Navigating ADHD from a Parents Perspective: Signs to Look Out For and How To Manage The Diagnostic Process
by Jessie Tadros, Provisional Psychologist - BSc, BSc-Psych (Hons)
December 2020
by Jessie Tadros, Provisional Psychologist - BSc, BSc-Psych (Hons)
December 2020
You’ve likely heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD. You might have read about it in the news, heard about it through parenting blogs or talks, known someone whose child has it, or maybe the school has raised concerns regarding the possibility of ADHD for your child. Unfortunately, ADHD is quite a misunderstood diagnosis and can be a contentious topic with many people of influence holding a wide range of views. Given this, it’s often hard as a parent to know what information to pay attention to, what to ignore, and when to raise concerns with a health professional.
At some point in every child’s life, most parents will raise some concerns regarding their son or daughter’s ability to stay focussed (particularly on topics they are disinterested in). Additionally, there are bound to be days, weeks or years where your child struggles with aspects of their learning. How do you know if this is ADHD, another diagnosis or simply just a “stage”?
At some point in every child’s life, most parents will raise some concerns regarding their son or daughter’s ability to stay focussed (particularly on topics they are disinterested in). Additionally, there are bound to be days, weeks or years where your child struggles with aspects of their learning. How do you know if this is ADHD, another diagnosis or simply just a “stage”?
What is ADHD?
ADHD is known as a Neurodevelopmental disorder. “Neuro”, simply put, means the disorder starts or arises from the brain. “Developmental” describes the period with which the personal develops and grows. Taken together, the disorder of ADHD is best understood as one that starts in the brain in early childhood and often leads to changes in the way the brain functions.
ADHD is characterised by the presence and/or absence of a range symptoms. Put simply, symptoms will often be classed under two subtypes:
These subtypes may manifest in very different ways depending on the child, but generally you may notice the following:
ADHD is characterised by the presence and/or absence of a range symptoms. Put simply, symptoms will often be classed under two subtypes:
- Inattention
- Impulsivity/Hyperactivity
These subtypes may manifest in very different ways depending on the child, but generally you may notice the following:
|
Inattention
|
|
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
- Will you often find your child struggling to sit still?
- Does your child struggle to remain seated when it is appropriate to do so?
- Is your child excessively energetic?
- Does your child run around or climb in inappropriate situations?
- Do they talk excessively?
Impulsivity
- Will your child begin answering questions before they have heard the end of it?
- Does your child have difficulty waiting for their turn?
- Will your child be found to interrupt or meddle in other’s activities?
While these questions are not to be used diagnostically, they do help to gauge an understanding of your child and what might be going on for them. These questions can also indicate the areas in which your child may need further support and intervention. Gold-standard treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders is a collaborative approach, although it is recommended you begin by discussing your concerns with your child’s Paediatrician. They will then be able to assist you in organising next steps and if needed, the tailored services your child may require.
Since ADHD is classed as a neurodevelopmental disorder, strategies are often centred around the child’s environment and setting it up in such a way that is most conducive to your individual child’s needs. However, equally as important is the support needed for YOU (as the parent) in navigating your child’s diagnosis and enabling you to support your child through this process. You’ve likely heard the phrase “apply your own oxygen mask first” and it certainly holds true during any diagnosis process.
Since ADHD is classed as a neurodevelopmental disorder, strategies are often centred around the child’s environment and setting it up in such a way that is most conducive to your individual child’s needs. However, equally as important is the support needed for YOU (as the parent) in navigating your child’s diagnosis and enabling you to support your child through this process. You’ve likely heard the phrase “apply your own oxygen mask first” and it certainly holds true during any diagnosis process.
Support Throughout The Diagnostic Process
So, what, can you do, as a parent to help support both you and your child as you navigate the diagnostic process?
1. Take care of yourself
How’s your diet? Exercise? What about sleep?
One of the best ways you can set your child up for success is to ensure you are too. That means finding ways to reduce stress and seeking support as a preventative measure (rather than a reactive one).
2. Talk Talk Talk
The diagnostic process can be a stressful, confronting and isolating experience for many parents. Remember that you are not alone and where possible, reach out to those around you and share your experience. There are many ADHD parent support groups whose purpose is just that – helping parents to share their experience and ensure no parent feels alone. It is also important to consider the impact the diagnostic process may have on the child themselves. Have they made comments to you such as “why am I different?” or “why am I always struggling?”. It is important to monitor their mood and consider contacting your GP if you have any concerns.
