ADHD: Maintain not Contain

It is that time of year again where school is back in session. The school supplies have been purchased. The class schedule is memorized. The newness of seeing old friends have faded into the Monday through Friday routine. The high hopes for the year seem to have turned into the dread of daily or weekly phone calls from the school.

Hearing things from your child’s teachers such as, “your child is not adjusting well, seems to lack focus, can’t sit still, does not follow directions, has trouble with listening, frequently loses things, lacks time management skills or organization skills, issues getting along with peers, and/or behavior problems”, can be very overwhelming to the parent who is dealing with these behaviors at home and now seem to be visible in the classroom as well. Parents are often aware that many children have issues with behaviors at school as well as at home.

As a result, parents can find themselves anxiously working hard to contain their child’s behaviors. This usually ends fruitless with resentment growing between the child, parents, and even the school representatives. So where do you turn when you start hearing the words ADHD or Performance Disorder with regards to your child?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by American Psychological Association as “one of the most common health disorders, affecting approximately 5 to 10 per cent of children in the United States. The hallmarks of the syndrome of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.” Although there is no cure, there are several treatments available to children that have ADHD.

Some treatment options available and usually recommended are medication management, behavioral therapy, social skills training, parenting skills training, family therapy, and educational skills.  Children may be put on a stimulant medication as well to help with focus, attention, and behavioral symptom management. The purpose of treatment is to assist the child and parents in understanding the symptoms and behaviors and how these can negatively affect the child’s functioning at school, home, and in the community. It is not about containing, but rather maintaining the behavior and symptoms through medication, therapy, education, diet, and behavioral strategies.

These treatment options can assist the child to adapt in more effective ways creating less frustration for the child, parents, and the school. There is no shame in seeking help to assist your child to function at the optimal level despite the symptoms of ADHD. Let us help:

Northwest Behavioral Health Services

2392 N. Edgewood Avenue

Jacksonville, Florida 32254

904-781-7797