Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity (APA, 2013). ADHD typically begins in childhood and is associated with problems at home, in school, and in public places. Although ADHD can be treated with medication and therapy, parents often struggle with managing the symptoms in their child before a diagnosis is confirmed. It is very important if you notice signs of ADHD (see criteria provide by Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, CHADD) that you consult with a psychologist or your child’s pediatrician to seek a referral for psychological testing to obtain a formal diagnosis. The following parenting strategies are helpful for managing symptoms of ADHD 1. Use a schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible. Scheduling not only helps the family but it allows the child to keep track of their activities. 2. Set clear, behavioral expectations. Many children will benefit from establishing clearly defined rules. However, for children with ADHD this is extremely important. They will benefit from knowing exactly what is expected. Avoid telling your child “you can earn a reward for good behavior”. Instead, say “you can earn a reward for cleaning up your books after being told the first time”. 3. Provide frequent positive attention or rewards. Children with ADHD greatly benefit from reinforcement of appropriate behavior. Verbal praise can provide them with motivation to complete tasks and make them feel more confident in their abilities. Just think about it for a second. Would you rather work for a boss who tells you “great job” or “you never do anything right”. 4. Write things down to help with organization. Children with ADHD are often distracted and forgetful. Writing things down helps them with completing tasks in a timely manner. Additionally, it helps parents from getting frustrated for constantly repeating instructions or directions. Talk with your child to see what would make life easier for them. Some kids may want a daily planner, while others may prefer a check list. 5. Talk with your child’s teacher. Many children with ADHD may need accommodations in the classroom. For example, it often helps to sit near the front of the class or away from windows to prevent distractions. Being an advocate for your child’s needs are important. You may also be able to see what works in the classroom to help your child be successful at home. Having consistently across home and school can help with structure. A version of this was previously written by Dr. Turner on FindAPsychologist https://www.findapsychologist.org/adhd-in-children-behavioral-strategies-for-parents/ References: American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.
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Have you ever searched the internet looking for information and resources to better understand your child's mental or physical health? If you're like most adults, you have sought the help of google or your favorite internet source to find information at your fingertips. A new website (http://infoaboutkids.org/), was recently developed to provide parents with information on common issues related to physical development in children and adolescents, emotional health and problems associated with thinking, and healthy relationships. According to a post by the American Psychological Association's Public Interest blog, InfoAboutKids.org is a new web-based clearinghouse created to disseminate the latest research and evidence-based guidance on raising a family and helping children. The site is designed for three major audiences (parents, educators and health professionals). You can read the full details here. You can visit http://infoaboutkids.org/ to get information on topics such as: autism, sleep, toilet training, anxiety, gender identity, and healthy peer relationships.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illness refers to having a mental health disorder that involves sustained, abnormal alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior associated with distress and impaired functioning. Having a mental heath disorder is a serious concern and is just as important as maintaining your physical health. Mental illness also makes it more difficult to manage chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, epilepsy, and cancer (CDC, 2015).
Although mental illness and psychological difficulties impact all racial and ethnic groups, Whites are more like to utilize treatment to improve their difficulties. Recent data reports that in the past year, outpatient mental health services were most frequently used by White adults (7.8 percent), and American Indian or Alaska Native adults (7.7 percent), followed by Black (4.7 percent), Hispanic (3.8 percent), and Asian (2.5 percent) adults (SAMHSA, 2015). One of the biggest factors related to seeking psychological treatment is structural barriers and negative attitudes such as stigma. Service cost or lack of insurance coverage was the most frequently cited reason for not using mental health services across all racial/ethnic groups (SAMHSA, 2015). Additionally, the belief that use of mental health services would not help was the least frequently cited reason for not using mental health services across all racial/ ethnic groups (SAMHSA, 2015). In my own research, I have found that among racial and ethnic groups, stigma and concerns about privacy are some of the most important factors that hinder the use of services among these groups (Turner, Jensen-Doss, & Heffer, 2015). To improve the use of services efforts must be made to address the stigma around seeking services. One of the ways to decrease stigma is to better understand the benefits of seeking services. In a previous blog (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201503/5-signs-seeking-help-may-benefit-you), I discuss 5 signs for when to seek mental health services. These signs may help you decide whether you or someone close to you may benefit from talking to a psychologist or mental health professional.
Copyright 2015 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D. Follow me on Twitter @DrEarlTurner for daily post on psychology, mental health, and parenting. Feel free to Like my Facebook page. Read my Psychology Today blog https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Mental Illness Surveillance Among Adults in the United States. Retrieved May 2015 from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6003a1.htm?s_cid=su6003a1_w Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2015). Racial/ Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use among Adults. HHS Publication No. SMA-15-4906. Rockville, MD. Turner, E.A., Jensen-Doss, A., & Heffer, R. (2015, April). Ethnicity as a moderator of how parents’ attitudes and perceived stigma influence intentions to seek child mental health services. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. Advance online publication |
AuthorDr. Turner is a licensed psychologist with expertise in behavioral pediatrics, child mental health, disruptive behavior disorders, and minority mental health. He is also certified as a National Register Health Service Psychologist. Archives
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