Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common condition that is frequently diagnosed during childhood. Children with ADHD often have trouble staying organized, paying attention in class and may display impulsive behavior. This can often create problems both at home and at school. While there are many different treatment options for handling the symptoms of ADHD, many parents often struggle with the decision of whether or not they should include medications in their children’s treatment plan. Although it is important to explore alternative methods of treatment, such as behavioral therapy, there may be some times when it is necessary to use medication to help manage a child’s ADHD.
Problems at School
Paying attention in class and completing assignments on time are two of the main areas in which a student with ADHD will struggle in school. Many times, these problems will be brought to the parent’s attention during parent/teacher conferences and through behavior reports. Additionally, parents who have a child with ADHD may find it helpful to maintain their connections with school staff through frequent emails and text updates. However, if a parent finds that organizational tools and frequent communication are not enough to help a child to pass their classes, then medication may be an option for helping them to focus.
Disruptive Behavior
When a child with ADHD becomes bored or frustrated, they may exhibit behavior that is disruptive to the people sharing their environment. This can include abrupt movements, noise-making and excessive talking. Additionally, a child’s impulsivity can lead them into dangerous situations such as running into the street. In these instances, medication may be necessary to help them to stay safe. While medication will not change behavior completely, it can help them to calm down and regain their control.
Other Solutions Not Working
Often, alternative methods are recommended for parents to try before they begin to administer medication. One of the most common methods of treating ADHD is cognitive and behavioral therapy. Through this method, a child will work with a trained professional in order to learn positive coping skills for dealing with the symptoms of their disorder. While these methods are frequently successful, a child and their parents may find that they work best when used along with medication.
Doctor Recommendation
ADHD is best treated through a combined effort that is provided by a child’s support team. This includes their parents, teachers, child care givers and other adults who work with the child on a regular basis. Many times, a physician will gather information from each of these people. Then, they will combine this information with their own observations to develop a treatment plan that will best fit the child’s needs. For this reason, it is important to take a doctor’s recommendation seriously as they have experience with helping children to manage their ADHD, and they will know when medication is necessary. When medication is used along with other therapies to treat ADHD, a child will begin to show substantial improvements in their behavior and academic performance. For this reason, parents should carefully consider the benefits that medication can provide while seeking the advice of a medical professional who is experienced in helping children with ADHD.
This post was provided by Heather Finnigan, a mother of three children. She recommends to other parents with children with ADHD in Windsor Ontario to look into the Dr. Svec Institute of Psychological Services.
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