ADHD manual for parents by Rhythm Saluja

Design Thesis by Rhythm Saluja

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

R e s o l c A o t n i k o lo

AD H D Design Thesis by Rhythm Saluja

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

I prefer to distinguish ADD as attention abundance disorder. Everything is just so interesting, remarkably at the same time. –Frank Coppola

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Introduction

20 23 28 38 ADHD Brain

Do’s and Treatment Home Dont’s Options Treatment

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ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

ADHD in Adults

42 47 50 55 Diet for ADHD

ADHD Working Improving & sleep memory productivity

Coping and support

Design Thesis by Rhythm Saluja

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer To have empathy and the resources to help, you need loving awareness for the said thing. It is important to understand what ADHD is, where it comes from, and what it feels like. You have to have empathy for your child if you want to be able to give them the care they need, along with caring for yourself. So, we’ll tackle all the what’s and why’s and how’s and then move on to what you can do to help.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Introduction What is ADHD? Why is ADHD? Causes, sub-types, and symptoms

Introduction

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Albert Einstein

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

What is ADHD?

Living with ADHD is like running a marathon with bricks tied to your back. You can do it, but it’s way more tough for you than others. The faulty reward system makes it even harder, because one doesn’t feel rewarded for the same amount of time and effort and as their peers do.

ADHD i.e, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The symptoms may sometimes vary and may be hard to recognise, which is why it NEEDS a professional diagnosis. ADHD is neither a learning disorder, nor a behaviour disorder; it is a developmental impairment that makes it hard for people with ADHD to function and perform like other kids their age. It affects the parts of our brains that are responsible for executive functioning like planning, organising, decision making, controlling regulation, controlling and directing attention. Attention “deficit” is, some experts assert, a misleading name. People with ADHD have enough attention, it’s just not regulated properly and/or in the right direction and so, “attention deregulation” might be a more accurate name.

Introduction

These symptoms vary by sub-types : i) inattentiveness - inability to regulate attention and focus at task at hand, might look a lot like disinterest. ii) hyperactivity - jumping from one task to another, inability to stay stilll, excessive movement iii) a combination of both (most common)

These symptoms vary by sub-types : i) inattentiveness, ii) hyperactivity, iii) a combination of both (most common), and is harder to diagnose in girls and adults because of the difference in symptoms. An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD worldwide. It is most common in children aged 2 to 16 on an average, and usually peaks when the child is 7 years old. This disorder, however, doesn’t affect intelligibility, and is a very real disorder, contrary to the “all kids act like that” dialogue.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

What’s it like?

Picture a room with 1,000 TVs with each TV showing something different. Now try and concentrate on just one TV without getting distracted. –Damian DaViking Aird

Introduction

WHY IS

ADHD?

Scientists have not yet concluded specific reasons for the developmental disorder to occur. There is, however, evidence to prove that it occurs most commonly because of genetics (3 out of 4 children with ADHD have at least one adult relative with the said disorder.) Infact, identical twins often share the same gene resulting in both of them having the disorder. Some other factors that contribute to it are- being born prematurely, brain trauma injury, mother smoking/ drinking/being excessively stressed during the pregnancy, or exposure to lead. That being said, ADHD is NOT caused by bad parenting, too many video games, negligence, or too much sugar. It’s a brain based biological disorder. Brain imaging studies and other research shows many structural, functional, and chemical differences between the ADHD and non-ADHD brain.

It is important to remember that your child is not lazy, or any less intelligent. It is not your fault, or your child’s.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

SUB-TYPES AND SYMPTOMS : 1. Hyperactive and Impulsive Type: Kids with this type have a need for constant movement. Fidgeting, squirming, excessive running, trouble staying seated/waiting, jumping from one task to another, talking non-stop, blurting out answers, interrupting others, struggling with self control are very common in this type. Children often appear to act as if they’re driven by a motor. This type is mostly diagnosed in men and children. 2. Inattentive Type: Careless mistakes, difficulty sustaining attention/ following instructions/organising tasks, having weak memory, a very limited attention span, losing things often. Most commonly found in adults and girls, was formerly known as ADD. 3. Combined Type: People falling in this type often show six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most common amongst all the sub-types.

