Health A-Z

Helping an ADHD child succeed in school involves understanding their symptoms, implementing appropriate treatment plans, and collaborating with educators and healthcare professionals. Here's an overview.

1. Inattention:

   • Difficulty focusing on tasks or activities.
   • Being easily distracted by external stimuli.
   • Forgetfulness and frequently losing items.

2. Hyperactivity:

   • Excessive fidgeting or squirming.
   • Inability to stay seated, especially in situations where it's expected.
   • Restlessness and difficulty engaging in quiet activities.

3. Impulsivity:

   • Acting without thinking about consequences.
   • Interrupting conversations or intruding on others' activities.
   • Difficulty waiting for their turn.

1. Medication: Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) or amphetamine (e.g., Adderall) are often prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine (Intuniv) may also be used.
2. Behavioral Therapy: Therapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavior modification can help children develop coping strategies, organizational skills, and self-regulation techniques.
3. Parent Training: Parents can learn strategies for managing their child's behavior at home, creating structured routines, and providing consistent reinforcement.
4. School Accommodations: Collaborate with teachers and school staff to implement accommodations such as extra time on tests, preferential seating, and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
5. Support Services: Seek support from school counselors, special education services, and educational psychologists to address academic and social-emotional needs.

1. Clinical Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, including a thorough medical history, developmental assessment, and symptom checklist.
2. Behavioral Observation: Observing the child's behavior in various settings, including at home and at school, to assess for ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.
3. Questionnaires: Parents, teachers, and caregivers may complete standardized questionnaires to provide additional information about the child's behavior and symptoms.
4. Neuropsychological Testing: Cognitive assessments may be conducted to evaluate attention, executive functioning, and other cognitive skills.
5. Collateral Information: Gathering information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and other caregivers, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the child's behavior and functioning.