It’s not easy being a parent, especially when you have to deal with the unique challenges of having a child with ADHD. We understand your concerns and are here to help you by providing an overview on this complex disorder. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs of ADHD in children, potential causes and triggers, and how to get support for children with ADHD to help them live their best life. With proper understanding and intervention strategies, you can equip yourself with the tools you need for successful parenting!

What Is ADHD in Children?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention that can significantly impair a child’s ability to function in everyday life.

It is important to note that ADHD is not a result of poor parenting or lack of discipline; it is a legitimate medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition and intervention are crucial in managing ADHD in children and helping them reach their full potential.

Different Types of ADHD in Children

There are three different subtypes of ADHD in children. Primarily Inattentive (ADHD-PI), Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive (ADHD-HI), and Combination (ADHD-C).

Primarily Inattentive (ADHD-PI): Children with this subtype often struggle to pay attention, follow through on tasks, and stay organized. They may also appear “spacey” or daydreamy and have a hard time staying focused on conversations. While ADHD-PI can be a challenge, with the right interventions and support, children with this subtype can thrive.

Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive (ADHD-HI): This subtype is characterized by intense hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsiveness, and difficulty waiting for their turn. These children may also have trouble sitting still, fidget excessively, talk excessively, or interrupt others, and may be extremely impatient.

Combination (ADHD-C): This type of ADHD is characterized by symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Children with ADHD-C may have difficulty paying attention in school, as well as difficulty regulating their behaviour in social situations.

What Causes ADHD in Children?

While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. The following factors may play a role in the development of ADHD:

Genetics
Brain structure and function
Prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco
Exposure to lead
Exposure to environmental toxins
Poor nutrition
Sleep problems
Trauma or stressful events

The Impact of ADHD on Children

While ADHD can manifest itself differently in each child, ADHD can impact a child’s social and academic development if left unaddressed.

Academic Performance: ADHD can lead to a lower academic performance, missed assignments, and a lack of focus during lectures.

Social Interactions: Socially, children with ADHD may have difficulty in managing their emotions, engaging in conversations, and making friends.

Emotional Well-Being: ADHD can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and a sense of failure. As a result, children with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence: Children with ADHD may struggle to make friends or feel inadequate among their peers. This can lead to a lower sense of self-worth and increased emotional distress.

Executive Functioning Skills: Children with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning skills, such as organization, time management, and problem-solving.

Behaviour and Discipline: ADHD can affect a child’s behaviour, leading to impulsive actions, difficulty following rules, and challenges with self-control.

How Can Therapy and Counselling Help with ADHD in Children?

Fortunately, ADHD therapy and counselling can be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One form of ADHD counselling is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on developing coping strategies and self-regulation skills. CBT helps children improve their problem-solving skills, manage their emotions, and adjust to changes.

Play Therapy: Play therapy uses creative play to help children express their feelings, improve their communication skills, and develop healthy coping strategies. Play therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD as it provides a safe, non-judgmental space where they can explore and make sense of their emotions. Through play, children can learn to regulate their energy levels and improve their attention span, which are key components of managing ADHD.

Social Skills Training: Social skills training can help kids with ADHD improve their social interactions and build strong relationships with their peers. Through structured activities and guided therapy with a child therapist in Burlington, children can learn how to develop better communication skills, practice empathy and active listening, and gain a greater understanding of social cues and norms.

Family Therapy and Counselling: Another effective approach is family therapy and counselling, where the ADHD therapist works with the family as a whole to improve communication, understanding, and support. By strengthening family dynamics and relationships, children with ADHD can feel more secure, validated, and confident. It can also help parents and siblings learn new coping strategies and ways to support their loved one with ADHD, creating a more positive and supportive home environment.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: By practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, children can improve their focus and gain better control over their emotions. This can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD, who often struggle to regulate their thoughts and feelings.

Get a Free Consultation with an ADHD Therapist Now

By working with a child therapist in Burlington who specialized in ADHD in children, children with ADHD can learn to overcome their symptoms and reach their full potential.

