What is ADHD?
ADHD (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a mental health disorder that may make it difficult for students to pay attention and/or control their impulses. As students with ADHD progress through their academic careers, they may have difficulty forming relationships, experience low self-esteem, and/or struggle academically. Symptoms of ADHD can present in early childhood but some individuals are not diagnosed until much later in life. Because mental health disorders exist on a spectrum, some people may experience more mild symptoms and never be diagnosed at all.
Might my child have ADHD?
Learning how to manage time, devising an organizational system, and building the ability to sustain focus and attention are skills kids develop over time according to normal developmental milestones . However, young people with ADHD may have developmentally disproportionate difficulty in the following areas:
Controlling impulses
Managing time and resources
Focusing for a long period of time
Completing complex problems
Excessive activity
Inconsistent moods
It is important to note that most people–and especially school-age children–will have some of the symptoms discussed above. Families should investigate the possibility that their child has ADHD if their symptoms are severe and impact his or her ability to succeed academically or form relationships with peers.
What causes ADHD?
There is no clear answer to this question and research is ongoing. There is evidence suggesting that genetics may influence ADHD and that the disorder may run in families. It is also believed that risk factors such as childhood lead exposure may increase the likelihood of ADHD.
How can I help my child with ADHD?
Medications have been shown to help children with ADHD, but these are by no means the only treatment options. Psychotherapy and behavior therapy can help children better understand and manage their emotions. Similarly, social groups for children with ADHD combined with social skills training can help children with ADHD develop healthy relationships with their peers. Strategic education based on a partnership between families, teachers, and tutors can help students with ADHD better organize and function in their academic lives. Any decisions on treatment begin with conversations between doctors, educators, and the family.
Tutors for ADHD students
We understand how difficult it is to watch your child struggle, and how frustrating it can be to find the support that your family needs. Braintrust is here to help you find the right tutor for your child. Get matched with a teacher that has training and expertise working with children that have ADHD.
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