Helping Children

With Attention Deficit

Disorders (ADD & ADHD)
Y
our child never seems to listen to what you say.
His homework is never finished. He forgets things.
His teacher tells you that he is easily distracted in class.
He often cant remain in his seat. Do these descriptions
sound familiar?
These may be signs of an attention deficit disorder.
Teachers know that many students have difficulty with
school work because they have trouble paying attention.
Now, research can tell us why. Experts say that 20 per-
cent of the population may have attention problems
that are known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) and
attention deficit disorder with hyper-activity (ADHD).
What are these learning disabilities? What can
parents do if they suspect their child has ADD or
ADHD? Here are some helpful facts about attention
deficit disorders and suggestions for helping your child.
What are the signs
of ADD & ADHD?
At one time or another, all children have trouble
paying attention. But when children are consis-
tently unable to pay attention over a long period
of time, they may have ADD. If they also fidget
and are in constant motion, they may have
ADHD. A child with attention problems:
Often fidgets with hands or feet. Often
squirms in seat.
Cant stay seated.
Has difficulty waiting turns in group
situations.
Often blurts out answers to questions before
they have been completed.
Doesnt listen well. Has trouble following
instructionsespecially complex instructions.
Is easily distracted.
Shifts quickly from one activity to another.
Has difficulty playing quietly.
Often talks excessively.
Often interrupts others.
Often loses things
necessary for activities
at home or at school.
Engages in activities
without thinking
of the consequences.
What If I Suspect
My Child Has
ADD or ADHD?
Neither parents
nor teachers can
diagnose ADD or
ADHD by them-
selves. If you sus-
pect your child
has an attention
disorder, have a
doctor examine
her. This can rule
out other physical
problems that
show similar
symptoms.
The school counselor, a child psychologist
or psychiatrist, or other medical professionals
may also be helpful.
If your child is diagnosed with ADD or
ADHD, your doctor and the school staff can
give you suggestions for ways you can help
your child at home. Long-term treatment to
meet a childs medical and emotional needs
is often required. Some doctors may recom-
mend using medications as one part of the
treatment. The important thing to remember
is that thousands of parents have learned
how to help their children cope with ADD
and ADHD.
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Highgate Elementary School
Highgate Center, Vermont
You Can Help
Your Child With
ADD and ADHD
What can you do if your child is diagnosed
with ADD or ADHD?
Here are some suggestions:
Get support. Join a local group of parents
who have children with ADD or ADHD.
Take parenting classes on behavior
management.
Face the facts. Accept the idea that it is
hard for your child to concentrate.
Drop the scolding and nagging. They
wont help your child.
Encourage physical activity. Many children
with ADD or ADHD need outlets for their
energy.
Be encouraging. Children with these
disorders need extra support.
Boost your childs self-esteem. Focus on
your childs strengths. Encourage involve-
ment in activities where he can excel.
Foster responsibility. Establish
rewards and consequences for
good and poor behavior. Use
consequences as quickly as
possible. Reward your child
with some one-on one time
with you or a special snack
Provide structure. ADD and ADHD chil-
dren need goals and family rules. Routines
for things like homework and bedtime can
make your childs life easier.
Discuss changes. Changes in routines are hard
for most kids. They are a special challenge for
children with ADD and ADHD. If you must
change a routine, give your child plenty of
warning.
Minimize distractions. If your child needs
to work alone, provide a quiet, uncluttered
place for study.
See if your child can use a computer if
written assignments are difficult for him.
This will make editing and proofreading
much easier.
Put sticky notes inside your childs note-
book: Write down assignments. Bring all
books home.
Fortunately Today
We Are Wiser About
ADD & ADHD
For many years teachers and parents alike
thought some children didnt pay attention and
do well in school because they just didnt want
to. Now we know that in many cases children
dont pay attention because they simply cant.
Once a child has been diagnosed with
attention problems, parents and teachers can
take steps at home and at school to help the
child succeed. And, the very best approach is
for parents and schools to work together.
One of a series of QuickTips

Stock No. 1131 Copyright 2009

The Parent Institute

, P.0. Box 7474

Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7474
(800) 756-5525 www.parent-institute.com
Highgate Elementary School
Highgate Center, Vermont
X02706487
Licensed for distribution by
Highgate Elementary School
through November 2014.