Family Matters Centre is dedicated to helping children with ADHD receive the support they need through individual and group therapy for ADHD. Through such therapy with our qualified psychotherapists, children can learn coping mechanisms and strategies for managing their symptoms, leading to improved self-esteem and overall quality of life.

If you’re a parent looking for an ADHD therapist for children in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

Are you a parent of a child with ADHD? If so, you know all too well how it can impact your daughter or son’s ability to function in school and social activities. Trying to figure out how best to help your child can be an overwhelming and challenging task, especially when the advice seems to contradict itself at times. Luckily, we’re here to offer insight into what works best for supporting children with ADHD. Keep reading!

Do’s for Coping with ADHD in Children

With the right approach, children facing ADHD are capable of achieving success in their education, relationships, and life overall. Here are some do’s for coping with ADHD in children.

Educate Yourself about ADHD

Once you have received a diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to educate yourself about the condition. Learning about ADHD in children will help you to better understand your child’s symptoms and how to best manage them. There are many excellent resources available on the internet and from local support groups.

Create a Supportive Home Environment

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for children with ADHD. Having structure and routine in the home can help to minimize chaos and provide a sense of predictability. It is also important to create an environment that is conducive to focus and concentration, such as having a designated space for homework and limiting distractions during homework time.

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Children with ADHD often benefit from healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Exercise can help to improve focus and concentration, while a healthy diet can help to regulate energy levels and mood swings. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits can also help to prevent obesity, which is common in children with ADHD.

Encourage Positive Behaviour

It is important to encourage positive behaviour in children with ADHD. This can be done by providing praise and reinforcement when they display desired behaviours. It is also important to avoid punishment or criticism when children with ADHD make mistakes, as this can further undermine their self-esteem and sense of competency.

Get Professional Help

Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through can be invaluable during difficult times. This support can come from family, friends, support groups, or online forums. You can also talk to a child therapists in Hamilton. Search for individual counselling sessions for ADHD as well as group therapy sessions nearby such as the ones offered at Family Matters Centre (Temper Temper, Chill Out, and Mindfulness Magic).

Don’ts for Dealing with ADHD in Children

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that their child will eventually outgrow their ADHD or that it’s not a big deal. However, ignoring the problem can make it worse. Here are some don’ts when dealing with ADHD in children.

Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once

When you’re trying to manage ADHD in children, it’s important to take things one step at a time. Trying to do too many things at once can be overwhelming and will likely lead to frustration for both you and your child. Instead, focus on one task at a time and break it down into smaller steps that your child can easily follow.

Don’t Get Angry

It’s important to stay calm when dealing with ADHD in children, as getting angry will only make the situation worse. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that your child is not acting out intentionally, and getting angry will only make it more difficult to manage the situation.

Don’t Compare Your Child to Others

ADHD can be a difficult condition to deal with, but it’s important to remember that every child is different. Comparing your child to other children who don’t have ADHD will only make them feel worse about themselves. Instead, focus on your child’s individual strengths and accomplishments, and celebrate their successes no matter how small they may seem.

Don’t Neglect Your Own Needs

Caring for a child with ADHD can be demanding, and it’s important that you take care of yourself as well. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes to relax or read a book. Taking care of yourself will help you be better able to care for
your child.

Choose Family Matters Centre for Counselling for ADHD in Children

The journey of raising a child with ADHD can be a daunting one. As a parent, you want to provide your child with the best possible care and support. That’s where Family Matters Centre comes in. Our team of experienced psychotherapists in the Hamilton area specialize in working with children with ADHD and can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.

We offer evidence-based interventions that focus on teaching coping strategies, enhancing executive functioning skills, and developing social emotional awareness. By choosing Family Matters Centre, you can rest assured that your child will receive the highest quality treatment for
their ADHD, empowering them to reach their full potential.

If you are interested in learning more about our ADHD therapy for children in the Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Causes, and Therapy Options