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So, while you’re certainly not alone if you have a child with an ADHD diagnosis, it doesn’t always make the situation easier. Some of the most common problems associated with childhood ADHD include interrupting, emotional turmoil, and a lack of focus. It can be frustrating for you as a parent. But, what your child is going through can be even more difficult for them.
With that in mind, let’s cover how to care for a child with ADHD from the moment they receive a diagnosis. What should you be doing at home and to ensure their future is bright?
What to Do After a Diagnosis
After you hear an ADHD diagnosis from your child’s doctor, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, you’ve probably already noticed several of the common signs. A diagnosis isn’t a bad thing – it’s an opportunity for you to get some answers and some help.
Talking to your child’s doctor about how to manage ADHD should be your next step. For some kids, that involves medication. Studies have shown that there’s over an 80% chance that a child with ADHD will respond positively to medication. As a result, their symptoms will weaken. The type of medication usually given to kids with ADHD is some type of stimulant that will either be released instantly or over time.
You can also talk with your child’s doctor about general care at home, and don’t hesitate to do your own research. One of the best things you can do for your child is to maintain a positive attitude. They’ll pick up on how you’re feeling, and if you choose to see things from the right perspective, it will make your household much more peaceful. Some other general care tips to keep in mind include:
- Be willing to compromise
- Don’t sweat the small stuff
- Follow a daily routine
- Take care of yourself
- Provide positive attention and reinforcement
You know your child better than anyone. You’ll pick up on what works best for them over time. Will it always be easy? No. But, no one can provide better care for them than you. Of course, that care extends outside the walls of your home.
Helping Your Child Move Forward
The next step in caring for your child is ensuring that they have just as many opportunities as other kids their age. This includes working directly with them to prepare them for school and some of the challenges they might face. ADHD can start to impact a child’s learning ability from a very young age. They might have trouble staying focused, communicating, or even interacting with other children.
You can help your child prepare for school by creating goals for them and developing a strategy together. Consider using positive reinforcement to help them stick to their plan, and make your expectations as clear as possible.
It’s also important to work with your child’s teachers. Without preparing them ahead of time, a teacher might see an ADHD child as someone who:
- Talks during class
- Has trouble working with others
- Doesn’t complete assignments
- Has difficulty focusing
Not only will talking with their teachers help but make sure their school district is aware of accommodations required for children with disabilities. These include the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1983. These acts offer students with ADHD certain provisions to assist in their education, including:
- More time on tests
- Assignments specifically tailored to the child
- Extra breaks
- Help with organization
- Positive reinforcement
Preparing your child and their teachers and educating their school systems will encourage your child’s education well into their collegiate years. At that point, your priorities may change in how you care for your child. College should be an exciting time for any teenager, but for someone with ADHD, the stress and unfamiliarity could cause mental health struggles. Make sure your child knows how to reach out to family and friends for support, how to take care of themselves, and how to utilize student resources on campus if they’re feeling depressed or anxious.
You never stop caring for your child, no matter their age. But, your goal as a parent should always be to prepare them for the real world and to show them that their disability doesn’t have to hold them back. Keep these ideas in mind from diagnosis to diploma, and your child will have what they need to succeed.
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