Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis that impacts roughly 6.1 million children¹ and is often characterized by inattention and/or impulsivity and hyperactivity². Here are a few ways that parents and caregivers can provide support for children with ADHD.
Supporting Your Child with ADHD
Provide Positive Feedback
Children with ADHD sometimes receive more correction and complaints about their behavior, than positive reinforcement³. It can be helpful for parents to focus on providing praise for behaviors and tasks that they feel their child does well. For example, consider having a reward chart, and when a child completes their homework assignment or completes a task on their list, add a sticker.
Break Up Tasks and Give Clear Commands
ADHD can impact the ability for children to break up tasks, follow instructions, and complete tasks that require sustained mental effort for long periods of times². For this reason, it can be helpful to break up tasks and give clear commands. Try giving three small tasks at a time and writing them down on a piece of paper. One small task on this list may look more like making your bed, instead of a large task like cleaning your room.
Get the School Involved
Schools can be a great way to increase support for children during the school day. Schools offer several individualized plans including a 504 plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These plans can improve support around emotional and educational needs. If you are interested in these plans, the Center for Parent Information and Resources has an online website with a lot of great resources related to requesting an evaluation for an individualized plan.
Get Your Child Support
Children with ADHD can benefit from outpatient care. In outpatient psychotherapy, they can learn ways to manage their emotions, complete tasks, improve self-esteem, work to improve attention skills, and more. Outpatient psychiatry can be helpful for exploring and discussing medications available to help children manage symptoms of ADHD.
Get Your Own Support
Like any child, caring for a child with ADHD can be challenging at times. Finding a support network where you can connect and feel validated can be very fulfilling. One great resource is Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD.) They have an online website with resources related to learning more about ADHD, advocacy, and getting support.
Resources
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Supporting Your Child with ADHD References
1. National Prevalence of ADHD and Treatment. (2020, September 9). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/national-prevalence-adhd and-treatment.html
2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
3. Hallowell, E., MD. (2023, May 17). Why Praise Is So Important for Children with ADHD. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/praise-encouragement-parenting-adhd-child/
Lindsey Smith, MSW, LCSW, sees Clients out of Centennial Counseling Center’s Sandwich Office .
