How can you spot signs of ADHD in children?
ADHD symptoms can vary by age and it is important for parents to be alert to this. The core symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) can appear at any age, but at each life stage one predominates over the others.
In the preschool age (Infant Education), hyperactivity combined with impulsivity predominates:
- Nervousness
- Constant movements
- Persistent restlessness
This attitude usually causes discipline problems, such as obeying orders from parents and teachers, difficulty relating to other children of the same age and learning problems, such as reading.
At school age (primary education), inattention is usually the primary symptom. This behavior leads to problems with academic performance, reading, writing, etcetera. Sometimes it is only presented with attention deficit, hyperactivity or impulsivity.
In the adolescent age (Secondary Education), the most serious problems are those of impulsivity. Any child at this age is complicated, but if we add difficulties in the school environment, in social relations, in behavior… Adolescence is a very complicated age for these children.
Are there help groups or centers where they can go?
Unfortunately there are few such centers and in general they are grouped in patients’ associations. Families are having to group together to seek support. The INANP center has specialists in Neuropsychology and Psychopedagogy with great experience in this subject to help parents and children.
What should families of children with ADHD do once diagnosed?
The best attitude to take once a child has been diagnosed with ADHD is to be educated and informed as much as possible. In some centers, pediatric professionals collaborate with patient associations to train parents in these needs and also develop group courses. These include personalized workshops according to the needs of each family. Information is power and power must be in the hands of the families so that they can take proper care of the health and development of their children with ADHD.
How should they act in the face of the disorder?
First of all, it is necessary to accept it and assume it as normal. It is not a vital drama to suffer from ADHD. It obviously involves difficulties and complications in everyday life that require help, support or treatment to be solved. Despite this, ADHD can be properly managed if it is detected early. Moreover, not everything is bad in ADHD. There are many positive details and especially developed qualities (creativity, friendship, enthusiasm, sports skills…) that should be remembered and exploited.
When their child is diagnosed with ADHD, should parents communicate it to the school quickly?
This is a controversial issue that depends more on the specific characteristics of each center and its professionals than on the child himself. If the school is willing to do so, perfect, but if not, the consequence can be counterproductive. In any case, parents must assert their children’s educational rights.