Introduction

have difficulty getting along with others

have trouble taking turns

daydream a lot

have difficulty paying attention have problems sleeping be hyperactive and restless have extreme impatience

squirm or fidget

A child with ADHD might :

have trouble staying alone/waiting avoid sustained effort

forget or lose things a lot talk too much make careless mistakes have a hard time resisting temptation

have trouble following instructions

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

It is important to note that kids that operate this way don’t necessarily have ADHD. Most of these behaviors are common with kids, but kids with ADHD display these behaviors more intensely than other kids. The need for diagnosis arises when these behaviours are noticeably excessive than those of their age and causes distress and problems in the child’s day-to-day school and home life for about six months or so. It’s not limited to the classroom, ADHD is a 24 hour condition and affects sleeping habits, self esteem, and social relationships.

It is a myth that ADHD is a boy’s disorder. It is said that boys are more likely to get the disorder as compared to girls (12.9% compared to 5.6%) but this is not because girls are unlikely to get the disorder, but because their symptoms are harder to identify. Boys and girls exhibit different symptoms. Girls and women exhibit subtler symptoms that are harder to catch because while boys externalise the symptoms, girls internalise them. 10

Introduction

How to tell if your child has ADHD?

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

ADHD cannot yet be diagnosed in a child using brain imaging like MRI, PET or CT. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must have at least six ADHD symptoms of either inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both. In addition, these symptoms must be present for at least 6 months or longer, be present before the age of seven and cause significant impairment or difficulties in two or more settings, such as home, school/work or social settings.

There is no one test that can detect ADHD with certainty. Pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and other allied professionals will decide on the diagnoses based on interviews with you and your child, feedback from your child’s guardians and teachers about the symptoms. This is done evaluating social, personal, academic, and family life, and medical history that might indicate any other problems besides ADHD.

Do you have (undiagnosed) ADHD as an adult?

Facts Symptoms Checklist, and more

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Parental ADHD is important to consider when treating ADHD in children. About 40% of ADHD children have at least one parent that has ADHD. Therefore, recognising symptoms and a proper treatment is just as necessary for the parents as it is for the kids. Now, since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder as we have discussed before, it cannot develop in adulthood, it first appears in childhood and the symptoms often persist in teenage and to adulthood. There’s a lack of research to identify specific symptoms of ADHD in adults, but the symptoms for children could also sometimes be applied for possible adult ADHD. By 25, an estimated 15% of people diagnosed with ADHD as children have a full range of symptoms, and 65% have symptoms that still affect their daily lives.

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention affects adults differently than how it affects children. For instance, hyperactivity decreases with age, however, impulsivity and inattentiveness gets worse with the stress of adult life.

ADHD in adults

Adult ADHD symptoms may include:

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

If you recognise the symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, and the symptoms persistently disrupt your life for more than 6 months, you may be dealing with ADHD, and it is dangerous to leave it untreated. If you suspect that you have ADHD, contact your medical health-care professional for a diagnosis. Given below is a small checklist to see if you have more than 15 persistent symptoms, in which case, you should consult a doctor.

ADHD in adults

1. I have difficulty getting organized. 2. When given a task, I usually procrastinate rather than doing it right away. 3. I work on a lot of projects, but can’t seem to complete most of them. 4. I tend to make decisions and act on them impulsively — like spending money, getting sexually involved with someone, diving into new activities, and changing plans. 5. I get bored easily. 6. No matter how much I do or how hard I try, I just can’t seem to reach my goals. 7. I often get distracted when people are talking; I just tune out or drift off. 8. I get so wrapped up in some things I do that I can hardly stop to take a break or switch to doing something else. 9. I tend to overdo things even when they’re not good for me — like compulsive shopping, drinking too much, overworking, and overeating. 10. I get frustrated easily and I get impatient when things are going too slowly.

11. My self-esteem is not as high as that of others I know.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

12. I need a lot of stimulation from things like action movies and video games, new purchases, being among lively friends, driving fast or engaging in extreme sports. 13. I tend to say or do things without thinking, and sometimes that gets me into trouble. 14. I’d rather do things my own way than follow the rules and procedures of others. 15. I often find myself tapping a pencil, swinging my leg, or doing something else to work off nervous energy. 16. I can feel suddenly down when I’m separated from people, projects or things that I like to be involved with. 17. I see myself differently than others see me, and when someone gets angry with me for doing something that upset them I’m often very surprised. 18. Even though I worry a lot about dangerous things that are unlikely to happen to me, I tend to be careless and accident prone. 19. Even though I have a lot of fears, people would describe me as a risk taker. 20. I make a lot of careless mistakes. 21. I have blood relatives who suffer from ADHD, another neurological disorder, or substance abuse.

