How do you best help a child learn that has been diagnosed with ADHD?

Question

My child doubts his own abilities and won't go with his first thought of what the answer should/could be, how can I get them to trust themselves?

Answer 1

This book and movie is loaded with natural techniques helping children with ADHD.

"BEING IN CONTROL:Natural Techniques For Increasing Your Potential And Creativity For Success In School."
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9659025114/
"Being In Control : Natural Solutions For ADHD Dyslexia and Test Anxiety'.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9659025130/

Answer 2

First...regardless of what your doctor or others have diagnosed your child with...are you POSITIVE your child does have ADHD? My little one was diagnosed as ADD and actually had all the signs but thankfully I'm a neurotic freak about meds. and refused to drug him with out a tone of research. It was during this research that I learned about developmental vision problems and while my son fit the bill for ADD, he also displayed these symptoms as well. I made him an appointment for a developmental vision exam (with a specialist!) and sure enough....a WEEK!!!! later my son has aced everything put before him, Finally hit a baseball during P.E. and is not longer crying everyday when I drop him at school. Here are some symptoms....

Headaches, frequently rubbing eyes, reading with only one eye (my son would tilt his head in his hand to do this), trouble in school, not completing work on time, transcribing letters or only doing half of work, being the "class clown", etc.

Any or all of these symptoms could point to a vision delay (even if he has 'perfect' 20/20 vision). Medication will not help these kids and for a $75 exam, it's worth to know now.

Good luck

Answer 3

Okay, speaking from a teacher's point of view. I see the benefits of medication, but I hate how much they take away the students' personalities! Most students with ADD really just need to recognize their trigger! If it is boredom, maybe, they can find an activity that is school appropriate and quite. Most teachers are flexible enough to allow these "off-task" behaviors, if they help the overall classroom environment. There are several checklists and other such forms online that helps the kids notice where and when they misbehave. The first step is understanding there is an issue and recognizing it happening.

As far as him trusting himself, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT! I can't stress the growth with the adults in his life rewarding all the positive behaviors! Anytime he recognizes a spell of hyperactivity and adjusts, REWARD. Speak with his teacher. I am sure they have a few other helpful hints!

Answer 4

My nephew has ADHD and is in general a difficult child but when he is around me, you wouldn't say that he has any disorder. He is so used to people telling him that he is a monster - I have found that with alot of attention and love, these children learn to believe and trust their abilities. If your son approaches you for any help - leave what you are doing and give him ALL of your attention. Reassure him all the time, encourage him in everything he does and praise him when he finishes a task. It sounds to me like he is suffering from low self esteem and you need to build this up.

Answer 5

I am an adult living with ADD, and I suggest that you try your best to show your child, while doing homework for example, to pick what he thinks is the best and stick with it. If he gets an answer correct without you seeing him hemimng and hawing about what to put, praise him immediately to let him know he acn trust in his own decisions. This is a hard thing to teach, and to learn, especially when you have ADD. It's hard enough to focus on the task at hand, much less pick the right answer. Try using some background music to settle him down and to stimulate his brain. It is amazing how much better I focus when there is music on in the background. Try classical or jazz because they generally don't have words that get in the way and distract.

Answer 6

Just sit back and let him choose his answers and after the teacher grades it go back over the answers with him. It does not matter that he got them wrong as long as he learns the right answer. If he's teetering between answers than help him talk through it, and let him come to his own conclusions. I've noticed the same issue with my son. It's almost like he thinks if he gets the answer wrong he'll be punished, but he's not. It's just the way he is. He's just used to people judging him on his behavior, he wants to be in control of his work, but he's not confident on himself because of the negative feedback he always gets. My son has Asperger's Syndrome and is ADHD.

Answer 7

Patience. Patience. Patience. He can't help it! He should probably be made aware of that. Gently go over everything with him to try and give him the confidence to trust in his own abilities and judgment. He is confused and probably a bit angry that he now knows there is "something wrong" with him. Having it defined may be great for you but it is scary for him. Ask your doc for some advice.

If he is having trouble in school, consider calling one of the learning centers like Sylvan and see what they have to offer. The sooner you can get him to gain the confidence, the better for you all!

I am talking from experience, not making this up. My son is now 29 and a very confident, successful, responsible adult.

Answer 8

I agree with edkolover
my 17 year old was told he was ADHD at 5. he used to tell me stories on how he couldn't eat lunch at at school because the line for the nurse's office for ADHD pills was so long!

If it ADHD there are programs that your school district should have in place. They should because when they find out they have a child with ADHD, they get funding because ADHD is considered a learning disability.

Answer 9

Firstly, don't go down the drug path. Heaps of parents give their kids ADD/ADHD drugs and they have been misdiagnosed. Alot of foods that we eat can contribute to ADD/ADHD type behaviour. Have a look at www.fedup.com.au
You have said your child is ADHD so that includes the hyperactivity part of ADD.
Can your child turn his behaviour on and off? eg. When he REALLY has to behave or is in a different situation he doesn't play up? I have read that kids who truly have ADD/ADHD are like that ALL the time and if your child can turn it on and off. Then it's not ADD/ADHD. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

First of all, get a second or even a third opinion. They overdiagnose kids with ADHD all the time.

For now, I would just encourage him. What you've described sounds more like general insecurity rather than a disorder. Encourage and reassure him. Let him know that as long as he tries and does his best, everything is good.