What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and often continues into adulthood.

ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning or development.

ADHD Medications Side Effects

As a caring parent, you’ve got a reason to be worried about ADHD medications

Unpleasant Side Effects

ADHD medications often come with a laundry list of unpleasant side effects, including decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and headaches.

Dependency or Abuse

ADHD medications are stimulants, which means there is a risk of dependency and potential for abuse.

Symptoms Masking

These medications often make symptoms disappear. They don't address the underlying neurological causes of ADHD.

Here are some things you can do to help children with ADHD and dyslexia:

Help them find their strengths

Encourage activities that play to their strengths, such as drama, music, and improvisation. You can also help them find their superpower and embrace it, such as if they're artistic or creative.

Help them manage anxiety

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help some children with ADHD. You can also help them manage their anxiety by waiting for them to initiate conversations, giving them time to process their day, and not probing them.

Help them with language

When communicating with them, speak slowly and be patient, exaggerate when pronouncing new words, and use gestures, objects, and pictures. You can also ask them if they understand, play games like "repeat back to me", and break tasks into small, manageable pieces.

Help them with learning

Turn everyday life into learning experiences, such as decoding words on billboards while at a red light. You can also support their ADHD symptoms during learning.

Help them with organization

Ask yourself if there are any tools or technology that can help them with organization.

Help them find joy outside of school

Involve them in activities like scouts, sports, volunteering, or 4-H clubs. You can also encourage them to join support groups so they can connect with others who have shared experiences.