ADHD in adults

This is just a general checklist for you to “identify” the possibility of having ADHD, it is by no means a replacement for a professional diagnosis. Please DO NOT indulge in self diagnosis, this is just a start to identify if you could have undiagnosed/untreated ADHD. Now, if you suspect that you have ADHD or you’ve been diagnosed with it earlier, there’s no good reason to blame yourself. ADHD is not curable, so even if you might have passed it on to your child, it’s not your fault in any way. It’s just how things unfolded. And in fact, there might be some good news if you were diagnosed earlier, and that is that you know what it feels like for your child, and so you can connect with them on a deeper level. You have each other. There is no denying that it’s tough to be an adult in the world and raise a child, it’s a tough (sometimes seemingly unrewarding) job. And it could be ten folds tougher if your child and/or you have ADHD, but it’s important to have patience for yourself and your loved ones. Many parents become aware of their own ADHD after their child is diagnosed with the disorder. This is especially tough when trying to discipline the child because their hyperactivity, impulsiveness and emotional outbursts trigger the similar emotions in you. The key here is to start with accepting your own condition and treatment along with your child’s, that is the only way forward. 19

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Differnces in the ADHD brain Structure . Function . Chemistry

Differences in the ADHD brain

Knowing that there are biological differences between the adhd compared to the non-adhd brain is crucial to address and feels validating. There are crucial differences structurally, functionally, and chemistry wise. There are multiple studies and research work done for the same.

FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCE Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Positron emission tomography (PET), Single-photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) are a few brain imaging techniques that help scientists and researchers study the ADHD brain. There are differences in the blood flow in various areas of the brain, including decreased blood flow to certain prefrontal areas, which indicates decreased brain activity. These are the areas that are responsible for executive functions including things like planning, organising, decision making, paying attention, and emotional reactions. One study published in 2010 stated that kids with ADHD don’t have the same connection between the frontal cortex and the visual processing area, thereby, information is processed differently than a non-ADHD brain.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCE Research has shown clear structural differences in the ADHD brain. The largest review of ADHD patient brain scans was carried out at Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre and was published in 2018. The ADHD brain is 3% smaller in size, although the size of our brain does not affect the intelligibility of a person. There’s smaller brain volume in five subcortical areas. Another interesting finding was that the amygdala and hippocampus are smaller in the brains of people with ADHD. These areas are responsible for emotional processing and impulsivity and had previously not been definitively connected to ADHD.

DIFFERENT CHEMISTRY The key neurotransmitters for ADHD are dopamine and noradrenaline. There is dysregulation of the dopamine system, i.e, there’s either too little dopamine, or not enough receptors for it, or the dopamine is not being used efficiently. Dopamine is closely associated with reward centres in the brain, and helps regulate mood.

4 WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Parenting a child with ADHD is undoubtedly a tougher form and role of parenting than traditional parenting. You, as a parent, have to start with recognising that the child is not being tough on purpose. As we’ve discussed right before, children with ADHD have biological differences in their brains, which is not to say that they’re any less sharp, but there’s legit reasons behind their impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. There is no follow-for-all treatment, you have to get your child diagnosed to identify the type of ADHD and the severity of symptoms and then start with the professional treatment/ medication and alteration in your own behaviour and parenting style.

Do’s and Dont’s

For instance, teens with ADHD may indulge in risky impulsive behaviour like unsafe sex, alcohol or drug abuse, rash driving, and may with time develop a lower self esteem. A lot of this can be taken care of including a positive social, personal, and academic life. Children with ADHD are not headed for failure. There are multiple famous actors, singers, and public figures that have had ADHD and still continue to deal with the symptoms, having built whatever they’ve built. This is not to promote the idea of a tortured artist, or for the child to have more pressure growing up because they’re supposed to be creative, but to say that you can still live a full, happy life with ADHD.

