Helping Your ADHD Child

David C. Mathis, Ed.D.

There seems to be a great deal of attention these days given to a "disorder" called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. While some of this attention may be exaggerated there is nonetheless a significant number of people affected by this disorder. It is estimated that some 15 million people have ADHD today. It is also estimated that around 5% of school age children are affected by this disorder. It affects males more than females, somewhere in a ratio of three males to every female. Yet it is still misunderstood by the general public.

There are three main components of ADHD: hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsivity. These components are expressed through any of the following behaviors: restlessness, blurting out answers, having temper flairs, trouble sitting down at the dinner table, problems with school and homework, over-reacting to minor events, day-dreaming, etc. ADHD is a range of behaviors not a disorder that is identical in every child. In addition, there are usually secondary issues such as learning disabilities and low self-esteem.

However, the positive aspects of ADHD are often overlooked. Yes, there are positive features that are seen in many ADHD children. It is important to be able to recognize these. Too much attention has been given to the multiple problems - being impulsive, not doing chores, difficulty in school, being over reactive emotionally, being disorganized, etc. The ADHD child thus receives a great deal of negative attention. He or she may hear numerous criticisms or corrections during the day. He or she may be called names such as: dumb, lazy, mean, or strange. It is no surprise that ADHD children may experience a deterioration of self esteem as they grow. Thus it is important to help them feel good about themselves and their condition, ADHD.

Consider some of the following "positive" descriptions of ADHD characteristics.

‚ Energetic

‚ Creative

‚ Charming

‚ Resilient

‚ Insightful

‚ Endearing

‚ Independent

‚ Friendly

‚ Flexible

‚ Tireless

Clearly, a different perspective can yield very different attitudes towards ADHD children. In fact, part of our frustration with ADHD children is that we try to get them to conform to non-ADHD schools, classroom, jobs, and behaviors. ADHD children have much to offer if we can do a better job of accepting and accommodating them.

As parents, it is vitally important that you adjust your expectations of your ADHD child. If you insist that he or she sit quietly and thoroughly complete all the homework assignments without complaint, you and your child will be frustrated. Yes, school work is important but do you understand how to help your child use his or her best abilities in dealing with school? What you can do as a parent is to learn more so you can better understand the ADHD world. We all have more to learn in understanding and helping ADHD children and adults.

It is important to help your ADHD child not lose sight of his or her many positive features and traits. This is especially true of the positive features of ADHD. Yes, being energetic can cause some problems but there are benefits too. Your child needs to lean on you for encouragement and strength so as to feel good about being ADHD in a non-ADHD world.