If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, how do you best explain the condition to them?
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, CADDRA offers an explanation you can share with your child about what ADHD is:
“ADHD means that your brain may work a little differently from other kids’ brains. The flow of signals in your brain may not work as smoothly or as fast, but it does not mean that you are not as smart as everyone else. It just means that you may need a little help paying attention, just like someone who has to wear glasses to help them see better. Usually kids with ADHD have problems paying attention in class and getting their work done. They may also have problems changing what they are thinking about. Especially if they are doing something they find very interesting like playing a computer game. Some kids complain that they are not able to stop and think things through before they do them. This is called impulsivity. Sometimes this can get them into trouble. Some kids with ADHD also find it hard to sit or stand still for a period of time. This is called hyperactivity.”
CADDAC goes on to explain how ADHD may affect them:
“Some kids with ADHD say that it feels like their brain is always moving very fast from one thing to another, sort of like a remote switching channels on a TV very quickly. Other kids daydream all the time and find it hard to stay focused on their schoolwork. This does not mean that you don’t know as much as the other kids, it just means that it may be harder for you to stick to things and get them done. It may even be hard for you to start to work on things without the help of your teacher or parents.
You might also have trouble remembering where you put things or when you have to get things done. Sometimes you might get distracted. This means that you may start to do something and then your mind thinks or sees something else that catches its attention and you forget what you were doing. You might also have a hard time falling asleep at night. People with ADHD often find it hard to turn off the motor in their mind so that they can relax enough to fall asleep.
When these things happen you may get frustrated, especially if you don’t know why it is happening. When kids with ADHD get frustrated, sometimes they get very angry and don’t know how to deal with it. They may yell and do things that they don’t mean to do. ADHD may make it harder for you to control your feelings, but remember ADHD is never an excuse for hurting other people. There are many things that you can learn to do that will help you deal with your frustration.”
Reference: Information for Children
What are some good resources for both children and adults diagnosed with ADHD?
For children, here are some ADHD resources and websites which I find useful and encourage you to check out:
- Centre for ADHD Advocacy, Canada (for general information)
- CADDAC cites “red flags” for ADHD in childhood
- CADDRA Medication Guidelines chart (2015)
- National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.A.)
- ADDitude Magazine – A website and magazine on living with ADHD and learning disorders
- KidsHealth: Kids Section – type ADHD in the search box
For adults, the CADDAC, CADDRA and NIMH websites have excellent adult resources too. Here are some additional websites you may wish to explore:
- For a “lighter” view of ADHD, here is the perspective of two Canadian comedians diagnosed with ADHD.
- Attention Deficit Information – Created by Dr. Annick Vincent this is an excellent resource on ADHD (in French). The English section of the site is here.
- ADDvance – Answers to questions about ADHD for youth and adults
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- ADHD Coach 4 You. – A website with information on coaching for adults with ADHD
- ADDitude Magazine – A website and magazine on living with ADHD and learning disorders
- ADHD in Adults website – A website for healthcare professionals, patients and the public on ADHD in adults