ADHD at school and at home: how to deal with a hyperactive child. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often called the disease of modern children. And although it is diagnosed in 6% of the child population in the population, regardless of region, any primary school teacher can tell you from personal feelings that he has much more such children.

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How to understand that a child has ADHD, and how to live with it, how parents can help him, and what help he should ask a school teacher for, at the beginning of the school year, Sputnik correspondent Svetlana Litskevich talked with a psychotherapist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor Tatyana Emelyantseva.

What is ADHD?

Such children are familiar to everyone - disinhibited, impulsive, disorganized, unable to focus on one thing for a long time. They can jump in place, wave their arms like birds, quickly forget what happened and cannot tell what happened at school today. Their behavior is unrestrained, sometimes completely inappropriate, and the notebooks are full of corrections, sometimes they may even remain empty, the sentences unfinished. As a rule, with a sufficiently high intelligence, children with ADHD study much worse than their abilities, sitting through a lesson to the end is an unbearable torture for them. How to help such a child to adapt at school, and the school to be loyal to the child?

Time works for the child

It so happened that the theme of the application of forces in science to the psychotherapist Tatyana Emelyantseva was prompted by life itself. She had to study attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, because her son had characteristic signs of this disease. She does not hide this fact, as well as the fact that everything is fixable - just such children require a lot of parental work. And most often with age outgrow most of their difficulties.

Most often, ADHD becomes a problem when the child goes to school. When his inability to study diligently is revealed, such children are disinhibited, scattered, catastrophically disorganized. In kindergarten, this can go almost unnoticed if you are lucky with the teacher.

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If such a child comes to the attention of a psychotherapist before school, do doctors most often ask to send a child with ADHD to school later?

Yes, here time works for the child. His nervous system is maturing, and the later he goes to school, the better the results will be. A year for a child is a lot. Let such a child be overgrown in his class, but this will benefit both him and the teacher who will work with him.

- Many people are concerned about the question - is it necessary to tell the teacher about ADHD?

Certainly, this must be done. After all, the teacher should become your ally. And only together you can achieve good results. But it may be better to do this gradually, as symptoms appear - many teachers are afraid of this diagnosis. It is a great blessing if you manage to find an educator who is familiar with ADHD, who has previously worked successfully with such children or has encountered similar in his own family.

A psychotherapist is most often contacted when a child goes to school and his "uncomfortable behavior" becomes obvious to everyone.

You should not immediately become in a pose - as if the teacher owes you something. You need to learn to find a common language. But for the most part, the school is familiar with this. For example, when I tried to explain to my son's teacher that we have "features", she calmly told me: "everyone has features, these are children."

Tom Sawyer is a typical hyperactive child

It is believed that before such a diagnosis did not exist, this is a feature of modern children, which manifests itself in them more and more often. It's right?

Of course not. ADHD is not a new diagnosis. It is described in detail by Mark Twain. Tom Sawyer is a typical hyperactive child. ADHD was once called hyperdynamic syndrome. Because this restlessness, disobedience were obvious to others. It is a clinical phenomenon of neurodevelopmental disorder. By the way, they now include not only ADHD, but also autism. And increasingly, these diagnoses can be combined, especially with Asperger's syndrome (one of the autism spectrum disorders). There is, of course, such a point of view that children with ADHD are more fortunate - they have less pronounced weakness in the development of the nervous system than children with autistic symptoms.

Most often, ADHD is diagnosed in boys. In girls, it occurs 3-4 times less often.

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When should parents start worrying?

Usually ADHD begin to "seek" after 4 years. Signs can be very different, sometimes quite atypical. But some characteristics are recognizable. 30% of these children have problems with speech development. Almost everyone is characterized by capricious protest behavior. They fight in supermarkets not because they are spoiled - they are extremely impatient and cannot control their emotions. They have early, even at preschool age, various tics begin to appear - a sign of weakness of the nervous system. Many have heightened sensory sensitivity. Some may become hysterical from the sound of a vacuum cleaner, "presses - rubs" - this is also about them. I was approached by a family in which a girl came in the first grade from school and stripped naked - everything interfered with her. They are picky about the texture of clothes, the texture of food. Food with lumps for such a child can become 100% conditions for not eating at all. They may have long-term enuresis, encopresis (calomania). The act of defecation may not be formed correctly - while I was in diapers - there were no problems, but on a pot - it does not work, protest. But almost immediately he will put in his pants, as soon as he is left alone. And sometimes only on these grounds they turn to specialists, other signs of problematic behavior are not declared. If a child has similar symptoms, this is an occasion to show him to a psychotherapist.

