How to Heal ADHD

When a child acts out and has difficulties staying focused on tasks, people often think he may have ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, scientists are not sure what causes ADHD. They point out that normal childhood behaviors can be mistaken for ADHD, and no single test can diagnose a child as having ADHD. Still, once a specialist rules out any health or trauma issues, if the child displays excessive and long-term hyperactive and unfocused behavior, he may receive an ADHD diagnosis. While there is no cure, methods are available to treat or heal the symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Medicate your child. If you agree with the ADHD diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe one of many medications used to treat ADHD. The doctor will probably prescribe a stimulant, because they have a calming effect on ADHD-diagnosed children. Some possible medications are Adderall, Dexedrine and Ritalin.

• 2

  Analyze if the medication is working. Medications affect people differently. You and your doctor must carefully monitor any medication and its dosage.

• 3

  Place yourself and your child in psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can sometimes change a child's behavior. Often the child needs a more organized home with consistent rules accompanied by consistent punishments and rewards. They may need to learn homework and schoolwork skills. The therapist may teach basic social skills the child never learned such as waiting her turn, how to share or how to ask for help.

• 4

  Parents need to receive guidance. At this point, it doesn't matter if the parents were partially responsible for the ADHD type of behaviors or if they are only now responding negatively to the child because of bad feelings built up due to the ADHD behaviors. If there is negativity or any type of dysfunction in the home, parents need to learn training skills.

• 5

  Learn to be pleasant and relaxed with your child. Sometimes adults need to learn stress management techniques in order to relate calmly with their children. Parents need to positively guide their children. If schoolwork is frustrating your child, for example, show her how to take things one small step at a time, and when each step is completed, reward her. This will help her to develop a sense of accomplishment and good self-esteem.

• 6

  Establish a routine. Children do well with routines. This lessens some of the chaos, which can contribute to ADHD type of behaviors. Make a schedule for wake-up and bedtimes, meal times, homework, play times and times for chores. Follow the schedule as closely as possible.

• 7

  Keep your house clean and organized. This also minimizes chaos. Teach your child how to organize too, including his schoolwork.