It is sad to hear of a loved one suffering, but it is downright painful if that someone is your own child. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition which was not paid much attention to for many years. The fact remains, however, that ADHD is something that can adversely affect the life of your child and their relationships. One example is Olympian Michael Phelps, who had been diagnosed with this disorder. In order to know if a child does suffer from it, it is important to pay attention to a few signs.

Signs You Must Not Ignore

To start off, if a child seems to be fidgety all the time, it is a good sign that there is a chance that he or she may have ADHD. While it is true that children often display feelings of excitement as well as a degree of restlessness most of the time, the ability of a child suffering from ADHD to sit still, quite literally, surpasses any normal standards for even a very restless child who does not have ADHD. 
As a matter of fact, most children who are diagnosed with the disorder are diagnosed by the time they are 7 or 8 years old. For many kids, this has something to do with the signs that are displayed once they join school, which are related to their behavioural habits. For example, children who have ADHD are likely to show their inability to await their turn in a group activity. As a result, they are likely to interrupt not only their peers, but also their teachers to say express their thoughts.
For those who are not well versed with this issue that so many children face, the behaviour of a child with ADHD come across as being outright selfish. However, this is really not the case. In many cases, since children with ADHD find it difficult to follow plans and set out tasks, their inability to do so is often considered as lack of intelligence. Such judgements can lower the morale of the child and make him or her feel inadequate, insecure and left out.
Many children who have ADHD are not loud and usually do not stand out in a group. Rather, they are more likely to be the quiet ones who daydream. All this can have major effects on the academic record of the child, and it is fair to say that he or she is quite likely to under perform compared to the rest of the students in the class.

If you see any of these signs, do not be alarmed. However, do seek a doctor s opinion to know for sure if your child has ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - How To Know If Your Child Is Suffering?

If you have noticed your child to be restless and anxious all the time, it might look cute as the child is highly energetic, but it could be a cause for concern at the same time. It is not normal and the child could be having ADHD that is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As the name suggests, it is a disorder with deficiency of attention and in which the child is always hyperactive.

ADHD is a disorder in which the symptoms usually show up before the age of seven. It is characterized by a group of behavioral symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The impact of these symptoms is felt extensively where his overall self-esteem is affected, be it at home, preschool or school, academics or extracurricular activities and in interpersonal relationships.

The most common symptoms, which are almost diagnostic of ADHD are:
1. Inability to hold attention: The child's attention span is very short and it is very difficult to keep them engaged on one particular thing.
2. Increased restlessness: The child would be extremely restless and gets distracted easily.
3. Fidgeting: The child would be seen constantly fidgeting with his fingers.

The following are the less common ones:
1. Learning disability is rare, but can happen. However, the good news is that it does not affect the child's intelligence.
2. Sleep disorders
3. Difficulty in following directions
4. Poor executive functioning skills
5. Disorganization, which can lead to poor motor coordination and impaired movements
6. ADHD kids tend to forget things very easily and need help with coordinating movements
7. The child suffering from ADHD could easily tire and/or feel lethargic with very low energy levels. This can lead to the child procrastinating things and not wanting to do things on priority basis
8. These children also have difficulties with fine motor and cognitive skills and so there is delay in their overall participation in games.

While these are the pressing symptoms of ADHD, occupational therapy can play a significant role in managing the child in the following ways. As a first step, the caregiver should have a detailed discussion with the school staff and any other people with whom the child interacts significantly. This will help identify areas that need support from an Occupational Therapy, which are the following:

1. Support with gross and/or fine motor skills
2. Support with improving handwriting
3. Support with engaging in playing sports and games
4. Support in engaging in social activities
5. Improving sensory processing difficulties
6. Improving visual perception
7. Support in adapting to the environment
8. Teaching strategies to participate in various social and academic activities

So, while an ADHD child is definitely a cause for concern, proper support from family can help manage the condition.