Where can parents find strength?

- What to do if such a diagnosis was made?

Do not take this as the end of the world and prepare for a long work. In America, these issues are resolved simply - the condition for teaching a child with a severe form of ADHD in a decent school is the appointment of psychostimulants. Their high efficiency has been proven. They increase dopamine levels, which children with ADHD lack.

We do not have such a practice, there is simply no way to prescribe psychostimulants. It is important to understand that this is not an antibiotic that I drank and forgot, they do not cure, they help for a while. Psychostimulants have to be taken for years. Chemical neurotransmitters turn on the brain, attention - they give that drive that helps them finish what they started. Goes away uncomfortable behavior. Children begin to study better - because another problem of such children is that they study worse than their abilities. Much depends on their mood, on their ability to work today. For example, today there is more sun - the child is more adequate, his brains turn on better, he is more collected. But no one thinks about the long-term perspective of the child - what will happen to him next, whether he will be able to do without psychostimulants, what will be his behavior. By and large, this is not a solution to the problem, it is postponing it.

Why do children from "decent" families run away?

You need to constantly work with a child, know how to help him cope with his restlessness, inattention, make teachers and educators his allies. This is where parental support groups come into play.

I have been dealing with ADHD for over 10 years, working with both children and parents. During this time, many children have grown up - I am surprised at how everything changes over time, how they line up with their peers. Of course, I understand that I am dealing with motivated parents. Children with ADHD with normal attention and care can grow up to be quite successful. Yes - with small nuances. But they make good artists, architects, doctors, directors - they see the world differently, they see images, they have a developed sense of empathy, they live more with their hearts.

You say that parents should be ready to work with the child. We all sort of bring up children, teach them step by step, etc. Should something be different for children with ADHD?

You have to be ready to go through everything all over again. If the parents do not have this marathon attitude, the results may not be. Recently I had a family, they live in America, they came here to visit their grandmother. Mom has a second marriage there, there is a small child. She is restless, uneven - I see that she does not have the strength for an older child who has ADHD. Mom needs a specific answer: how to make the child obey, so that he studies well, so that he understands that it’s hard for mom. As a result of the conversation, I had to tell my grandmother that there were no options, except for psychostimulants there, in America. Just because I see that my mother does not have the strength to help. The boy is very difficult, he is 10 years old and he already understands that something is wrong with him. Knows that medication is coming. He asks: “Is it true that I won’t be able to be as happy as before, for example, when my friend scores a goal?” I had to explain to him that it was only for a while to change the attitude towards him. This, in my opinion, highlights the problem of the attitude of the children themselves to the appointment of psychostimulants, as a lack of freedom.

Tatyana Emeyantseva does not hide the fact that she had to come to grips with the study of ADHD, including for personal reasons

Although there is another thing - I have been conducting group classes for parents for many years. I had one dad who came to me year after year. Heard about the same thing over and over. When I asked why, he said: "I go here so that I have the strength to continue helping my child." In group classes, not only knowledge - but also emotional support, when there is someone else's more successful experience of interacting with the school, for example.

Reach out to him - literally

- If you go back to school - what can you expect from a teacher, what help can you expect?

It is difficult for a child with ADHD to adapt in society, and his behavior is often inappropriate. They are uncomfortable, such children. For parents, for teachers. They have a lot of problems with verbal working memory. The so-called inner speech - the ability to pronounce thoughts "to oneself" is formed in a child normally by the age of 7, and in these children it can be very late. It often happens that the problem is solved, but he cannot explain the sequence of actions. Like a computer without a printer. But on the other hand, they do an excellent job with test tasks, here they can show good results.

One of the most common parental and teacher complaints is "he can't hear me."

