A: If you notice your child displaying behaviour related to the following, consider consulting a paediatrician:
A: Children with ADHD need structured routines and clear instructions on acceptable behaviour.
Nurturing a positive relationship can also help to manage disruptive behaviour significantly. Psychologists call this approach "scaffolding". It involves role-modelling and positive reinforcement from parents to teach children with ADHD appropriate behaviours.
Discipline methods that involve yelling or punishments are unlikely to work as effectively on children with ADHD. They will simply learn that being yelled at or being punished is the norm, without working on changing their overactive or impulsive behaviours.
A: ADHD can be categorised as a neuro-developmental disorder or mental illness. It is not a learning disability as it does not affect the patient's ability to read, write or learn mathematics.
However, some symptoms of ADHD (e.g. difficulties in concentrating or restlessness) can lead to challenges in learning and affect school performance in some children.
A: Yes, ADHD tends to run in families. The genes that you inherit from your parents can be a significant factor in developing the condition.
A: There is no specific test for ADHD. Making a diagnosis will likely involve:
Health professionals may also administer specific screening questionnaires to aid in diagnosis.
A: Studies have found that children with ADHD may have relatively delayed motor development, especially in motor coordination or more complex motor tasks.
A: Although ADHD begins in childhood, its symptoms can continue into adolescence and through adulthood.
However, ADHD symptoms may change or diminish as the person grows older. It is also likely that adults with ADHD learn what behaviours are appropriate in different environments and adapt their outward behaviours accordingly.
A: To cope with ADHD naturally without relying on medication, you can consider the following lifestyle changes:
In general, you should avoid:
In contrast, the following vitamins and minerals are helpful for people with ADHD:
Getting enough rest every night can help to improve your ability to focus and concentrate. Although ADHD symptoms can undermine good sleep habits and make sleeping hard, you should try to make sleeping a priority and change your habits around sleep.
Exercise has been found to improve ADHD symptoms and executive functions. As an adult, any type of exercise that you enjoy doing regularly will suffice. Children with ADHD may benefit from energetic play such as martial arts, organised sports, jumping on a trampoline or cycling.
However, if your child continues to have severe symptoms which affect their daily functioning at home or at school, there are medications to treat ADHD effectively. Speak to your doctor about this.
A: Yes, "attention deficit disorder" is an outdated term that has been replaced with "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder".
A: In a classroom setting, ADHD can cause your child to struggle with:
In terms of their behaviour, they may be fidgety, restless and disruptive.
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