T E G O T W O H D E T R A T S

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Learn all you can about ADHD: There’s an insane amount of information about ADHD on the Internet, but it’s up to you to identify accurate from inaccurate. Do not be fooled by any ad’s or social media therapists that claim to “cure ADHD”. There is currently no cure for ADHD. The symptoms can be made manageable with a prescribed treatment. Pay attention to the source of information. Use educational websites (those that end in .edu) or government websites if you’re browsing on the Internet. Look at the citations in articles and research papers. Follow professionals that are qualified and have proof for it. A comprehensive assessment: There is no one test for ADHD. Make sure that you get a comprehensive assessment that includes medical, educational, and physical evaluations (involving input from your kid’s teachers/guardians). Make sure that other disorders such as mood disorders like depression, anxiety, or other learning disorders that have similar symptoms or often occur with ADHD are considered and ruled out.

Do’s and Dont’s

Don’t waste your limited time and energy on self-blame:

You’re not a bad or a careless parent, you’re taking out the time to research about it as much as possible, you’re reading manuals, and hopefully consulting a professional. You’re doing the most you can. In this situation especially, you as a parent, should provide your child with a stable, safe, happy environment at home. That can play a huge role in worsening or making the symptoms better.

Lend a non-judgemental ear:

You can do unlimited amounts of research, consult teachers, and physicians, and doctors, and know the most you can about the disorder, but it’s important to consider (if you don’t have ADHD) - that your child is the one going through it. They’re in the most important, developmental phase in their lives - their home base. You can only try to imagine what they’re going through, and even if you can’t fully comprehend it - listen to your child. No judgments, no “fixing” for a bit. Just lending an ear, and if needed, a shoulder. There’s no need to pity your child, just empathise with their struggle, without preconceived notions.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Treatment Options Preparing for appointment Behavioural Therapy Medication

Treatment Options There is not fit-for-all treatment or a certified cure for ADHD (because there is no proven cure, only better management of symptoms.) You’re going to need a specific treatment plan made for your child’s specific needs. It may take some time to identify a proper course of treatment, and what works and what doesn’t, but consistency and modification is important at every step of the way.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT : Once you’ve taken your child to your family doctor or a general pediatrician, depending on the results of the evaluation you will be referred to a specialist, such as a developmental behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or a pediatric neurologist.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

- Make a list of the symptoms and difficulties your child has at home or at school. - Include key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. - Make a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements that your child is taking and the dosages. - Bring any past evaluations and results of formal testing, if you have them, and school report cards. - Make a list of questions to ask your child’s doctor.

Questions to ask your child’s doctor : - Other than ADHD, what are possible causes for my child’s symptoms? - What kinds of tests does my child need? - What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? - What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you’re suggesting? - My child has other health problems. How can I best manage these conditions together? - Should my child see a specialist? - Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing for my child? - What types of side effects can we expect from the medication? - Are there any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend? 30

Treatment Options

Be ready to answer questions your doctor may ask, such as: • When did you first notice your child’s behavior issues? • Do the troubling behaviors occur all the time or only in certain situations? • How severe are your child’s difficulties at home and at school? • What, if anything, appears to worsen your child’s behavior? • What, if anything, seems to improve your child’s behavior? • Does your child consume caffeine? How much? • What are your child’s sleep hours and patterns? • How is your child’s current and past academic performance? • Does your child read at home? Does he or she have trouble reading? • What discipline methods have you used at home? Which ones are effective? • Describe who lives at home and a typical daily routine. • Describe your child’s social relationships at home and at school.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions anytime you don’t understand something. Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

ADHD BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

Treatment Options

Behavioral therapy for kids can help them reinforce positive behaviors and patterns, which in turn can help them cope with the symptoms of ADHD. Behavioral therapy is not play therapy, or psychotherapy, it focuses on actions, not emotions. Doctors recommend starting with behavioral therapy as soon as the child is diagnosed with ADHD. Studies show that it works as well as medication in children below the age of six. However, if the symptoms don’t seem to be getting better, or are not mild, a combination of the two is recommended. While medicines work on a neurological level, behavioral therapy addresses specific problems by structuring time at home, creating predictability, and routine, and increasing positive attention. This might seem like a huge change if you feel like you have to remind your child every few minutes to focus, this is why it is important to narrow down your focus.Focus on one thing at a time rather than trying to “fix” everything at once because that might frustrate the child even more. Focus on what is immediate and urgent, something necessary. The behavior plan need not be intimidating. There should be three components: a narrow focus on essentials, manageable documentation, and noting down and rewarding improvement.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

