Do you remember the movies Finding Nemo and Finding Dory? The blue tang fish Dory is forgetful, distracted, impulsive, and has issues functioning normally. These are traits that are typical of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dory’s struggles with behaviour are not uncommon and will resonate with both children and parents who go through this journey together.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
“The thought of ADHD is overwhelming, intimidating, and unnerving, because of its classification as a neuro-developmental disorder,” says psychologist Manjula MK. “As the full form of the acronym suggests, children with ADHD have trouble paying attention and focussing on what they need to do, they act without thinking about the consequences, make careless mistakes, are forgetful, don’t pay attention to detail, talk and fidget a lot – sometimes to the point of being disruptive -- don’t respond immediately while being spoken to, have difficulty being organised, lose things, are impatient, and can often have trouble getting along with their peer group.
“A person can either struggle with symptoms of attention deficit, or else symptoms of hyperactivity, or both. What causes ADHD is still being explored by researchers. Genetics is believed to be a leading cause. Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing that a parent has ‘done wrong’ to cause ADHD. Sugar, for instance, cannot cause ADHD by itself, although a sugar rush can definitely worsen the symptoms. Like every other disorder, it can occur in anyone.”
Besides Dory, another character portrayed with ADHD is Charlie Bartlett, who features in the eponymous movie. This time, the spotlight is on adolescent challenges with the disorder, and how it can affect everything from a teenager’s academics to their social life.
Says Manjula MK, “Diagnosing a child with ADHD is not easy, particularly if the symptoms are mild or manageable. But if your child is demonstrating a few of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to consult your paediatrician and get a referral to a good psychologist or a psychiatrist. A few simple tests and an evaluation of the symptoms can help diagnose ADHD, along with the problem areas that need to be addressed.”
According to a paper presented at the 3rd International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences last year, ADHD is one of the most common neuro-behavioural disorders worldwide, affecting around 6 per cent of children. The same paper cited that incidences of ADHD in boys are three times as many as that in girls. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry published a study in the Indian context, which found that as many as 11.32 per cent of school children in the country have ADHD, with the highest prevalence in the 9–10 age group. As their lifespan progresses, the symptoms lessen and adults with ADHD find themselves able to overcome the disorder easier than children.
Tips on Parenting a Child with ADHD
Shobana Muthiah, a US-based special educator, has an eight-year-old son, who was diagnosed at age five with ADHD. Although she was in denial at first, she recognised the need for proper treatment and care for her child, and focussed on finding the best help she could. She has shared a few pointers for parents who could be going through similar struggles.
Family therapy: Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just the child who needs to opt for therapy. The parents do as well. I learnt skills and strategies that helped me use kind, but consistent methods of discipline and training towards helping my child be organised. The methodologies vary based on each child’s symptoms. Play therapy and talk therapy both helped me find positive ways to interact with my child. This requires patience, a considerable investment of time, and constant communication with the therapist, but it definitely helps in the long run.
Medication: We did not opt for medication, although it was suggested to us, but there are a few drugs that can be helpful in extreme cases of ADHD, which cannot be managed by therapy alone. Always be guided by a doctor on the medicine and proper dosage, and keep yourself informed about the short-term and long-term side effects of these drugs.
Healthy lifestyle: There are three aspects to this – nutrition, exercise, and sleep. These are important for every child, but specifically, children with ADHD because they keep the symptoms in check. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are a must, a sport that they enjoy – my son loves swimming so we give him an hour each in the morning and evening -- and at least nine to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep can have a calming effect on children with this disorder.
Have a fixed schedule: The same routine every day, with few changes or disruptions goes a long way in giving your child a sense of structure. Try and develop organisational skills by giving them logic-based tasks to perform, and reward them suitably so they are motivated to stay organised; even if it is as simple as putting books and toys away. Help them plan ahead and follow through with these plans. Lead by example. If they see you leading a chaotic and disorganised life, they will likely do the same.
Limit screen time and gadgets: Not only does the vast variety of content distract and confuse a child who already has trouble, but gadgets also serve as an over-stimulant.
A happy ending
As always, there’s a silver lining. Just because your child has ADHD, doesn’t mean that they can’t lead fulfilling, successful lives as adults. So many high achievers and celebrities have admitted to struggling with ADHD in their early years. Multiple-Olympic medal winner, Michael Phelps, confessed to People magazine in an interview a few years ago, “I had a teacher tell me that I would never amount to anything and I would never be successful… I think the biggest thing for me, once I found that it was okay to talk to someone and seek help, I think that’s something that has changed my life forever. Now I’m able to live life to its fullest.”