3. Routine as religion
You’ve likely heard it before – “children do well with routine”. This is especially the case for children who have inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive features. You can help your child with focus and organisation simply by enacting a daily routine, keeping it simple, and following through with it. You and your child could take the time to create a visual routine together (it may also be worth gleaning some inspiration from Pinterest or using an app like: Visual Schedule Planner (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/visual-schedule-planner/id488646282) or Choiceworks (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/choiceworks/id486210964).
Managing your child’s expectations of the day is half the hard work done!
4. Encourage nutrition, exercise and sleep
1. Take care of yourself
How’s your diet? Exercise? What about sleep?
One of the best ways you can set your child up for success is to ensure you are too. That means finding ways to reduce stress and seeking support as a preventative measure (rather than a reactive one).
2. Talk Talk Talk
The diagnostic process can be a stressful, confronting and isolating experience for many parents. Remember that you are not alone and where possible, reach out to those around you and share your experience. There are many ADHD parent support groups whose purpose is just that – helping parents to share their experience and ensure no parent feels alone. It is also important to consider the impact the diagnostic process may have on the child themselves. Have they made comments to you such as “why am I different?” or “why am I always struggling?”. It is important to monitor their mood and consider contacting your GP if you have any concerns.
3. Routine as religion
You’ve likely heard it before – “children do well with routine”. This is especially the case for children who have inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive features. You can help your child with focus and organisation simply by enacting a daily routine, keeping it simple, and following through with it. You and your child could take the time to create a visual routine together (it may also be worth gleaning some inspiration from Pinterest or using an app like: Visual Schedule Planner (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/visual-schedule-planner/id488646282) or Choiceworks (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/choiceworks/id486210964).
Managing your child’s expectations of the day is half the hard work done!
4. Encourage nutrition, exercise and sleep
While there is no reliable evidence that suggests an excess or absence of a type of food causes a disorder, there is a wealth of literature examining the positive effects of regular healthy meals as opposed to junk and sugary foods for children with ADHD.
It’s also really important you enable your child to participate in regular physical activity as this is reported to improve concentration and assist with improvement in sleep (which can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms throughout the day). Where possible, encourage a consistent sleep routine for your child to ensure they have enough opportunity for their body and mind to reset overnight. It is important to note however that it is not uncommon for children with ADHD to have trouble sleeping. If this is the case with your child, it is important to raise it with your health professional.
5. Develop open communication strategies with school
Through the process of navigating your child’s potential diagnosis, it is important to continue open communication with school. Have a chat with your child’s teachers and/or school counsellors and ask about their observations.
It may be that your child presents very differently between home and school, indicating something in the environment may be at play. Conversely, if your child is acting in similar ways across the home and school environment, that consistency may be pointing to an internal locus for solution.
If you are starting to notice your child exhibit symptoms that are significantly impacting their functioning (whether at home, school or both), it is strongly recommended you speak to your Paediatrician. If you or your child is struggling to cope with a new diagnosis, it is important to reach out to your local GP who can put you in touch with a mental health professional or a local support group. Seeking the right professional help is a huge protective factor in supporting your own health as well as your child’s.
It’s also really important you enable your child to participate in regular physical activity as this is reported to improve concentration and assist with improvement in sleep (which can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms throughout the day). Where possible, encourage a consistent sleep routine for your child to ensure they have enough opportunity for their body and mind to reset overnight. It is important to note however that it is not uncommon for children with ADHD to have trouble sleeping. If this is the case with your child, it is important to raise it with your health professional.
5. Develop open communication strategies with school
Through the process of navigating your child’s potential diagnosis, it is important to continue open communication with school. Have a chat with your child’s teachers and/or school counsellors and ask about their observations.
It may be that your child presents very differently between home and school, indicating something in the environment may be at play. Conversely, if your child is acting in similar ways across the home and school environment, that consistency may be pointing to an internal locus for solution.
If you are starting to notice your child exhibit symptoms that are significantly impacting their functioning (whether at home, school or both), it is strongly recommended you speak to your Paediatrician. If you or your child is struggling to cope with a new diagnosis, it is important to reach out to your local GP who can put you in touch with a mental health professional or a local support group. Seeking the right professional help is a huge protective factor in supporting your own health as well as your child’s.
Sources
Wilens, T., & Spencer, T. (2010). Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder from Childhood to Adulthood. Postgraduate Medicine, 122(5), 97-109.
https://childmind.org/article/adhd-and-exercise/
https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/ADHD.pdf
https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/adhd-parenting-help/
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/what-is-adhd
https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/
Wilens, T., & Spencer, T. (2010). Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder from Childhood to Adulthood. Postgraduate Medicine, 122(5), 97-109.
https://childmind.org/article/adhd-and-exercise/
https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/ADHD.pdf
https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/adhd-parenting-help/
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/add-adhd/what-is-adhd
https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/