Receiving a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for a family member can be a turning point. An ADHD diagnosis can shed light on a wide range of behaviors and challenges that may have previously seemed inexplicable. If you find yourself in this position, it’s normal to feel a mix of relief and apprehension: relief because there’s finally a name for what you’re dealing with and apprehension because, well, what comes next? Explaining ADHD to a child is not a straightforward task, so the more you know about the conditions, the more effective the explanation can be.
First, it’s important to understand that ADHD management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The condition has multifaceted origins, ranging from genetic predispositions to environmental factors, and therefore requires an individualized treatment approach. The American Psychological Association states there’s no “magic bullet” for treating ADHD; it often requires a multi-modal approach combining medication, behavioral therapy, lifestyle modifications, and educational interventions. But with a positive approach and proper management, there’s a lot that can be done to improve the quality of life of any person with ADHD.
How do I find the best person to manage my ADHD child’s unique needs?
So, who’s best suited to guide you through this complex process? Contrary to popular belief, the clinician who provided the ADHD diagnosis may not always be the ideal choice for ongoing care. Diagnosis and treatment are two distinct skill sets; while diagnosing ADHD may require a specialized focus on assessment, long-term treatment demands ongoing, consistent attention from the provider.
It’s important to find a clinician who is not just licensed to prescribe medications (this varies by state) but who also has significant experience with ADHD treatment. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, the best outcomes in ADHD treatment often result from comprehensive care involving medication and psychoeducational interventions.
How do you explain ADHD to a child who has just been diagnosed?
Having ‘the talk’ about ADHD with your newly diagnosed child is crucial but can be daunting. Aim for a more engaging conversation rather than turning it into a medical lecture. Try to initiate a dialogue by recalling challenges they’ve faced, framing it positively by stressing that there’s a clearer path forward. The idea isn’t to make grand promises but to convey a reassuring reality: You’re there for them, and this diagnosis is just a part of the journey, not the end of the road.
Which medication options are available for ADHD?
The primary purpose of medications for ADHD is to upgrade the brain’s messenger system. ADHD medications mainly focus on neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, facilitating better attention and impulse control. The most commonly prescribed drugs are stimulants, antidepressants, and sedatives. As long-term treatments, all of these may have some adverse side effects. This is especially the case for stimulants, which can cause addiction (especially in teenagers and young college-going adults), personality changes, raised blood pressure and rapid heart rate, anxiety and irritability, headaches, and stomach aches. Moreover, medications may alleviate symptoms but often fail to improve social interactions, a finding supported by multiple studies.
Can we consider treatment options for ADHD aside from stimulant medication?
Besides pharmaceutical intervention, various other strategies exist. Social skills training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and dietary modifications, like a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can offer supplementary benefits.
Proper brain chemistry can be supported with micronutrient supplements. Prescribed medication is not the only way to maintain control of the hormones that can cause ADHD. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids will help boost dopamine levels and other neurotransmitters. If a healthy diet is hard to implement because of picky eating or if maintaining the required input of omega-3 by eating natural sources (salmon, tuna, oysters, etc.) is too difficult or expensive, then adding the necessary brain food, along with supplements like Zoomind can be helpful.
Techniques like improved sleep hygiene can also significantly impact symptom management. Introducing Melatonin into daily medications brings an inducer of sleep that does not promote drowsiness but instead influences the timing of the sleep/wake cycle.
What comes after a diagnosis of ADHD to evaluate how well the treatments are working?
How do you know if the chosen treatment plan is effective? Monitoring what comes after a diagnosis of ADHD is key. Both children and adults should undergo regular assessments to ensure that medication or therapy delivers the expected benefits without causing harmful side effects.
How do you support your child in school?
In the context of schooling, it’s essential to be proactive. Providing the school with a formal diagnosis allows them to assess the child’s needs accurately.
Schools need to be able to determine whether there are other reasons why a child is struggling and not to confuse the symptoms with learning disabilities.
The following steps may be helpful:
- After submitting a copy of the diagnosis, consider formally requesting the school to evaluate the child for attention and learning difficulties. Ask if the school has trained personnel, such as a guidance counselor who has skills in performing such an evaluation, or offer to bring in outside help to perform it along with school staff. Such an evaluation will help the school understand the extent of a child’s difficulties, whether they can be helped by adjusting regular class routines, or whether the child needs specialized instructional support.
- Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with ADHD and learning disabilities or severe ADHD may be eligible for external services and support. The school is required to arrange an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for the child.
- Children with milder educational disabilities are entitled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to get accommodations in the classroom that will enable them to function as well as possible.
Conclusion
ADHD diagnosis is just the beginning. The path of what comes after a diagnosis of ADHD is intricate and demands a nuanced, multifaceted approach. Armed with informed choices and comprehensive care, progress is not just possible; it’s probable. So, as you stand at this crossroads, consider this a launching pad, not a dead-end. With a well-tailored plan and expert guidance, the sky’s the limit.
