for hyperactivity) from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

1. The modality in which inattention predominates (more often in girls) is characterized by a slower cognitive process than can be expected for their age (it may seem that “they are in the clouds”).

2. In the second type, impulsivity and hyperactivity predominate, it is more often diagnosed in men.

3. In the third type (combined representation) – students who have very poor academic performance and, in addition, they are quite unstable in the emotional field (their social interactions are characterized by lack of control).

These students tend to experience difficulties in academic performance, social relationships, emotional self-control, self-esteem, and self-esteem.

Other positive qualities should be taken into account, such as, for example, high creativity, a lot of energy, a normal or high IQ, and a high ability to do more things than the rest of their peers.

The most characteristic features

Before listing the most characteristic features of the behavior of a child with ADHD, it is important to keep in mind that these features, more clearly observed from the age of 6, must be present in different contexts at the same time (at home, at school, etc., in places of recreation …).

The most characteristic features of ADHD are:

1. Difficulty sustaining attention while doing tasks (attention deficit).

2. Constant distractions due to irrelevant stimuli (attention deficit).

3. Constant loss of items needed to complete tasks (attention deficit).

4. Constant movement of the arms and legs (hyperactivity).

5. Difficulty performing activities calmly (hyperactivity).

6. Act as if driven by an engine (hyperactivity).

7. Difficulty waiting in line and waiting (impulsiveness).

8. Constantly interrupting others (impulsiveness).

9. Hasty responses to questions without being able to formulate them (impulsiveness).

How to help a child with ADHD?

With regard to attention deficit, we can:

1. Reduce inappropriate incentives that may mislead you.

2. Set visible routines through a schedule that shows everything they need to do each day, calendars…

3. Give short and clear instructions.

4. Break down and fragment tasks into each necessary step.

5. Give yourself more time to complete any activity.

6. In the classroom, find them next to the teacher; usually away from windows or doors.

Regarding hyperactivity:

1. Assign responsibilities (at home and in the classroom).

2. Be lenient with whispers and movements.

Regarding impulsivity:

1. Give visible and personalized rules.

2. Offer strategies for self-control.

3. Ask him to think aloud (self-guided instructions).

good strategies for everyone

All of the above can be perfectly applied in practice with any child of school age, regardless of the presence or absence of ADHD.

Teachers and families are strongly encouraged to establish a daily routine. The structuring of the environment will be very positive: a clear schedule, fixed rules, good habits…

You should also work on self-control as well as learn relaxation techniques.

Key in adults

The main recommendation for parents who have a child diagnosed with ADHD is to get involved and read a lot about it in order to clearly understand how this disorder affects their child. Constant communication between family and school is also important.

We must clearly understand that while they are not adults, the key to their improvement lies with us (teachers and families), not with them.

Adrian Santos Lopez, PhD in Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Vigo

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original.