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In order for him to hear you, approach him, touch him, look into his eyes - tactile contact is important for them, let him say your request aloud. This is a way to enhance the efficiency of his memory. And the teacher, knowing how hard it is for such a child to sit through a whole lesson, can send him to rinse the rag for the board or ask him to distribute notebooks, water the flowers. Their attention must be switched to physical activity, then he will cope. If you put such a child next to the teacher on the control, he will try much more. The teacher must take this into account. But for this, parents should first talk with him about the features of the approach to such a student. I give my patients a reminder for teachers so that they know how to calm down, how to switch the attention of a hyperactive child. Information is also available on the Internet. Not everyone is looking for it, unfortunately.

It is important to understand that children with ADHD do get tired more than others. With the immaturity of the nervous system and their mobility, they run ahead of the locomotive. Often, when they get tired, they simply become inadequate.

My son and I had a very understanding teacher who put him on the couch when she saw that he was lying on the desk because he was tired. Or allowed to suck on a lollipop, which turned on attention when doing a test.

- Is it possible for such children to go to aftercare?

I absolutely do not recommend. In the extension, his plant will end. And disinhibition, clown behavior will begin. And at home everything will be different - he will change the situation, switch, rest and soon be able to do homework.

One of the theories explaining ADHD is the so-called energy theory, the “weak battery of the brain” theory. Everything is fine with the car engine. But sometimes there is not enough gas. For them, emotional recharging is important. Hugs and kisses help a lot. But many parents underestimate the power of tactile contact.

How can you persuade them to study?

It is useless to scold such a child for bad grades - but if he got a good one, it is better to encourage him so that he remembers it and wants to do it again. Punishment affects them much weaker than encouragement. They quickly become bored, everything bothers. With additional stimulation, the efficiency of all people increases. And especially for these kids. They need constant rewards. Immediately. A promise - you will study well, in 2 months you will go on an excursion with the class - not for them. Their reward should be immediate.

People on their wave

- Where does such a diagnosis come from and is there any hope that over time the child will even out, outgrow it?

In the 60s of the last century, it was announced that ADHD is a character trait that is inherited. Now again it is considered that this is a disorder of brain development, due to both hereditary factors and external ones. Including how the pregnancy went, childbirth, in what conditions the child is brought up. And if a child was genetically predisposed to dopamine deficiency, but asphyxia occurred during childbirth, this can become an obvious problem.

ADHD also occurs in adults. And the numbers are called different - from 30 to 70% of cases of children's diagnosis of ADHD can pass into adulthood. Young people who are already over 30 years old are increasingly turning to me for advice - they are enterprising, they are engaged in IT, everything seems to be fine. But they understand that something is wrong with them.

- What complaints do adults have?

Many complain about the problems of attention, working capacity, severe asthenia, "depression", they do not develop relationships with relatives, with superiors. One young girl expressed her problem this way: "I forgot everything I was taught..."

- So this is the specificity of our education - I passed it and forgot ... Hundreds of adults can tell you this even without ADHD.

I'm not really talking about that. People with ADHD are on their own. They easily cross social boundaries, do not always comply with social conventions - they can directly say unpleasant things to others. They are often disliked by others, and they cannot understand why. They often have mood swings, are characterized by ambivalence, duality - when they cannot understand what they need. However, they are often very successful. There is a site "great with ADHD", but I will not give examples - this is incorrect for a doctor.

From my own experience, I can say that in recent years there have been more children with ADHD, as well as children with autism. And this is not only a problem of women's health in the perinatal period. This is a problem of society, its informatization. The child simply manifests this problem, first of all.

Of course, with such children it is not easy - to constantly organize his leisure time, make sure that he has a good mood, resolve problems, keep abreast.

But in any case, you must believe in your child. While realizing that you can only do what you can do. But it simply cannot be done.

Attention deficit disorder is the most common neurological and behavioral disorder. This deviation is diagnosed in 5% of children. Most often occurs in boys. The disease is considered incurable, in most cases the child simply outgrows it. But the pathology does not disappear without a trace. It is manifested by antisocial behavior, depression, bipolar and other disorders. To avoid this, it is important to diagnose attention deficit in children in time, the signs of which appear even at preschool age.