Symptoms of ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD is a behavioral disorder that comprises impulsive behavior, inattentiveness and hyperactivity. This disorder tends to affect children more commonly, but the symptoms tend to disappear as one ages.

There are a number of symptoms for this disorder:

1. Concentration problems
People affected by this disorder have problems in staying focused on routine tasks. You may have problems in listening to conversations, get distracted easily, overlook various important things and have trouble remembering various things.

2. Being disorganized and forgetting things
You may exhibit symptoms such as having an extremely cluttered desk. You may also experience difficulties in completing projects and forgetting appointments. You may also lose track of time while doing important things.

3. Emotional problems
Various emotional problems such as mood swings, hypersensitivity to criticism, problems in staying motivated and having low self-esteem are common signs of ADD. The disorder may also lead you to be extremely short tempered and be constantly frustrated.

4. Hyperactivity
This symptom causes you to remain constantly agitated, unable to focus due to a racing mind, fidgeting constantly and talking excessively.

5. Impulsivity
You will exhibit impulsive behavior such as not being able to exercise self-control, blurting out inappropriate comments and have certain addictive tendencies.

Attention Deficit Disorder can cause various problems in your life. Most of these are related to the following domains:

1. Work related problems
You may constantly feel a sense of underachievement and will unable to meet your work responsibilities. You may be unable to meet deadlines, and face problems in filing paperwork.

2. Relationship problems
This disorder takes a toll on your relationships such as it can create a rift between you and your family. They may feel that you are not sensitive to their concerns.

3. Mental health problems
You may face various mental health problems such as drug abuse, anxiety, self-esteem issues and chronic stress.

Remedies for this disorder are:
1. Get proper sleep
You should always aim to sleep for at least 6 hours every day. If you are well rested, then you will be more energetic and stress free.

2. Regular exercise
You should exercise on a regular basis to keep yourself fit and healthy. It can also help you avoid problems such as obesity.

3. Improve your relationships
You should schedule time for your loved ones and engage with them. It may contribute to your overall mental well-being.

All About ADD

The tendency for the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is more popularly known as ADHD, during the months of pregnancy is growing with each passing day. The main reason behind this is the increased exposure to the digital devices. This disorder is characterized by some specific characteristics, the most common ones being the inability to concentrate on anything and being hyperactive at all times of the day. People tend to show impulsive actions in all cases. 

But the good news is that the researchers have come up with some possible solutions to ADHD during pregnancy with the help of which it can be prevented-

Curb the intake of sugars: One of the main steps that you can take towards preventing the development of ADHD during your pregnancy is going on a low sugar diet. Several types of research have proved that when the mother has a high sugar diet, it directly correlates to the development of ADHD. The reason behind this is quite simple. It is because there is a particular gene in the human body called the IGF2 and this gene is responsible for the development of the brain. But when there is a high amount of sugar in the diet, the IGF2 levels are compromised which ultimately leads to the development of ADHD. So, don t take too much of processed proteins and stick to a healthy diet. If necessary, approach a dietician who can give you a proper diet chart to follow.
Get the proper probiotics for yourself: Probiotics have a major role in many of the health conditions and one of them is the development of ADHD in pregnancy. Adding the necessary probiotics to a pregnant woman is not only good for her overall health but also enhances the growth and development of the fetus. Not only does the application of the right probiotics prevents the chances of development of ADHD in newborns, but it also reduces the risk of development of conditions like autism, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and even schizophrenia.
Keep your cell phones away from you: All forms of digital devices create a heavy impact on the fetus leading to ADHD in many cases. Mobile phones are no doubt an important part of your lifestyle but you can keep them away from yourself when they are not needed, especially, keep them away from your pockets.
Drink filtered water: Unfiltered water contains many chemicals and other unhygienic substances. You should refrain from consuming unfiltered water especially in your months of pregnancy.
In the months of pregnancy, when your body is vulnerable to the outside factors that are harmful, you must stay extra vigilant and take all the precautions necessary to ensure that your child does not develop ADHD. Maintain your diet and don t skip your checkups.

