Attention deficit disorder in a child is the most common mental disorder. The article contains complete information about the pathology, presents relevant tips for helping children suffering from this ailment.
Features of the diagnosis of attention deficit in a child
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of the deviation becomes possible only when all the signs of the disease are fully manifested. By this time, there are already problems at school and at home.
The diagnosis of attention deficit in a child is not yet carried out by special methods and devices. Conclusions are made on the basis of observations, collection of information about family members (gives an idea of the predisposition), as well as on the information received after questioning people from the child's environment (parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, comrades). In addition, a general medical examination is required.
For the final diagnosis, the American Psychiatric Association has developed specific criteria for the above types of ADD. Attention Deficit Disorders include the following:
- Forgetfulness … Not remembering the promise, the request of the parents becomes in the order of things. Often a child leaves homework or assignments unfinished at school, does not follow instructions.
- Dispersal … The child is distracted from the current activity. He does not want (up to open resistance) to participate in matters in which mental work is required, because he knows that he will not be able to cope. Often unable to concentrate for a long time while playing, studying, or performing a task.
- Absent-mindedness … Loses personal belongings (toys, school supplies, items of clothing, etc.). The child is not able to calmly play, read, or engage in any hobby on his own.
- Carelessness … In any business, he makes frequent mistakes due to the inability to concentrate on the same thing for a long time.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity is expressed in excessive talkativeness, restless movements of the hands and feet. The child cannot sit quietly on a chair, fidgets, often gets up in situations that require sitting still (during lessons, eating, and so on). Exhibits excessive aimless physical activity (spinning, running), especially in situations where such behavior is inappropriate.
Has trouble waiting in line. Motor activity continues during sleep, and the so-called embryo pose is adopted by the sleeping person. If you ask such a child questions, then he begins to answer them before he listens to the end, often interferes in other people's conversations, games, activities.
For reasons for disappointing conclusions to arise, six or more symptoms of attention deficit disorder in children in one category must match. In addition, they will appear for at least six months. Problems are visible not only in school, kindergarten or at home, in relationships with others separately, but in two of these areas at the same time. Children can show both attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder with impulsivity separately, and a mixed type syndrome.
During the diagnosis, it is also necessary to take into account the fact that in some cases similar symptoms occur. For example, during hearing and visual impairments, anxiety or seizure disorders, brain damage, taking thyroid hormone medications, using drugs, alcohol, toxic substances (substance abuse), learning and speech problems. In addition, the definition of the syndrome can be difficult in preschool age due to possible developmental disorders (speech, for example).
Important! To make a diagnosis, psychologists, speech therapists, and pediatricians should be involved. That is, specialists who are well versed in the processes of child development. And if disappointing conclusions have already been made by joint efforts, then treatment is prescribed.
Rules for the treatment of attention deficit disorder in children
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, many doctors consider this mental disorder almost incurable. And, nevertheless, certain measures are being taken. Treatment of attention deficit disorder in children involves taking medications (drug therapy), as well as behavior correction and consultation with specialists (psychotherapy).
Psychostimulants are used as drugs: Methylphenidate, Lizdexamphetamine, Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. They act on neurotransmitters, special substances in the brain, to reduce hyperactivity and normalize attention. These drugs can be of long-term or short-term exposure.
The dosage is prescribed by the doctor and changes it if necessary, but only after a general examination of the child, in order to avoid risks if, for example, there are heart problems. In addition to psychostimulants, antidepressants are used as an alternative, which act much more slowly.
In addition to the traditional treatments described above, alternatives can be tried with them. For example, yoga classes, meditation, special diets that exclude sugar, allergens, artificial colors and additives (consultation with doctors in this case is required), caffeine.
It should be remembered that the effectiveness of alternative methods has not been proven. Consuming a lot of vitamins can, on the contrary, whip up hyperactivity.
Interestingly, yoga and meditation practices are very conducive to psychological relaxation, which is extremely necessary for a child with attention deficit, and especially with hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Tips for Parents When Identifying Attention Deficit Disorder
In the course of psychotherapy, children are trained to cope with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The maximum result can be achieved only by working together with a specialist of the child himself, his parents, and also teachers. The main effort, of course, should be at home. After all, a lot depends on loved ones.
Here are some guidelines for parents:
- Show feelings … Let the child understand that he is appreciated and loved in the family. Spend more time with your baby without the involvement of other children or adults. Hug, kiss and tell him that you love him the way he is.
- Set tasks correctly … Use simple wording when giving your child a task. They should be appropriate for his age, as well as clear and understandable. You can break a large task into small steps.
- Boost self-esteem … Positive results in this direction are brought by practicing active sports, where children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are very successful. Don't be afraid to introduce them to martial arts training. In addition to raising self-esteem, sport, even if classes are not accompanied by significant achievements in competitions, perfectly disciplines, teaches you to the daily routine.
- Strict schedule … Observe the regime and daily routine, discipline the child, but do it gently. Children with attention deficit disorder are well brought up when their unwanted behavior is suppressed, and the desirable, on the contrary, is encouraged.
- You must not forget about rest … Organize relaxing moments for both yours and your kids in a timely manner. Avoid over-fatiguing your toddler, as fatigue only aggravates attention deficit symptoms.
- Self-confidence and patience … Everything will not work out right away, stay calm in any situation. This will help to avoid overwork and mistakes in working with problem children. In addition, the child is inclined to adopt the behavioral traits of adults who are authoritative for him and, of course, parents in the first place. It is very useful to involve family friends and relatives as assistants.
- Teacher help, teaching approach … Of course, it is necessary to work on the problem at school as well. Parents are strongly encouraged to talk to teachers explaining the situation and get their support. Discuss the possibility of changing the grading system, creating an individual plan for self-study. It may be worth transferring the student to an institution where an individual approach to education and upbringing is practiced.
Attention deficit disorder in children refers to mental disorders and creates problems not only for the child himself, but also for parents, others, teachers at school. However, before taking any action, suspecting this disease in a child, it is necessary to consult a specialist for a diagnosis. It is important that the examination be comprehensive, with long-term (about six months) observations, since there may be overlaps in symptoms with other health abnormalities. How to treat attention deficit disorder in children - watch the video:
Treatment of the syndrome cannot be limited to medications alone. This is a whole range of measures in which drugs play more of an auxiliary role than the main one. Although this disorder is considered incurable by many doctors, proper parenting and proper parenting will help stabilize behavior, instill discipline, and adapt to adulthood. Most scientists agree that the syndrome is not completely cured, its carrier simply "outgrows" this condition.
