What To Do If Your Child is Diagnosed with ADHD
After several tests and consultations, a flood of mixed emotions may wash over you if your child is diagnosed with ADHD. You may feel nervous, overwhelmed, or even relieved.
Some parents feel helpless or unsure of where to start. If you’re in this situation, try the following five actions. Making headway in these areas can help you and your child excel.
Understand Exactly What the Diagnosis Means
Learning as much as you can about ADHD can help you and your family move forward together. First, be sure to ask your psychiatrist any questions you have about the disorder and your child in particular. They can also point you toward helpful resources for your family. You may also consider connecting with other families who have kids with ADHD.
It’s important to understand that ADHD will likely look different in your child than it does in other children.
Generally, there are three types of ADHD:
- Primarily Inattentive
- Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Combination
Knowing which type of ADHD your child lives with can help you understand what kinds of symptoms to expect, but your child may not exhibit all the symptoms.
Decide on a Course of ADHD Treatment
While there is no cure for ADHD, there are several treatment options that can give your child some peace. Your psychiatrist is here to give you information on several types of treatment plans and not to force you into anything. You and your family should feel comfortable with whatever path you choose. In general, there are three ways to treat the symptoms of ADHD:
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapy
- Medication
Depending on your comfort levels and your child’s unique needs, you may choose just one of these methods or try a combination. If something in the treatment plan doesn’t work as expected, you can always change the plan with your psychiatrist. While you don’t need to commit to a lifelong plan, it helps to decide what methods to start with.
Get the School on Board With Your Plan
Once you have a plan for your child’s ADHD treatment, be sure you involve anyone who contributes to your child’s education. This may include teachers, principals, coaches, and more. ADHD can affect a child’s education and performance in the classroom. Getting everyone on the same treatment plan can help your child succeed at school.
Share Your Plan with Your Village
Support systems can help all types of families flourish, particularly when ADHD is involved. While you don’t have to share anything confidential, it can help to let people in what you’re going through.
Anyone who is deeply involved in the child’s life should understand the boundaries and expectations you have set for your child. For example, if a grandparent regularly watches your child, be sure the grandparent knows what lifestyle changes you’re making.
Furthermore, it helps to lean on your personal support system for emotional support. It’s perfectly normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed by ADHD. Opening up to your friends can help you process your feelings.
Remember Your Kid is Still Amazing
Whether your child got an ADHD diagnosis or not, they would still be the same kid they were yesterday. The symptoms of ADHD exist regardless of the official diagnosis, and your child is still as incredible as they have always been.
The difference is that now you have the information and tools you need to help them blossom even more. Although the diagnosis may seem scary at first, it can be the stepping stone on a path to recovery and peace for your family.
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