How To Prevent ADHD During Pregnancy?

ADHD is one of the commonest behavioral disorders that are found in mostly school going kids. In fact, this kind of trouble might affect kid's ability quite adversely. There are a few signs with the help of which ADHD in kids can be easily detected and some of the commonest ones are emotional turmoil, unfinished tasks, squirm and fidget, low focus careless mistakes and other related ones. 

Both interpersonal relationship and schooling success can be hampered to a great extent with this kind of mental disorder. This is why the kids facing the mentioned signs need to be thoroughly diagnosed medically so that the doctors can recommend best treatments that can provide fastest recovery and that too safely and easily. 

Best tips for tackling ADHD in kids
1. Setting behavior limits: If you make your kids learn how to lead a disciplined life, then appropriate behavioral limits are established. Arrogant child is mostly exposed towards ADHD. 

2. Staying calm: Child anger should be efficiently controlled otherwise. ADHD cannot be cured. If the kids remain calm and quiet, then only their concentration level will increase, and they can show productive outcomes. 

3. Setting pressure free structure: sensible routines and scheduled charts are to be prepared so that unwanted risks can be easily avoided. If the kids are under tremendous pressure, then they might face different kinds of behavioral troubles. 

4. Allow kids to make wise choices: If you let your kids free, then only they will be able to take right decisions. Kids with a cool mind can take wise decisions that are very much appropriate for upgrading their performances. 

5. Advocating child: Child advocating is highly needed for maintaining a good and healthy balance. But too much strictness should be avoided so that your kids' behavior can be controlled with ease.  This should be done either by parents or tutors so that they can choose the best direction in life. 

6. Avoid muting any headstrong child: Communicate with your child so that a proper interaction can be maintained. If your child remains silent for too long, then they might face different behavioral troubles. 

7. Acquiring knowledge about ADHD: Both parents and kids should have equal knowledge about ADHD and then only the probable signs can be easily avoided, and the necessary treatments can be known. 

8. Being persistent: Persistent behavior is to be maintained, and if you find any deviation in your kids, then you should take them to a doctor.

Parenting in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is ADHD?

ADHD refers to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is a brain-related condition found among preschoolers, children, teenagers and in many cases extends well into adulthood. These individuals have significant impairment in academics as well as social situations and interpersonal relations. The child has difficulty sustaining attention, phases of hyper activeness and cannot control his/her impulses which make their day to day life at school and home difficult.

ADHD Symptoms

The symptoms of this disorder among children can be categorized under three headings.

1.Hyperactivity which includes

- Fidgets often
- Restlessness
- Inability to stay at one place runs around and tries to climb things
- Trouble playing quietly
- Excessive talking

2. Inattention, which can be divided into symptoms like

- Getting easily distracted
- Tendency to loose things
- Daydreaming
- Facing problems related to organizing things
- Not listening carefully
- Forgetting about daily activities, carelessness

3. Impulsiveness

- Interrupts others as they speak and talks out of turn
- Answers questions without listening to what has been asked
- Not being able to wait for their turn to come

Prevalence :

10-12% of school children before puberty are affected by one or more types of ADHD. ADHD especially hyperactivity is more prevalent in boys than in girls, with the ratio up to 9:1. Inattention and poor concentration are more commonly seen amongst girls. The rate of ADHD in parents and sibling of children with ADHD is 5-10 times higher than in the general population.

ADHD Causes

The probable causes of ADHD among children are,

1. Neurodevelopmental changes - Poorly developed activity of the brain particularly in the areas that control attention and concentration cause ADHD. This causes an imbalance in the neurotransmitters or the chemicals important for brain functioning and development.

2. Genetic Factors - genetic studies show that ADHD is largely hereditary in nature with a heritability of 75% approximately.



What are the Causes and Symptoms of ADHD?

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