Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Shera.
Does your child have an inability to sit still at school? Are they having difficulty staying focused? Are there complaints of impulsive outbursts in the classroom? Do they throw tantrums at home and have trouble staying organized?
I am sure most of the parents reading this blog would be nodding yes to every question asked above. This is a normal behavior expected of every child, and they usually outgrow this attitude as they mature with age. But, what if your child is excessively restless and despite all the tactics applied their attention span is as brief as the blink of an eye?
There could be a possibility that your child is not just a ‘naughty kid’. They could be struggling with a mental disorder called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD – a chaotic circus in the head
Picture a room with hundreds of televisions switched on, each showing completely different channels and you have to focus on one. Difficult, isn’t it? That’s what an ADHD brain is like – hyperactive, with near thousands of thoughts bursting in mind like firecrackers.
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed neuro-developmental, behavioral disorder affecting children and teens.
Spotting a kid with ADHD
All ADHD suffering kids are not homogenous (of the same kind). But, the condition usually presents in a spectrum of three common problems. These have a negative impact on the everyday life of these kids.
- Distracted– Children have problems being attentive in their classrooms. They find it difficult to do their homework, watch a TV show or even engage in lengthy conversations.
- Being constantly on-the-go – Kids with ADHD are inquisitive, highly energetic and pretty curious. They channel this energy in the form of motion as they are always running or hopping around. Moreover, they fail to sit no longer than a few minutes and are constantly fidgeting. These kids, therefore, do not develop any particular hobby.
- Act without thinking – ADHD affected kids have an impulsive nature. They are not patient enough to wait for their turns, they blurt out answers even before the question is completed and they keep intruding in others.
ADHD is not just a childhood disorder
Although the symptoms of ADHD begin in childhood, the disorder may continue into adulthood. ADHD in adults is characterized by:
- Lack of social relationships
- Poor work performance
- Difficulty in meeting deadlines
- Being forgetful and disorganized
Not every ‘notorious’ kid has ADHD
Getting easily distracted or not being able to focus does not always mean that your child is suffering from ADHD. It’s not unusual however that whenever somebody complains about having inattention or lack of focus, the ‘Google doctors’ are quick to diagnose them with ADHD.
This practice is not only tormenting for the parents but it also belittles the sufferings of the kids who actually go through the real disease. If you suspect that your child is showing ADHD symptoms, get professional medical help for diagnosis.
Creating hope amidst the chaos
Victims of ADHD can lead successful lives when equipped with guidance and understanding from their parents, families, and teachers to reach their full potential. ADHD cannot be prevented or cured. However, spotting it early, medication, adequate self-care, and other coping strategies can help fight the symptoms.
Therapy may include:
- Teaching the parents to encourage and reward positive behaviors of their kids.
- Channeling ADHD multitasking skills to get more work done.
- Stress management techniques.
- Support groups – help affected children and parents to connect with fellow affected individuals.
As a society, it is important that we do not outcast these individuals and label them as ‘bullies’ or ‘procrastinators’. We should understand that the disturbance they create is not always their fault. Their challenges and limitations aren’t excuses, but explanations!
Guest Post Credit: Dr. Tooba Irfan
