When I was a child, my parents didn’t know what ADHD (Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) were. Back then, there were no resources available to help us understand and manage these conditions. Many children, including myself, had to find ways to adapt and work with our challenges on our own.

Today, we know more about what ADHD and ADD are and how crucial it is to provide the right support for children with these disorders. ADHD and ADD are neurobiological disorders linked to dysfunction in certain areas of the brain responsible for attention, self-control, and planning. Research shows that children with ADHD have reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, making it difficult for them to concentrate and control impulses.

Additionally, children with ADHD often struggle with a lack of time perception and difficulty in seeing far-fetched goals. This means they may have trouble estimating how long tasks will take, leading to challenges in time management and planning for the future. These difficulties can significantly impact their academic performance and daily life, making targeted support and interventions essential.

However, in many countries, these problems are still not always taken seriously. Many parents and teachers do not know how to properly support children with ADHD, leading to difficulties at school and home.

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Understanding ADHD and ADD

It is important to remember that there is not only ADHD, where children are hyperactive but also ADD, where children do not exhibit hyperactivity but still experience significant difficulties with attention and organization. Such children may appear dreamy or lazy, but in reality, they struggle with invisible obstacles that prevent them from focusing and effectively completing tasks.

General Support Methods for Children with ADHD and ADD

Creating Structure and Routine

Consistent Daily Routine : Establishing a clear schedule helps children with ADHD feel secure and understand what is expected of them. A structured environment reduces stress levels and helps children better manage daily tasks.

Visual Aids : Using pictures, schedules, and visual reminders can help children navigate their activities and tasks. For example, a visual schedule on the refrigerator can remind a child about homework and other responsibilities.

Positive Reinforcement

Praise and Rewards : Positive reinforcement for good behaviour and task completion can encourage children to repeat these behaviours. For example, you can use a reward system for completing homework or household chores.

Small Steps and Goals : Breaking down large tasks into small, manageable steps helps children avoid feeling overwhelmed. Celebrating small successes maintains motivation and self-confidence.

Emotional Support and Understanding

Empathy and Understanding : It is important to show children that you understand their difficulties and support them in overcoming these challenges. This fosters trust and improves self-esteem.

Therapeutic Support : Consulting a psychologist or therapist can help children manage their emotions and develop coping strategies. Support groups for parents can also be beneficial.

Attention to Social and Academic Aspects

School Age (7-12 years)

When children start school, attention problems become more noticeable. They may have trouble organizing tasks, completing homework, and following multi- step instructions.

Example : Maria, a 9-year-old girl, often forgets to write down her homework assignments and turns in incomplete, messy work.

Support Methods :

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) : These programs can include extra time on tests, breaks during classes, and the use of technology for organizing schoolwork.

• Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps : Dividing large tasks into manageable steps helps children like Maria complete assignments more effectively.

• Social Skills Training : Programs that teach children how to interact appropriately with classmates can improve their social relationships.

Adolescence (13-18 years)

In adolescence, hyperactivity may decrease, but problems with attention and impulsivity often persist. Teens may face academic challenges due to poor time management and organization. They are also at higher risk for engaging in risky behaviours and may struggle with self-esteem.

Example : Alex, a 16-year-old teenager, often procrastinates on his assignments and has trouble meeting deadlines.

Support Methods :

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT can help teens develop strategies for managing impulsive behaviour and improving organizational skills.

• Parental Involvement : Educating parents about ADHD can enable them to support their children more effectively. Support groups and counselling provide additional resources and strategies.

• Setting Realistic Goals : Helping teens set achievable goals and providing frequent feedback and rewards can maintain their motivation and focus.

Why Criticism and Punishment Don’t Work

When I was a child, my relatives often called me lazy. Regardless of my achievements, I was constantly told that if I tried harder, I would achieve more. These words undermined my self-esteem, and over time, I began to feel “defective.” My forgetfulness became a family joke. When it came to homework, I could spend hours in my room, playing with a pen or staring at the wall, instead of studying. Punishments only killed my motivation, and I ended up studying only in the last couple of weeks before exams when stress and adrenaline helped me focus and get everything done.

Criticism, coercion, and attempts to force children with ADHD to complete tasks immediately often lead to negative outcomes. These methods cause children significant stress and anxiety, which impairs their ability to concentrate and complete tasks. Research shows that negative parenting methods exacerbate ADHD symptoms and lead to worsening behaviour [#senmagazine2024] [#sciencedaily2017]. According to studies, children who are subjected to criticism and punishment are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.

In the article by Eileen Bailey [#healthcentral2024], the author discusses how punishment alone is typically ineffective for children with ADHD. This is because traditional punishment assumes that the child intentionally engaged in misbehaviour and that the consequence will prevent future occurrences. However, when children with ADHD misbehave, it is often due to impulsiveness or inattention. These behaviours are not the result of willful disobedience but rather a failure to manage ADHD symptoms, likely because the child has not yet developed the necessary skills.

Example : Olga, a 10-year-old girl, frequently receives negative comments from her parents for not completing her homework. Instead of improving her behaviour, this leads to increased anxiety and a further decline in academic performance.

What to do instead

1. Positive Reinforcement and Support : Studies show that positive reinforcement is much more effective in managing the behaviour of children with ADHD than criticism and punishment [#breaz2024] [#ibcces2024]. Positive reinforcement helps children feel confident and motivated.

2. Supportive Environment : Positive feedback and support improve emotional and academic development. Children who receive support are better able to cope with difficulties and perform better in school.

3. Empathy and Understanding : Showing children that you understand their difficulties and support them in overcoming these problems fosters trust and improves self-esteem.

Conclusion

Supporting children with ADHD and ADD requires a comprehensive approach that includes understanding their unique psychological needs, positive reinforcement, and adapting educational and social strategies. Criticism and coercion not only fail to help but can worsen the child’s condition. Creating a supportive and understanding environment allows children with ADHD to develop, achieve academic success, and improve their social skills.

When children with ADHD and ADD are deprived of parental support, they may exhibit withdrawal behaviours, experience a decline in motivation, or resort to substance abuse as a form of self-medication. Research indicates that consistent parental involvement and support are critical in mitigating these adverse outcomes. Ensuring a stable and nurturing environment helps foster resilience, improve academic performance, and enhance social interactions, thereby reducing the risk of negative coping mechanisms.

In my next article, I will delve deeper into the topic of self-medication (which I do not support in any way). Together, we will explore the underlying reasons behind this behaviour, examine its negative consequences, and discuss effective strategies to help prevent it.

Now, I’d Love to Hear from You

  • Your Experiences : Have you supported a child with ADHD or ADD? What strategies worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below.

  • Your Challenges : What challenges have you faced in supporting children with ADHD or ADD? How have you overcome these challenges, or what are you still struggling with?

  • Your Success Stories : For those who have successfully implemented support strategies for children with ADHD or ADD, what positive changes have you noticed? Your stories could inspire and help others in similar situations!

  • Questions for People with ADHD/ADD : If you are a child or teenager with ADHD or ADD, what helps you the most at school or home? What do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome it? Share your thoughts and experiences!