Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is also known as ADHD. As a parent of a child who acts out or who has trouble controlling their impulses and behaviors, you may wonder if your child has this condition. Teachers often note the symptoms of ADHD and talk to the students’ parents about those symptoms. You can learn more about ADHD and its treatments and symptoms before looking for a local doctor.
ADHD Symptoms
One of the main questions that parents have is about the symptoms of ADHD. Concentration issues are one of the biggest symptoms. Children may have problems sitting still in school and listening to a teacher as well as following simple instructions. They have short attention spans that make it difficult for them to focus on both simple and complex tasks. A child with ADHD might routinely move from one activity to another and have issues focusing on one task at a time.
Other symptoms can include being easily distracted, having troubles in social situations and having problems sitting still or in one place. Kids with ADHD may interrupt others, too.
Is There More Than One Type of ADHD?
Though you might think that all children diagnosed with ADHD experience the same symptoms and side effects, there are three common ADHD types. The first is one called the inattentive type. Inattentive ADHD has side effects related to distractions. Children have a hard time focusing because they get distracted by the things around them. They may have poor organizational skills and trouble concentrating.
The second type of ADHD is the hyperactive-impulsive type. It causes children to take more risks and engage in behaviors that their peers do not. This type of ADHD often causes children to interrupt others.
Your child may suffer from a combination type of ADHD, which features symptoms of the other two. Though girls often suffer from the inattentive type while boys have the hyperactive type, they can exhibit the symptoms of either type or both. Parents should also know that the symptoms their children exhibit can vary as they age.
ADHD vs. ADD
Looking at the difference between ADD and ADHD is a good way to see how the two conditions are similar and different. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is not the same as ADHD, but some parents confuse the two terms.
ADD first became known during the early 1980s, though some doctors and parents saw the symptoms in children before then. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) added it to a list of possible conditions in 1980 but began using ADHD as a term in 1987. It wasn’t until 1994 that the APA officially recognized the three ADHD types. Children diagnosed with ADD in their younger years may later learn that they have ADHD.
The biggest difference between ADD and ADHD is that ADD can occur without any hyperactivity. Those who are inattentive and have concentration issues suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD rather than ADD. When you search for pediatric ADHD doctors near me and meet with those doctors, you will find that they use ADHD terms rather than ADD.
Treatments for ADHD
For ADHD worldwide, doctors use different treatments for each individual. Not everyone needs the same type of ADHD treatment as others do.
The two most common options include medications and behavioral treatments. If you worry about giving your child prescription medication, you can try behavioral modification treatments first. Children under the age of 6 do best with behavioral training, but a combination of the two options is best for older children. You can use training both at school and at home as well as in other settings.
Behavioral therapy teaches children how to act in various situations. They learn how to manage their actions and learn skills that they can use now and in the future.
Behavioral therapy often offers help for children in regard to how they treat their peers. They learn how to act around students in the classroom and other settings. It often involves helping children set and follow a routine, too. The simple act of doing the same thing every day at the same time can calm their nerves and help with their stress.
You also have the option of trying different medications with the help of a doctor. Doctors recommend both stimulants and non-stimulants in children as young as 6. As many as 80% of children taking stimulants experienced a reduction in their overall symptoms. Stimulants can help children focus and cope with their distracting thoughts.
Other children do well with non-stimulant medications. One dose of non-stimulants can provide results for up to 24 hours. You will want to talk to the doctor about your child’s symptoms to find the best type of medication.
Kids can also learn how to manage their ADHD symptoms in the classroom with help from their teachers. Schools must provide students with resources that help them with their symptoms. This can include putting them in a special education classroom or using other accommodations. Your child may need a quiet spot to take a test or more time to complete an assignment.
How Parents Can Help
As the parent of an ADHD child, you can do more than just search the web for pediatric ADHD doctors near me. Look for ways to help your child get and stay organized every day. This might mean putting their everyday items right by the front door or using organizational tools for their toys. You can also teach them how to manage the distractions they face at home such as limiting how much time they can spend watching TV or playing video games. Some kids do well with routines that allow them time to take a walk or listen to music as they work.
Limiting their choices is another way in which you can help. Kids with ADHD often feel overwhelmed when presented with too many choices. Try giving them just two choices at a time. You may want to change the way you punish or discipline your child, too. Using simple rewards and positive language is more helpful than taking away their favorite items or yelling at them.
Work With Your Doctor
Has this information been useful? The most important thing to keep in mind is that you want to work with your doctor to help your child. Worldwide Pediatrics Group offers the assistance that you need immediately after your child receives a diagnosis. We also offer assistance when you need support in the future. We can help you create the best treatment plan to use at home and in school as well as with any changes that you hope to make in the future, so call today to schedule an appointment.
