Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological- behavioral developmental disorder that is most pronounced in childhood. ADHD manifests itself in difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and poorly controlled impulsivity. Neurologists regard the disorder as a chronic and spontaneous syndrome, for which no single effective treatment has yet been found. ADHD is diagnosed only in late preschool or school age, since to make a diagnosis, it is necessary to assess the behavior of the baby in at least 2 conditions of the environment, for example, in the classroom and at home. In most cases, attention deficit disorder occurs in boys.
Symptoms
Each child with attention deficit disorder has a different set of symptoms. Some characteristic symptoms usually appear before age 7. Children with ADHD may show signs of one or both of the groups listed below.
Disturbance of attention
- Can’t concentrate for long
- Has difficulty completing assignments sequentially
- Forgetful
- Loses things and is disorganized
- Has difficulty switching to another activity
- Easily distracted
Impulsivity / Hyperactivity
- Has difficulty controlling his urges, talks a lot, interrupts others, is impatient
- Easily irritated and upset
- Doesn’t learn from your mistakes
- Constantly in motion, sometimes aimless
Associated violations
Learning problems
Children with ADHD cannot fully process certain types of information. One child understands less well what he sees, the other – what he hears. As a result, attention deficit hyperactive children have difficulty learning about school subjects.
Depression
The child is fenced off from the outside world and is sad most of the time. A toddler with attention deficit disorder usually has low self-esteem and little interest in life. The child may sleep or eat significantly more or less than usual.
Fears
Excessive fears can make your toddler vulnerable and fearful. He is usually haunted by disturbing thoughts. The kid can be too active, calm or withdrawn. Note that childhood fears and a child’s depression may be related not only to ADHD, but to other causes.
How to deal with a child’s attention deficit
Although ADHD is not believed to be completely cured, it can be corrected. The purpose of the work is to help the baby realize his potential. Treatment of attention-deficit hyperactive children can combine educational methods, medication, and behavioral therapy. The course of treatment for attention disorders is selected individually.
Informing the environment
Your toddler and the people he or she interacts with should be aware of ADHD. It is desirable that the child’s school environment be adapted to this. Tell the teacher about the problem so that he can find the right approach for your child. Such measures will help the baby to learn better and socially adapt.
Behavior correction
Attention deficit hyperactive children are often oblivious and misbehaving, but you can show your toddler how to react differently. Classes with a child psychologist, which will take time, will help here. With behavioral correction, the child will be able to act according to what he knows, instead of instinctively reacting to the impulse he felt. Over time, your baby’s behavior will improve and he will develop good social skills.
Developing self-control skills
Try to identify what is upsetting your baby. Perhaps the child misbehaves when asked to share a toy or do homework. Try to work with your baby every day, show him how to react to anger and frustration. This will help the child learn to control himself.
Securing Success
A child with ADHD cannot learn from past events. Positive behavior can be reinforced with positive feedback. If your baby does a good job, praise him. This will help the child remember this behavior for a long time.
The use of medicines
Attention deficit disorder in children is treated with drugs that control the level of chemicals in the brain. Taking certain anti-anxiety medications helps your child stay focused and as a result learns easier. Drug therapy is also recommended in conjunction with behavioral therapy.