How to Control Children With ADHD

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2006 roughly 4.5 million children between 5-17 years of age have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of ADHD include problems paying attention, controlling behavior and hyperactivity. Due to the nature of the illness, controlling children with ADHD can be difficult.There are techniques you can utilize, however, to make the task more manageable.

Instructions

• 1

  Explore a pharmaceutical approach. The most commonly prescribed medication to help control children suffering from ADHD is Ritalin. According to Dr. Alan Logan, Ritalin stimulates the inhibitory pathways that are responsible for reining in over-activity. Ritalin is approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The administration, however, has reported side effects. These include heart problems, psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices), and an increase in aggressive behavior.

• 2

  Control what your child eats. According to Dr. Alan Logan, several studies have shown that artificial colors, flavors and preservatives may enhance the symptoms associated with ADHD. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) have been shown to lesson the symptoms of ADHD in children. Dozens of books have been written concerning the relationship between diet and ADHD, including cook books designed specifically for children suffering from ADHD. Many of these books can be found via the link listed below.

• 3

  Teach your child impulse control. Children with ADHD lack impulse control. Impulse control establishes clear rules, such as having your child raise his hand before speaking, and rewards your child when he follows these rules. Teaching a child with ADHD impulse control can be a long and frustrating task. You may consider keeping a journal in which you monitor what techniques are working and what techniques are not working. This will help ease frustrations and keep you focused on doing only what works.

• 4

  Join a support group. Because ADHD affects roughly 4.5 million children, you are not alone. Parents and teachers can benefit from joining a support group. In a support group, parents and teachers can exchange ideas and resources, as well as discuss various techniques that worked to help control their children and those that did not. Moreover, a support group provides a safe space to vent some of your frustrations. There are numerous support groups across the United States, including online support groups like 'Daily Strength."