Coping with AD(H)D

We have been hearing more and more about AD(H)D recently, but what is it and how can we help children who have been experiencing it? Marie Kelly investigates.

What is AD(H)D?

AD(H)D occurs in approximately 1.8% of the population and more often in boys. AD(H)D – Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder and ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder refer to a range of behaviours associated with poor concentration. These may include short attention span, impulsiveness, restlessness and sometimes hyperactivity. Some children grow out of or manage better their attention difficulties by adulthood but it can also be present in adults.

Attention difficulties (ADD) may be present in children who

• Daydream and drift off
• Are forgetful
• Are disorganised
• Find it difficult to finish tasks
• Can be easily distracted

Those children who experience hyperactivity may also be

• Fidgety
• Unusually noisy when completing tasks
• Finding it hard to settle down
• Unable to sit down for long and want to be on the move
• Impatient

As a result of these difficulties, children can experience problems learning and concentrating in school, as well as socially. It is important to remember that these signs may also be present in children for other reasons and a child’s behaviour should be observed over a period of time and professional advice should always be sought. 

Helpful Strategies:

Try and ensure eye contact with children when you are talking to them and minimise distractions.

Getting a child to summarise what you are asking them will help with concentration and listening skills. Written checklists can also be useful for older children to refer to.

Divide activities and tasks up into smaller ‘chunks’ that are manageable and achievable. This helps ensure tasks are followed through, helps learners remember what to do and gives a sense of achievement if tasks are finished.

Monitor your child’s concentration span and set gradual targets to increase it over time. This will help you both see progress, which can be recognised and rewarded.

It’s important there are clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour. Make sure you follow through with rewards/sanctions. Explain these in advance and stick to them.

For tantrums and lack of cooperation try 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Solutions. For more information, call Fiona Phelan, Educational Kinesiology Consultant on 01 4909910

To aid relaxation and at bedtime use the excellent Happy Kids Relax Away CD from www.stresscoachireland.com 

Structure and routine is helpful, as everybody knows what will happen and when. It takes out the unpredictability of the day and removes the opportunity for debate.

Speak to your child’s class teacher if you have concerns about their learning in the classroom and try to communicate regularly with them. It may be a good idea to meet with them if you have any worries about how your child is keeping up in class. Together you will be able to work out how best to support your child’s learning.

Above all, try to be positive consistent and supportive.

Nutrition:

After diagnosis some parents chose to use medication to improve their child’s concentration and attention- but it is recommended that a good diet high in protein and free of all food additives and preservatives, colorants and E numbers is crucial in minimising the effects of AD(H)D (Start by checking the ingredients used in processed foods, fizzy drinks and juices should always be well diluted).

Recent scientific evidence has shown that there are links with children that have learning difficulties and deficiencies in special dietary fats known as essential fatty acids or Omega-3 (including EPA), which are known to have to have powerful effects on chemical and electrical signalling as well as helping to regulate the immune system, hormonal balance and blood flow. Further evidence is also available to support EPA in reducing behavioural problems as a new piece of research on ADHD shows in Sweden. The study was carried out in 10 university centres on 82 children with ADHD using high doses of EPA giving fantastic results in the improvement of behaviour in children that were having problems at school.

Resources:

ADHD Ireland www.adhd.ie  

HADD Family support group www.hadd.ie  01 874 8349

SENAP (Special Education Needs and Parents) www.senap.org - campaigning for better education for children with special needs in Ireland and support for their parents