Characteristics of ADHD Children & How to Help Them

ADHD is a neurological disorder involving a deficiency in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which plays an important role in mental alertness and attention span. Children with ADHD typically struggle with organizational skills, are easily distracted and have trouble controlling impulses or waiting their turn.

Positive Traits

• Kids with ADHD often show great creativity and flexibility in their thinking. Being easily distracted means they are highly aware of what's going on around them. Their high levels of energy often lead to great enthusiasm and may even make them great entertainers. Even though they are usually inattentive, they can become hyper-focused when faced with tasks or subject matter that interest them. The trick is to discover what those activities are.

Good Nutrition

• A growing body of research is connecting what we eat to how we feel, think and behave. Children with ADHD need to take advantage of this research and consume the brain-boosting foods that can help counteract their symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD in children, according to Better Nutrition. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, walnuts and flax meal, but supplements may be a more reliable daily source. Consuming plenty of antioxidants will increase blood flow throughout the body and to the brain. Adequate iron intake ensures blood will be oxygen-rich. Additionally, vitamin C may help regulate dopamine levels in the brain, according to Exceptional Parent.

Organizational Skills

• Organizational skills may be key to the success of the ADHD child who usually has many ideas, going in many different directions, for each topic or task he encounters. Teach him to make a plan and to stick to it no matter how many other ideas occur to him. Graphic organizers can help the child with ADHD plan an approach and sort ideas. Encourage him to save other ideas for another project.

Exercise

• Exceptional Parent magazine recommends using exercise to help cope with ADHD. Physical exercise can refresh a tired mind and increase mental focus. Make sure your child is getting enough exercise and that she is not being pulled from recess or gym to work on other issues.

Doodling

• Doodling while listening to something that bores you improves your comprehension, according to a study reported in Consumer Health News. A similar study, reported in Time, found that fidgeting actually helps kids with ADHD stay focused. Don't assume children are not listening or working just because they're squirming or standing. Forcing kids---especially kids with ADHD---to stay put may actually hinder learning, perhaps because focusing on staying still demands a good deal of some kids' attention.