ADHD in Children
...so affects relationships with peers and parents (“What Is Attention,” 2003 & Weinberg & Emslie, 1991). There are many challenges a child faces while growing up with ADHD. One of these challenges is blending into the group at school. Some examples of symptoms that inhibit an ADHD child from “blending in” are as follows: often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated, difficulty remaining seated, being easily distracted by other things, difficulty awaiting a turn in games or group activities, blurting out answers before questions are completed, difficulty in following instruction, difficulty keeping their attention focused on tasks or play activities, and difficulty playing quietly. When a child is in school, it is difficult for them to behave properly and abide with classroom rules. From a student’s point of view, it may feel that no one can understand them or that no one takes the time to help. Relationships in school can be very challenging for an ADD/ADHD child, but relationships at home are equally tough (Bailey, n.d. & Jureidini, 1996 & “Symptoms,” n.d.). The previously stated symptoms also factor in at the home of an ADHD child. An ADHD child can be a struggle for parents to deal with appropriately. They have to closely monitor their child’s behavior, help doctors diagnose their child with the disorder, as well as keep their role as a parent and friend. It can be very frustrating to see their child not to be able to do as well on things as he or she could if they did not have the disorder. The problems of children with ADHD can have a significant impact on the parents' emotional health and parents' time to meet their own needs, and sometimes interfere with family activities. But there are many steps that parents can take to help their child cope with ADHD. Use positive reinforcement to help increase proper behaviors. Students get enough criticism from peers; help them to be a better person. Immediate consequences should be used whenever negative behavior occurs. This helps them learn right from wrong. The use of tokens can help at home in following rules and give them something to look forward to doing. Directions should be simple and clear. Always remember to look for talents as well. Children with ADHD tend to be creative, so work with their talents and develop them rather than focusing on what a child cannot do. Homes should be as structured as possible so the child knows what is expected. Routines also help an ADHD child cope with their disorder. The home is the place where an ADHD child should feel loved and a sense of belonging. To help in this process, many treatments are now available (Bailey, n.d. & Goodman, Gay, & Poillion, 1992). Treating the ADHD disorder is certainly not an easy task. There are three main drugs that doctors usually prescribe: Ritalin, Dexedrine and Cylert. These drugs can help to reduce impulsivity, increase attention strength, diminish motor activity, and enhance certain memory functions. But along with the good, there is always the bad. The drugs may cause tics, loss of appetite, growth delays, sleep problems, personality change; Cylert may disrupt liver function. Along with drugs, doctors suggest therapy to ADHD children as well. Two therapies th...