Look inside for some tips on managing your child s ADHD as well as a list of online resources for further reading

ADHD HELPFUL TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH ADHD GOOD TO KNOW According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2011 data, approximately 11% of children aged 4-17 years in the United States have received a diagnosis of ADHD at any time in their lives. Look inside for some tips on managing your child s ADHD as well as a list of online resources for further reading

Your child with ADHD: FAQs answered and helpful tips provided What are the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? According to the DSM-V (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), ADHD is typically diagnosed as one of these 3 presentations: Inattentive only (formerly known as attention-deficit disorder) Hyperactive/Impulsive Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive How can I be sure that the symptoms my child has are really ADHD? In order to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, your pediatrician will use standard guidelines to assess your child s behavior and make an appropriate diagnosis. Only a health care provider should make the diagnosis of ADHD. Can the symptoms of ADHD change as one ages? Will my child grow out of it? The symptoms of ADHD can change as your child gets older, but they do not always go away. You should always check with your health care professional if you see any changes in behavior. Why do so many children have ADHD? ADHD is now one of the most common and most studied pediatric conditions. Due to greater awareness and better ways of diagnosing and treating this disorder, more children are being helped. Is there a cure for ADHD? At this time there is no scientifically proven cure for ADHD, and the cause is not fully known. Despite the cause of ADHD not being fully known, the proper medication and treatment plan can help manage the symptoms of ADHD, although it may not alleviate them altogether. What causes ADHD? Despite being one of the most studied conditions of childhood, the cause of ADHD remains unclear at this time. Can ADHD affect my child s peer/social relationships? The symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity may contribute to social difficulties. 2

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) provide important information for caregivers of children with ADHD. 3

Tips to help you and your child with ADHD*: Follow your child s treatment plan According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), medication and behavioral therapies may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity that may affect everyday scenarios at school, home, and in the community. Follow the treatment plan that your health care provider has established for your child to give him/her additional help with his/her ADHD symptoms. Stay in contact with your child s teacher Teachers can provide valuable insight into how your child is performing in the classroom. Ask the teacher to provide a weekly report on your child s behavior, learning patterns, and how ADHD symptoms may be affecting his/her progress. Build a routine and stick with it Take time to build a daily routine that will work for your family and discuss upcoming changes to the routine with your child. Use charts and checklists to track progress with homework or chores. Keep instructions brief and offer frequent, friendly reminders. Help your child control his or her behavior. As the child s primary caregivers, parents play a major role in behavior therapy. Parent training is available to help you learn more about ADHD and specific, positive ways to respond to ADHD-type behaviors. Ask your health care provider to help you find parent training, counseling, and support groups in your community. Tips for you as a caregiver: Take care of yourself. Support groups for families of people with ADHD and stress-management techniques may be beneficial. Ask your pediatrician for local recommendations Believe in your child and be patient; it takes time, so focus on goals, and continue to offer praise and positive reinforcement Keeping things in perspective and having a positive attitude may help * The tips listed above are limited. Talk to your health care provider about the best treatment approach for your child before implementing any of these tips. 4

Where can I find more information about ADHD and connect with other parents of children with ADHD? CHADD Your Go-to Guide for All Things ADHD Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) is a non-profit organization and leading resource for ADHD patients and caregivers. CHADD offers educational tool-kits, training resources, and blogs to help patients and caregivers manage and understand their ADHD. www.chadd.org ADDITUDE MAGAZINE A Community Periodical ADDitude Magazine is a print magazine with a sizeable digital presence. The website offers tips and resources for parents and patients. Check out the School & Learning section for strategies and information centered around education. www.additudemag.com AAP News and Resources for Pediatric Professionals The American Academy of Pediatrics is a broad resource for children s health that has published journals and research on ADHD. www.aap.org NIH A Resource Center With Detailed ADHD Information National Institutes of Health provides detailed information for patients diagnosed with ADHD and their caregivers. The NIH website contains a definition of ADHD as well as descriptions of signs, symptoms, and treatments. www.nimh.nih.gov 5