There is a Light!

Important information to help you find it.

While ADHD is understood to have a hereditary component, effectively managing your child’s symptoms can significantly influence both the severity of the disorder and the development of more serious issues over time. Early intervention plays a crucial role in fostering positive outcomes for your child. Addressing your child’s challenges sooner rather than later increases the likelihood of preventing academic and social difficulties, as well as associated issues such as underachievement and low self-esteem, which could potentially lead to delinquency or substance abuse later in life. Despite the challenges that may arise while raising a child with ADHD, as a parent, you have the power to cultivate supportive environments at home and school that enhance your child’s prospects for success.

Here are some ways to get started: 

1- Refrain from expending your precious emotional energy on self-condemnation.

ADHD is a condition rooted in specific areas of the brain and is predominantly inherited. It is not attributed to inadequate parenting or a tumultuous home environment, although such environments may influence the manifestation of ADHD symptoms positively or negatively. In short, don't blame yourself like we did, this will just delay you on seeking the proper help you need. 

2- Educate yourself thoroughly about ADHD.

While a plethora of resources exist regarding the diagnosis and management of ADHD, not all are reliable or grounded in scientific evidence. It falls upon you to become a discerning consumer and differentiate between accurate and inaccurate information. How can you discern what is beneficial and what is not? Generally, exercise caution regarding advertisements that promise to cure ADHD. Presently, there is no cure for ADHD, but there are proactive measures you can take to mitigate its impact. Additionally, consider the source of the information. When utilizing the internet, opt for reputable websites such as government agencies (e.g., CDC), nonprofit organizations (like CHADD), or university resources (those with the .edu domain).

3- Ensure your child undergoes a full ADHD assessment with a professional. 

To complete the diagnostic procedure, ensure your child receives a comprehensive assessment encompassing medical, educational, and psychological evaluations, with input from their teacher. Additionally, ensure that other disorders that may resemble or frequently coexist with ADHD are carefully considered and ruled out.

    Click the button above to learn more! 

Three Possible ADHD Presentations

Children need to exhibit six or more symptoms in two or more settings for a diagnosis; older teens and adults should have at least five of the symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists three presentations of ADHD—
Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined. To receive a diagnosis, these symptoms need to
start before age 12, be present in more than one setting, interfere with functioning at home, school or work, in social
settings, and cannot be better explained by another disorder.

Managing your own emotional behavior is crucial when parenting a child with ADHD for several reasons:

1. Role Modeling: Children learn by observing their parents' behavior. By demonstrating patience, empathy, and resilience in the face of challenges, you provide a positive model for your child to emulate.

2. Emotional Regulation: Children with ADHD often struggle with emotional regulation themselves. When you remain calm and composed, you can serve as a stabilizing influence, helping your child learn how to manage their own emotions more effectively.

3. Conflict Resolution: Parenting a child with ADHD can be stressful, and conflicts may arise frequently. By staying composed, you can approach conflicts with a clear mind and work towards resolution in a constructive manner.

4. Maintaining Consistency: Consistency is key in managing ADHD symptoms and behavior. When you control your own emotional reactions, you are better able to maintain consistent rules, routines, and consequences for your child, which are essential for their development and well-being.

5. Reducing Stress: Parenting a child with ADHD can be overwhelming at times. Managing your own emotional behavior can help reduce stress levels for both you and your child, creating a more positive and supportive environment at home.

In essence, controlling your own emotional behavior is not only beneficial for your own well-being but also crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment for your child with ADHD to thrive.

Cultivating Compassion for the ADHD Child 

Cultivating compassion for children with ADHD is crucial for several reasons:

1. Emotional Well-being: Compassion fosters a supportive and understanding environment, which is essential for the emotional well-being of children with ADHD. Feeling accepted and valued helps boost their self-esteem and resilience.

2. Social Relationships: Developing compassion helps children with ADHD build positive relationships with peers and adults. When others show understanding and empathy towards them, it encourages social connection and reduces feelings of isolation or rejection.

3. Reducing Stigma: Compassion helps combat the stigma and misconceptions often associated with ADHD. When children experience compassion from others, it promotes acceptance and understanding of their unique challenges and strengths.

4. Improving Self-Perception: Compassion encourages children with ADHD to view themselves with kindness and understanding, rather than judgment or criticism. This positive self-perception can lead to greater confidence and self-acceptance.

5. Enhancing Coping Skills: Compassion teaches children with ADHD valuable coping skills for managing challenges and setbacks. When they receive support and encouragement from others, it helps them develop resilience and adaptive strategies for navigating difficulties.

6. Encouraging Growth Mindset: Compassion promotes a growth mindset, where children with ADHD learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than feeling defeated by setbacks, they are inspired to persevere and continue striving towards their goals.

Overall, cultivating compassion for children with ADHD creates a more inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, empowering them to reach their full potential despite the challenges they may face.

Negative Effects of Screen Time on Children with ADHD

Research on the effects of screen time on children with ADHD is ongoing, with several studies highlighting the potential benefits of limiting screen time for this population:

1. Attention and Hyperactivity: A study published in the journal Pediatrics in 2013 found that increased screen time was associated with more severe attention problems and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ADHD. (Source: Swing, E.L., Gentile, D.A., Anderson, C.A., & Walsh, D.A. (2013). Television and video game exposure and the development of attention problems. Pediatrics, 132(3), e746-e754.)

2. Sleep Quality: Research published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019 found that increased screen time, particularly in the hour before bedtime, was associated with poorer sleep quality and decreased sleep duration in children with ADHD. (Source: LeBourgeois, M.K., Hale, L., Chang, A.M., Akacem, L.D., Montgomery-Downs, H.E., & Buxton, O.M. (2017). Digital media and sleep in childhood and adolescence. Pediatrics, 140(Supplement 2), S92-S96.)

3. Academic Performance: A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders in 2010 found that excessive television viewing was associated with poorer academic performance in children with ADHD. (Source: Pagani, L.S., Fitzpatrick, C., Barnett, T.A., & Dubow, E. (2010). Prospective associations between early childhood television exposure and academic, psychosocial, and physical well-being by middle childhood. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 164(5), 425-431.)

While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of screen time on children with ADHD, existing studies suggest that limiting screen time may have beneficial effects on attention, hyperactivity, sleep quality, and academic performance in this population.