How Autistic Meltdowns Differ From Ordinary Temper Tantrums
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly abbreviated as ADHD, is estimated to affect 5% of children, although many more are likely to go untreated. ADHD typically manifests as a behavioural problem, which means that some of the most prevalent ADHD symptoms are usually attributed to inappropriate behaviour instead of side effects of a complicated neurological illness.
Children with ADHD may show challenging behaviours that cause problems at home and school, but misjudging such behaviours as outbursts and misbehaviour can worsen the symptoms, particularly in untreated children.
Children with ADHD, like any other neurotypical youngster, may misbehave and require discipline. When they don’t receive what they want, they may throw tantrums like normal youngsters. However, most of their more negative behaviours are frequently caused by their disease and its fundamental symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
It is critical to recognise ADHD symptoms in children so they can be encouraged and given the appropriate tools and allowances to manage their illness and thrive – without the risk of being constantly criticised and told off. Acknowledging how ADHD impacts children can go a long way toward assisting their growth and preventing mental damage from being told they’re horrible kids.
What is the impact of ADHD on children?
The way ADHD affects a youngster varies from person to person. However, inattentiveness and hyperactivity are the two most common behavioural difficulties associated with ADHD. Some children are simultaneously affected by both types of difficulties, while others are only affected by one. Inattention is considered to affect approximately 30% of people with ADHD, which is why the condition was previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD). It is now appropriately known as primarily inattentive ADHD.
As the symptoms aren’t usually as visible, this type of ADHD (exhibiting less or no hyperactive symptoms) goes undetected more often. For example, it has been discovered that girls are more likely to suffer from mostly inattentive ADHD and, as a result, present with less visible hyperactivity-based symptoms. This could explain why more boys are diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in adolescence and childhood are not always clear-cut or clearly defined, particularly in children of high intellect who live in well-structured home and school situations. Keeping that in mind, below are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in children.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is a subtype of ADHD that some children may have in addition to or instead of inattentiveness (combined ADHD). Hyperactivity symptoms can have long-term consequences and make it difficult for kids to function in school and social contexts, as well as have an impact on discipline.
Hyperactivity can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including:
- Moving around a lot and fidgeting, even though some research shows that children with ADHD may use fidgeting to stay focused on tasks.
- Poor concentration abilities
- Talking a lot, frequently interrupting others in conversations, and finding it difficult to take turns speaking
- Having a heightened perception of risk
- Patience concerns, such as being unable to wait for their turn
Impulsiveness
We all experience impulsive behaviour from time to time (for example, resisting the urge to touch a bench with a ‘wet paint’ sign on it), but for youngsters with ADHD, resisting their urges might feel nearly impossible. Self-control is a skill that generally develops at the age of five or six but can develop later in children with ADHD.
More than acting on impulsive thoughts, impulsiveness can lead to behavioural problems. In such instances, a behaviour therapist can be consulted. In addition, as your child gets older and enters their adolescent years, they may take more chances than their friends, leading to them getting into risky situations due to impulsiveness.
Difficulty in listening
Another main symptom of ADHD in youngsters is difficulty listening. Due to inattention and hyperactivity, your child may find it challenging to sit and listen to what you’re saying. This is also true at school, where they may struggle to sit for lengthy periods and listen to their teacher.
It can be difficult for them to make friends socially since they may find it difficult to listen to other kids and may interrupt them in talks. Still, therapy is available to ensure your child thrives socially and intellectually.
Inattention
Inattention is a common symptom of ADHD that makes it difficult for children to concentrate on their tasks. Because children have shorter attention spans than adults, it is natural for your child to become distracted and have difficulty focusing more rapidly than you would. As we age, our attention spans lengthen, making it easier to filter out distractions.
If your child has difficulty paying attention and becomes frequently distracted, to the point that they rarely complete their job, this could indicate ADHD. It’s possible that they start a task, get sidetracked by something else halfway through, and then forget to return to the original work.
ADHD Treatment for Children
Treatment options for ADHD in children can vary from the ones for adults. Some of the common options are:
Behavioural therapy
Behavioural therapyis typically prescribed for preschool-aged children. If necessary, medications are occasionally added. A stimulant medication is an effective treatment for most school-aged children with ADHD. If necessary, behavioural therapy and counselling are added.
Parents or guardians who want their school-aged kid to avoid medication should collaborate with the child’s doctor or nurse. While employing behavioural therapy alone is reasonable, it may not work as effectively as drugs alone.
AAP ( The American Academy of Pediatrics) advises combining pharmaceutical treatment with behaviour therapy for children aged 6 and up. Several forms of behavioural therapy, including:
- Parent training in behaviour management
- Behavioural interventions in the classroom
- Peer interventions that focus on conduct
- Organisational skills training
Depending on the requirements of the individual kid and family, these treatments are typically most effective when used simultaneously.
Medication
Medication can help youngsters regulate their ADHD symptoms in their daily lives and reduce the behaviours that cause problems with family, friends, and school. Several drugs are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in children as young as six years old:
The most well-known and extensively used ADHD treatments are stimulants. When these fast-acting drugs are used, 70-80% of children with ADHD experience fewer symptoms.
In 2003, non-stimulants were approved for the treatment of ADHD. They are not as fast-acting as stimulants, but their effects can last up to 24 hours.
Medications can have varying impacts on children and might cause adverse effects such as lack of appetite or difficulty sleeping. In addition, one drug may work well for some kids, but not the other.
Consult Dr Arif Khan for optimal treatment
Dr Arif Khan is a renowned specialist in Treating Children with autism, ADHD, epilepsy, cerebral Palsy and other Neurodevelopmental disorders. With extensive expertise in the domain, Dr Arif Khan can guide you down the right path to deal with ADHD in children. Book your consultation today!