The goal of behavioral therapy is to replace negative behaviors with positive ones. This is done by teaching strategies to improve executive functioning. It does not alter the actual symptoms of ADHD, because it can’t change how the ADHD brain works. However, it can teach kids skills to improve their social, personal, family, and school life. Behavioral therapy requires the whole family to be involved in the process. It’s aimed at changing a person’s actions and reinforcing positive behaviors for positive outcomes, to increase the likelihood of positive behaviors. This effort from parents is non negotiable because the way a child’s negative actions are responded to in the family help make or break the negative behaviors and patterns.

Treatment Options

If the parents also have ADHD they might respond to the negative behaviors in a way that reinforces these behaviors. That is why a therapist sits down with the whole family to come up with a plan. Now, in adults and children there are ways to eliminate bad habits and form better ones. Non-ADHD children also need these sets of rules and clear boundaries and consistent attention and consequences, so, naturally the need for this becomes even more with a child that has ADHD.

At your first appointment, you should sit down with the therapist to list down the goals and talk about the behaviors that are the most challenging. The plan should involve setting up a system of consequences and rewards in your home. The therapist will help your child select rewards that motivate them. For example, if your child has a hard time sitting still for homework, you could give them a time period which earns them one point if they manage to sit still, say for half an hour and genuinely do the work. For every five points, they get 5 more minutes for their favourite activity. It’s important that they’re not punished or shamed for not being able to complete the task, as losing a point IS the consequence. The improvements, or difficulties can then be discussed with the therapist and you can take it from there.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

“Is it working though The chart you and your therapist make is a good way to look at the efficacy of the treatment. If your child is doing better than earlier, earning more reward points, is doing better in school, and is struggling less, has more confidence, that is a good sign. The system can be modified if your child is not making progress. If they’re not completing tasks, seem more distressed, or the behavior seems to be getting more troubling than usual, then you can also introduce negative consequences, like subtracting a point.

”

Although, remember that this should all be done under the guidance of your therapist. Keep in mind that behavioral therapy also doesn’t “fix” or “cure” ADHD. Your child will still have it even when the treatment has come to a close. However, they’ll have better tools to manage their symptoms and channel their energies and attention into good, rewarding things. Treatment in childhood reduces the risk of the child carrying all the destructive, risky behavior into adulthood. Instead, they will carry the skills that have helped them be good so far, which makes for the hope for a weller, fuller life. 36

Treatment Options

Medication for ADHD There is very very limited medical advice here because you should consult a specialist for the need of it, and for the follow up. Do not follow the advice regarding medicines you see online. Most of the stimulant and non-stimulant medicines have side effects, and are often used at different stages of therapy according to the child’s specific needs.

Studies show that about 80% of children with ADHD improve a great deal when treated with stimulants, once the right medication and dosage is determined. Two forms of stimulants that are available are: • Immediate release (short-acting) medication : • Taken every 4 hours, when needed • Cheapest of medications • Extended-release medications (intermediate-acting and long-acting) medications : • Usually taken once in the morning • Avoid taking at or after school • No chewing or crushing the capsules

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

“What can I do at home?”

Home treatment/remedies Every child experiences different symptoms of ADHD and they show up in different intensities, so, there is no fit-for-all technique, but there are some things you can do at home to provide your child with a safer, more relaxed, and easy environment. They say that you’re a product of your environment, so create an environment that fosters growth, an environment that is loving and kind.

Love your child in a language they understand.

Show your children lots of affection. Most of our emotional and behavioral patterns are molded and set in childhood. It is important to foster an environment where the children feel seen and loved. Loved, not despite being seen, but because of being seen. It is easy to get frustrated or worried and you might think that it’s only fair to act out sometimes. The key is not only to manage your own emotions, but to avoid being frustrated in the first place. Focus on the good in your child too. Provide them with what they like, sometimes that means advice, sometimes it’s a lending ear, and sometimes it’s physical affection.

