Upon receiving an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, parents frequently worry about the best course of action for their child. Treatment for ADHD can help manage the condition. Numerous therapy approaches exist, and the most effective one may vary depending on the child and family.  It is advised that parents collaborate closely with other adults in their child's life, such as coaches, teachers, therapists, and other family members, to determine the best possibilities.

Suggestions for ADHD treatment

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests behavior management training for parents of children with ADHD under the age of six as the initial course of treatment before trying medication. The guidelines suggest medication and behavior treatment in combination for kids six years of age and up. For teenagers, they also suggest parent education in behavior management for kids up to age 12 and alternative forms of behavior therapy and training.  Schools may also be included in the course of care. Adding behavioral classroom intervention and school support is another recommendation made by the AAP. 

Effective treatment programs will closely assess the extent to which the treatment improves the child's behavior and make adjustments as needed along the way. to find out more about the AAP's recommendations for treating ADHD in children.

Behavior Therapy, With Parent Education Included

ADHD has an impact on a child's connections with family, other kids, and even their ability to pay attention in class and stay still.  ADHD children frequently exhibit behaviors that can be extremely upsetting to other people. One kind of treatment that can assist lessen these behaviors is behavior therapy, which is best started as soon as a diagnosis is made.

Eliminating undesirable or problematic behaviors and learning or strengthening positive habits are the two main objectives of behavior therapy. Behavioral interventions in the classroom, behavior therapy with children, and parent education in behavior management are some forms of behavior therapy for ADHD.

These methods can also be combined. When it comes to helping children enrolled in early childhood programs, collaboration between parents and educators is typically the most successful approach.

Youngsters under the age of six

Before attempting medication, behavior therapy is a crucial first step for young children with ADHD because: Parent training in behavior management equips parents with the knowledge and techniques needed to support their kid.

When treating ADHD in young children, research has shown that parent education in behavior control is just as effective as medication.

Compared to older children, younger children get higher adverse effects from ADHD drugs.

There hasn't been much research done on how ADHD drugs affect young children in the long run.

Children and teenagers at school

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises combining pharmaceutical therapy and behavior therapy for children six years of age and up. Behavioral treatments in the school, parent education on behavior management, behavior-focused peer interventions, and organizational skills training are a few of the successful forms of behavior therapy.

Depending on the needs of the particular child and the family, a combination of these approaches is frequently the most beneficial.

Drugs

Children who take medication can better manage the symptoms of ADHD in their daily lives and learn to regulate the behaviors that cause problems at school, with friends, and with family.

The most popular and commonly used ADHD drugs are stimulants. These quick-acting drugs reduce ADHD symptoms in 70–80% of youngsters with the disorder.

In 2003, non-stimulants were authorized for the management of ADHD. Although they don't act as fast as stimulants, they nevertheless have a 24-hour duration of action.

Children respond to medications in different ways, and side effects including decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping might occur. One drug may work well for a youngster while another may not.

When prescribing medication, medical professionals may need to experiment with various drugs and dosages. In order to strike the ideal balance between a drug's advantages and side effects, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises medical professionals to monitor patients and modify dosages. To determine which drug is best for their child, parents should collaborate with their child's medical professionals.

The National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is funded by the Parent Education and Support CDC. The NRC offers parents tools, information, and guidance on how to support their child.

Advice for Parents

The ideas listed below might be helpful in improving your child's behavior:

Establish a schedule. Try to stick to the same routine every day, from when you get up until when you go to bed. To make it less likely that they will misplace their toys, clothes, and school bags, encourage your child to keep them in the same location each day.

Control outside distractions. When your youngster is completing homework, turn off the television, keep the area tidy, and reduce noise. When they are active or have music playing in the background, some children with ADHD learn better. Watch what works for your youngster.Restrict your options. Give your child limited options when making decisions to prevent them from feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed. As an illustration, let them select between this and that attire, this meal, or this toy.Whenever you speak with your child, be precise and unambiguous. Describe what you heard your child say to let them know you are paying attention. When giving instructions, be sure to be brief and unambiguous.

Assist your kid with planning. Divide difficult activities into shorter, easier phases. Starting early and taking breaks might assist reduce stress when working on lengthy activities.Use objectives and incentives, such as praise. To let your child know they have done well, either by informing them or by praising their efforts in various ways, use a chart to track positive behaviors and set goals. Make sure your objectives are doable—baby steps count!Effectively discipline. Use proper instructions, time-outs, or the withdrawal of privileges as punishments for inappropriate behavior instead of reprimanding, shouting, or spanking.

Make opportunities that are favorable. Certain scenarios may cause stress in children diagnosed with ADHD. Positive experiences can be created by finding out what your child excels at and supporting them in it, whether it be in play, art, music, athletics, or education.Encourage a healthy way of living. Healthy eating, frequent exercise, and enough sleep are crucial since they can prevent the worsening of ADHD symptoms.ADHD impact on a child's connections with family, other kids, and even their ability to pay attention in class and stay still