ADHD in children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common behavioural disorder.

Children with ADHD are easily distracted, act without thinking and very active. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble doing it because they can't sit still, pay attention or attend to details. They may also have other serious behavioural, emotional and learning problems, which can get them into an awful lot of trouble if ADHD is not recognised and treated.

Of course, all kids (especially younger ones) act in a busy, distracted and energetic way at times, particularly when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are present over a longer period of time and occur most of the time. They affect the child's ability to function socially, at school, and at home.

Nowadays we refer to the condition as ADHD not ADD (attention deficit disorder). There is a difference, children with ADD (now called inattentive ADHD) still have extreme attention problems, they are just not hyperactive. 

They are the more dreamy types who seem often to be away with the fairies. In a classroom these children are in danger of being overlooked because the children who have the 'H' in ADHD cannot fail to get noticed!

Children with ADHD often have poor self-esteem as a result of being constantly criticised by their family/whānau and teachers who have not recognised their behaviour as a health concern.

It’s heartbreaking to hear these children talk about themselves as being dumb, stupid or naughty.

They are none of these things. With proper treatment, kids with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

Even though a lot of research into ADHD has gone on around the world, the exact cause is still unknown. What is known is that ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar or vaccines. 

Studies of brain scans show that children with ADHD seem to have brain circuits that are wired a little differently from other people. This means that their brain has trouble processing messages.

There is thought to be a genetic element to most ADHD, that is, it runs in families. Studies have shown that brothers or sisters of children with ADHD have two to three times the risk of having it as well.

A child with ADHD will have some or all of the following difficulties.

 As babies and infants:

There is no magic pill to make ADHD disappear and it is now known that ADHD can progress into adulthood. For that reason, it’s really important that children with ADHD get help early in life so they can learn to manage their ADHD and develop the skills and confidence they will need to lead a successful adult life.

It’s a complicated condition, generally best managed by a mixed treatment programme, which may include the following components:

Stimulants are the main kind of medication used in the treatment of ADHD. These are designed to help your child concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer and be able to learn and practise new skills. In fact, the same medications are used for both children and adults.

It’s important that the progress of a child on medication for ADHD is checked and the treatment reviewed regularly with your doctor.

If your child is prescribed medication you are entitled to know:

These are talk-based therapies which look at the child or young person's thinking, behaviour, relationships and environment. 

For ADHD, these treatments include behaviour management and social skills training to help support your child at home and at school. It’s important that children are encouraged to develop and learn coping behaviours and skills, and parents play a key role to help them learn and practise these new skills.
 
Family counselling can also play an important part in helping everyone in the family understand the condition and support the child, providing the counsellor has good knowledge of ADHD. 

Check this with the counsellor before starting. 

Any therapy/counselling should be provided to children, adolescents and their families/whānau in a manner that is respectful of them, and with which they feel comfortable and free to ask questions. It should be consistent with and incorporate their cultural beliefs and practices.

Health and healing practices are varied and differ according to how people view illness. Any health-related practice that increases your child’s sense of wellbeing or wellness is likely to be of benefit.

The term complementary therapy is generally used to indicate therapies and treatments that differ from conventional western medicine and which may be used to complement and support it. 

Complementary therapies can include using a number of herbal and other medicinal preparations to treat particular conditions. 

When considering taking any supplement, herbal or medicinal preparation consult a doctor to make sure it is safe, and will not react with other medication. 

For family/whānau of someone with ADHD, the following strategies are useful:

It’s best to keep up with your child's school programme and inform the teacher of any changes in behaviour or treatment. A home-to-school notebook is a good idea. Some teachers know quite a lot about ADHD − others don't believe it exists, so as a parent you may have to help with the teacher's education! 

Talk to the school about getting assistance from the Ministry of Education’s Special Education Service for help with your child's classroom behaviour and learning needs.
 
In general, children with ADHD need a structured learning environment with as little distraction as possible. Having them sit beside a busy window or at the back of the classroom is not a good idea. Children with ADHD do well with lists, reminders and predictable schedules. 

And don't forget physical exercise. They generally need more motivation than others. Don't forget, too, that the children themselves are often able to tell adults what is most helpful to them.
 
You are your child’s best advocate at school and in dealing with health professionals because you know your child best. Help teachers and health professionals understand your child, so the best solution can be worked out for them.

Thanks to Janet Peters, registered psychologist, and Lisa Ducat, Like Minds, Like Mine mental health promoter, for reviewing this content. Date last reviewed: September, 2014