Identify tough situations.

Try to avoid situations that could trigger your child. For instance, sitting through long presentations, standing in long, crowded waiting lines at the cinema or in malls.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Boost self esteem Some are nerdy, some are more naughty; some love math, some love art. It is important for you to make your child try out different things to identify what they enjoy doing, something that doesn’t necessarily feel like a “betterment program” game. Encourage them to do more of what they’re good at to boost confidence and self esteem.

Give clear and concise directions.

Give your child one direction at a time. One thing to do, nothing else to do, nowhere else to be. Speak softly and clearly while maintaining eye contact. It’s also important for the family to have/ establish similar values and needs from the child, so they’re not always caught between two places.

Use timeouts and appropriate consequences

Use timeouts when you feel like your child is acting out. Time outs shouldn’t be strenuous or incredibly long, just enough for your child to calm down and regain control. The idea is to interrupt and diffuse out of control behavior. 40

Home treatment/remedies

Organisation is the key. Help your child organise and maintain a daily activity notebook or chart, help them declutter and keep their environment organised and minimal. Be sure to give them a quiet place to study.

Create predictability and routine

Children with ADHD have a hard time accepting and adjusting to change. Create predictable healthy routines, and mark out the special activities in the calendar that are coming up. Let them know in advance of any transitions in their daily routine. A proper time for sleep, and exercise is also a must. Sleeping patterns play an important role in keeping the child healthy and well rested. Fatigue makes ADHD symptoms worse. Make sure to give your child healthy nutritious meals.

Encourage social interaction

Help your child socialise with kids their age by modelling, recognising and rewarding positive interactions with peers. Remember, show, don’t tell. Practice good behavior with and around them, and tell them why it is important.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

DI E T for ADHD 42

Diet for ADHD

Does an ADHD diet work? Yes, following a protein-rich diet with the required vitamins can control the symptoms as long as you avoid sugars, artificial flavours, and common allergens. However, ADHD is NOT caused by nutritional deficiencies, so it cannot “cure” the symptoms either. Although researchers suggest that certain food groups/items can affect the symptoms. Listed below are a few things you can improve in your child’s diet and in your own. Research has concluded that these nutritional groups have shown significant improvement in mood and health.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

- A high protein diet : Protein rich foods such as - lean beef, poultry, pork, fish, eggs, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products help the brain make neurotransmitters (chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other), and prevent surges in blood sugar.

Combining proteins with complex carbs that are high in fiber and low in sugar will help with managing symptoms. If you eat a breakfast like that, the blood sugar rises quickly, making you and your child hypoglycemic, irritable and stressed out by mid-morning.

Make sure that breakfast and lunch meals are high in protein, complex carbs, and fiber like oatmeal with a glass of milk, peanut butter on whole grain bread. The sugars from these sources are processed more slowly, so there’s a sustained blood sugar release.

Diet for ADHD

- More zinc, iron, and magnesium : Zinc regulates the neurotransmitter ‘dopamine’. Low levels of zinc correlate with inattentiveness. Low iron levels correlate with cognitive deficits. Magnesium is also used to make neurotransmitters involved in attention and concentration. All three minerals are found in lean meats, poultry, seafood, soy, nuts and fortified cereals, however, multivitamins are your best bet. Consult with your pediatrician before introducing these in your child’s diet.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Cut back on chemicals : The European Union requires a warning label with additives : “This food may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” Cheese puffs, candy, cereals like Fruit Loops and Lucky charms are some examples of foods containing artificial colors and preservatives. Unprocessed foods are your best bet. Substitute 100-percent fruit juice for soft drinks and punches.

More omega 3 fatty acids : Omega-3s are essential fats important for normal brain function. “Essential” because our body must get them from the foods we consume; our bodies cannot make them. Children with ADHD have lower blood levels of omega-3s than non-adhd children. Omega-3 supplements have shown a drastic change in the symptoms of children. The time for that to happen varies from child to child. The dosage can be discussed with your pediatrician. You can opt for any form - capsules, liquid and chewable form. You can try mixing the liquid in smoothies, and juices.

ADHD & SLEEP

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, even moderate sleep deprivation - lesser than even an hour per night - can affect the academic performance of kids with ADHD. Yet, ADHD and the medication used for treatment is known to disturb sleep patterns - making it hard for the child to fall asleep and stay asleep.

