Understanding & Helping Your ADHD Child

Someone shared a link to this ADHD infographic on Twitter today, and I thought I’d pass it along. The infographic offers some useful tips to get you started on the path to helping your child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Tips for Guiding Your ADHD Child

Find more education infographics on e-Learning Infographics

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is defined as a chronic condition that includes difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Each of these symptoms consists of several behavioral characteristics. A person with this condition may frequently become distracted or wander off task. He or she can be very forgetful and disorganized. Waiting can be a problem for someone with ADHD. In conversations, it is difficult for someone with ADHD to avoid interrupting. It can be difficult for someone with ADHD to relax or slow their thoughts (and words!) If your ADHD child is ignoring you, don’t take it personally—this too, is a symptom. Take a look at this article at Healthline.com about ADHD and ADD for more details.

What about ADD?

Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is effectively a subtype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In ADD, a person can exhibit symptoms of inattentiveness but doesn’t present as physically hyperactive. What was once called “ADD” is now called ADHD-Predominately Inattentive Presentation. VeryWell.com’s article on this topic provides a nice explanation of how the designations for both conditions have changed over the years.

A Note from Me to You

Dealing with learning disabilities and mental health disorders can be pretty complicated. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is often misunderstood.  The effects of the condition extend well beyond outward behaviors.

Learning how the ADHD mind processes thoughts and handles challenges is essential to understanding someone with the condition. As you navigate raising an ADHD child, I recommend that you assume the best of your child and work together as a team to overcoming difficulties.

Also, ADHD and ADD can be accompanied by other learning disabilities or mental health conditions. So, don’t stop looking for answers if you or your child is struggling even after diagnosis and treatment.