8.) Do not allow the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD to become an excuse for everything that goes wrong. Giving your child an out because they have ADD/ADHD will help only serve to help them underachieve. While excessive pressure is not recommended, allowing your child to underachieve due to their diagnosis of ADD will be detrimental as it will set the bar low for expectations from self and others.
9.) Limit videos and television and excessive multitasking. Many children claim they can study with the music or television on, especially in a culture that promotes multi-tasking. Multi-tasking in general adds significantly to stress levels and does not promote good habits or discipline in most people. Keeping your home quiet (as much as possible), eliminating environmental stressors (i.e. loud television, music, video games, etc.), will promote healthy habits and limit stress.
10.) Focus on your child’s core strengths, help them identify key areas in which they excel or show a high level of interest. Give positive feedback for accomplishments.
Helping your child develop positive self-esteem will be critical. Children and adolescents with special needs may be more susceptible to juvenile delinquency, peer-pressure, depression and substance abuse. Helping your child develop key strengths, interests and special skills will go a long way to help combat these issues.
1 comment so far...
Great post! I am intimately familiar with ADD/ADHD, as my three boys were all formally diagnosed at very young agest (before they went to school) and I was formally diagnosed last year. You are right on with your suggestions. Sadly, I think many families are still avoiding a diagnosis because they don't want to be "different" or they don't know where to go. As widely recognized as the disability is the acceptance is not quite at the same level.
I know what families go through, the questions, the fears, etc. So, I see it as my responsibility to share my experience with others when I have an opportunity. I share my experience, information I get and details. The only way for children to be successful is if we communicate and educate those around us. And, in my opinion, who better to do that than someone like myself.
As for my boys, I tell them that they are wonderfully lucky! They have ADD/ADHD which means they have a special gift to see things differently than the rest of the world. And, that is an advantage that others don't have. And, for me, as a mom, I told them when I was diagnosed and they I now got to be in their "club."
Thanks for your article. I hope that the 110 people that viewed it will find value and resource, and confidently embrace the disability. I believe it is awesome!
Flag as inappropriate Posted by BecciH on 12th September 2008