- Set schedule : Make sure you and your children go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday - even on weekends. Letting them stay up on weekends will only disrupt their sleep schedule and cycle, in turn making their weekdays harder. If they are still fighting fatigue, increase their sleep time a little. Remember, younger children need more sleep than older children.

-Remove sources of stimulation : Turn off the computer, TV, and any other electronic gadgets one hour before bed. Make this time peaceful - no arguments or rough play.

-Use a reward system : Give children tokens, stars, or stickers that can be traded for small rewards, like ten more minutes doing their favourite activity, or their choice of song during a car ride.

ADHD & Sleep

- Gentle mornings : A harsh “bugle call” approach can ruin the whole day for your child. Try gentle action, such as opening the blinds, playing soft music.

-Build a morning routine : Building a calm and structured morning routine can be a great help. Keep in mind to not rush through the activities, set the right tone for the day. Set reasonable time for each activity.

- Back to bed : Even with all the aforementioned steps, some children might get up to look for a parent. Do not indulge in any activity, argument, threatening, or lecturing, and instead put them to bed calmly.

- Consider melatonin : Melatonin helps regulate sleep cycle, provide a more restful sleep without interruptions. Although consider your doctor before, and discuss the best time for the dose.

ADHD in kids : A guide for parents ADHD

Why can’t your child remember things - Working memory deficit - And what to do?

ADHD & working memory

Does your child have a hard time keeping one bit of information in mind while doing something else? For example, they go to the room to get something and forget what it was, or if you’re cooking together and you ask them to do something - they get distracted with something seemingly small and forget about the task at hand. Performing simple math in our head, remembering what one just read, are a few more examples. Working memory refers to how we hold on to and work with the soft-term information. The mechanisms help us maintain a train of thought. Working memory affects learning and processing information. Some kids have a bigger notepad (WM) than other kids, but what’s important is the kind of information you put in that space, even if it is limited. That being said, working memory doesn’t affect overall intelligence. In the past, the term working memory was used interchangeably as ‘short term memory’. So, it is important to keep their working memory free, as a lot of mental strength goes into trying to concentrate, to sit still.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

ADHD & working memory

- Encourage active reading : Sticky notes and highlighters are so popular for a reason. Jotting things down, and underlining and highlighting texts can help in keeping the information for long enough in mind. Talking out loud, asking questions can help with working memory and even with long-term memory.

- Involve all senses, create an experience :

- Memory aids : Children should be encouraged to take notes, ask questions if they feel lost, and use visual cues and aids to their advantage. Sticky notes, and using them at the same place everyday is a good place to start with.

Using multiple senses to process information can help big time. Write down tasks, say them out loud, leave visual cues around the house, you can even set up alarms for tasks with time limits.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

- Try games that include visual memory : Try things like giving them a magazine or a newspaper with the goal of circling all the a’s and the’s. You can even try number plate games, where you turn wise, look at the number, memorise it and then say it out loud.

- Smaller information chunks :

- Help establish connection : Help your child form associations that connect different things to make them more memorable. One way to grab interest is mnemonics. For example, teachers and parents make children learn about months and the days in each month by referring to knuckles. You can easily find a whole dictionary and common ways to do this online. This can help with forming and retrieving long-term memory. Memory boosting tricks and games can also help with executive functioning skills.

There’s a reason why phone numbers and social security numbers have hyphens in them. It’s easier to remember small groups of numbers rather than the whole thing. You can use graphic organisers, and write down one piece of information/task at once.

Improving Productivity

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Kids with ADHD can become adults with good systems and habits that work from them. Now, most adults who don’t have ADHD also have to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t when it comes to productivity, managing expectations, managing emotions, making good decisions, not being caught into repetitive patterns. This is to say that your child might actually have an advantage over other people their age if their disorder is identified in time, and is taken care of, given consistent emotion. Most parents don’t have to teach their children things like executive planning - not at least in grave detail. If we form healthy systems in childhood, they will most likely work for your child in the distant future too. Besides what we suggest you could also work on setting these systems with your child’s psychologist/therapist.

