Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is a disorder that often appears in early childhood. While the earliest most physicians will diagnose the condition at is around seven years of age, the symptoms can be present early. Most of the time these children are mislabeled as brats and troublemakers because they simply can’t control themselves. In reality, these kids simply can’t control themselves or they can’t seem to pay attention. There are a lot of myths surrounding this difficult condition.
ADHD Myths:
One of the myths of ADHD is that the kids could control themselves if they really want to. The problem with these kids is not that they don’t want to behave, they simply cannot control their impulses. They literally have little to no ability to stop themselves from fidgeting in their chair, controlling inappropriate outbursts, or from practically bouncing off the walls. Many of them try very hard to listen and behave, they just can’t.
Another myth is that all kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can’t pay attention. That is completely false. There are kids out there that can’t sit still to save their lives, but they’ve heard every single word you’ve said. Their attention is fine, they simply lack impulse control. Others may have a hard time focusing on something that bores them, but put a favorite activity or subject in front of them and they are completely engaged. It really depends on the child.
ADHD Diagnosis:
Not all children with this disorder are hyper. Just like not all kids have a hard time paying attention, there are some that hardly move a muscle. These kids often seem lazy and like to day dream a lot. They are the ones that have that have that dreamy look in their eyes when the teacher talks to the class, a sort of out of focus gaze. Not matter how hard these kids try, they simply can’t pay attention, but they never move out of their chair and disrupt the class. These are the harder ones to diagnose because they don’t cause trouble for the class, so the teachers don’t notice as quickly.
ADHD Treatments:
If you worry about your child having to take a bunch of pills in order to maintain their focus at school, you’ll be happy to know that the myth about medication being the only way to treat this disorder is wrong. There are many other ways to treat this disorder. Some kids work well with a change in diet. Others undergo behavior therapy to gain the ability to concentrate. Others use a combination including activities such as karate to help learn focus and discipline. The important part of any non-medicated plan is that there is support both at school and home.
ADHD is not something your child will magically grow out of. If your child’s teacher has concerns or you see any signs of impulse or attention control, speak to your child’s pediatrician. The sooner you get a diagnosis the sooner you and your child can start working to gain control of his ADHD.