Improving productivity

1. Pomodoro technique : With the traditional pomodoro technique, you set the timer to 25 minutes, and then you take a break for 5 minutes. After 4 pomodoro’s you can take a longer break, like 25-30 minutes. Now these time blasts vary and have to be adjusted according to the child’s ability and age. For instance, you can give your child a 10-15 minute time blast with a 5 minute break for the first four pomodoros. This can be followed by rewards and consequences for the desired result. Again, remember to not be too harsh. 2. Use planners and checklists. Use colourful, playful planners and sit down with your child to plan their day - bit by bit, and stick it in a place where they can see it. Have fun with it. Try to make mundane tasks playful and interesting. You can also discuss a fun activity as a reward and mention that at the end of the list. Remember to include every detail like homework, bedtime, playtime, school time and do it with clarity. Try mentioning the time along. 3. Start the day with peace. Once basic morning rituals are done, sit down and meditate with your child. Meditation is said to thicken the prefrontal cortex that helps in executive functioning, along with increasing dopamine in the brain. Try to limit distractions during this time. There are multiple guided meditations available these days, make use of that. 4. Minimise distractions. When you give your child a task, make it a point that they follow up on the task and that you or a guardian is around to make sure they’re doing it. Try to keep the study area minimal, and effective, with little to no scope for distraction. If your child has a mobile phone, take it away for the time-being. 57

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

4. Fostering creativity. Find something your child likes doing. First things first, it’s not essential for a child with ADHD to be creative, but studies have suggested that some children with ADHD are more creative than their non-ADHD peers. This could be anything ranging from art, music, dance, theatre, or even sports. Encourage their hobby. Our passions fuel us and make us feel satisfied. If there is something in the world that your child doesn’t only do effortlessly, but that things also makes them happy and they’re consistent with it, it’s worth exploring! 5. Schedule a should-less day. Schedule a day for fun and for lighter activities. This doesn’t mean you go haywire or reckless, but to leave out some additional things that have scope to be done later, like homework. Ease out on the “you should/you have to do” xyz on this day. Have fun and spend quality time together. You and your child both need and deserve some rest. Camping and outdoor activities as such can be explored. 7. No multitasking. Children and even adults think they’re good at multitasking, and it’s easy for children with ADHD to jump from one thing to another which might lead them to try multitasking, and that’s counterproductive because we’re already trying to treat hyperactivity and attentiveness. Set an example, don’t do it yourself either.

COPING AND SUPPORT

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

It can be challenging for the whole family to care for a child with ADHD. The whole family may be hurt by the child’s behavior, and the way people respond to it. Marital discord, and family problems might arise, along with the additional need for financial resources. Siblings of the child might also find it challenging to cope with the symptoms of another child that they don’t understand well, and might find it hurtful to receive lesser care and attention. This is why it is important for you as a parent to find some peace for yourself and your family in your given situation. You and your family can find resources such as social services or support groups. They can often provide helpful information for coping with ADHD, along with their personal strategies and personal experiences about what worked for them and what didn’t.

Coping and Support

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

Be realistic in your expectations for improvement — both your own and your child’s. Set small, attainable goals for yourself and your children, and take out the time to celebrate small victories. Don’t try to make a lot of changes happen at once.

Stay calm and set a good example for your child. Children pick up on behaviour. Try to remain patient and forgiving even when your child seems out of control. Learning stress management techniques might be helpful to deal with your own frustration, and in dealing with the child. Remember, children pick up more on what they see, than what they hear. Practice what you preach.

Enjoy some quality time with your child, without distractions and without the presence of other children or adults. Take out the time to do something you both enjoy. Try to accept and appreciate the parts of your child’s personality that aren’t so difficult. Try to give them more positive attention each day than negative.

Improving productivity

Give yourself a break every now and then. You will need to rest, before going forward, every step of the way. You’re very closely involved in your child’s recovery, and recovery and rest go hand-inhand. Don’t hesitate to ask relatives or friends for help, making sure they know about the condition, and ways to deal.

Strive for healthy relationships in the family. It is important to create a healthy environment for your child. It is important for couples to nurture their relationship so they can become better, more attentive as parents.

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

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Forgive your child and yourself nightly. You didn’t ask to live with the effects of ADHD any more than did your child. –Martin L. Kutscher

ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

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ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

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ADHD ADH D in kids : A guide for parents

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