It is very difficult to distinguish between ordinary pampering or bad manners from really serious disorders in mental development. The problem is that many parents do not want to admit that their child is sick. They believe that unwanted behavior will pass with age. But such a trip can lead to serious consequences for the health and psyche of the child.

Characteristics of Attention Deficit Disorder

This neurological deviation in development began to be studied 150 years ago. Educators and psychologists have noticed common symptoms in children with behavioral problems and learning delays. This is especially noticeable in a team where it is simply impossible for a child with such a pathology to avoid trouble, because he is emotionally unstable and cannot control himself.

Scientists have identified such problems in a separate group. Pathology was given the name - "attention deficit in children." Signs, treatment, causes and consequences are still being studied. Doctors, teachers and psychologists are trying to help such children. But while the disease is considered incurable. Is Attention Deficit the Same in Children? Its signs allow us to distinguish three types of pathology:

1. Just attention deficit. The child is distracted, slow, unable to concentrate on something.
2. Hyperactivity. It is manifested by irascibility, impulsivity and increased motor activity.
3. Mixed look. It is the most common disorder, which is why the disorder is often referred to as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Why does such a pathology appear?

Scientists still can not accurately determine the causes of the development of this disease. According to long-term observations, it has been established that the appearance of ADHD is provoked by the following factors:

• genetic predisposition.
• Individual features of the nervous system.
• Bad ecology: polluted air, water, household items. Lead is especially harmful.
• The impact of toxic substances on the body of a pregnant woman: alcohol, drugs, products contaminated with pesticides.
• Complications and pathologies during gestation and labor.
• Injuries or infectious lesions of the brain in early childhood.

By the way, sometimes pathology can be caused by an unfavorable psychological situation in the family or the wrong approach to education.

How to diagnose ADHD?

It is very difficult to diagnose "attention deficit in children" in time. Signs and symptoms of pathology are clearly noticeable when problems in learning or behavior of the child already appear. Most often, educators or psychologists begin to suspect the presence of a disorder. Many parents attribute such deviations in behavior to adolescence. But after examination by a psychologist, it is possible to diagnose attention deficit in children. Signs, methods of treatment and behavior with such a child are better for parents to study in detail. This is the only way to correct behavior and prevent more serious consequences of pathology in adulthood.

But to confirm the diagnosis, a complete examination is necessary. In addition, you should observe the child for at least six months. After all, the symptoms can coincide with various pathologies. First of all, it is necessary to exclude vision and hearing disorders, the presence of brain damage, seizures, developmental delays, exposure to hormonal drugs or poisoning with toxic agents. To do this, psychologists, pediatricians, neurologists, gastroenterologists, therapists, speech therapists should participate in the examination of the child. In addition, behavioral disorders can be situational. Therefore, the diagnosis is made only with persistent and regular disorders that manifest themselves for a long time.

Attention deficit in children: signs

How to treat it, scientists have not yet fully figured out. The difficulty is that the pathology is difficult to diagnose. After all, its symptoms often coincide with the usual developmental delays and improper upbringing, possibly spoiled child. But there are certain criteria by which pathology can be detected. There are such signs of attention deficit disorder in children:

1. Constant forgetfulness, broken promises and unfinished business.
2. Inability to concentrate.
3. Emotional instability.
4. Absent gaze, immersion in oneself.
5. Absent-mindedness, which manifests itself in the fact that the child loses something all the time.
6. Such children are not able to concentrate on any one lesson. They do not cope with cases in which mental effort is required.
7. The child is often distracted.
8. He has memory impairment and mental retardation.

Hyperactivity in children

Often, attention deficit disorder is accompanied by increased motor activity and impulsivity. In this case, it is even more difficult to make a diagnosis, since such babies usually do not lag behind in development, and their behavior is taken for bad manners. How does attention deficit in children manifest itself in this case? Signs of hyperactivity are:

• Excessive talkativeness, inability to listen to the interlocutor.
• Constant restless movements of the feet and hands.
• The child cannot sit quietly, often jumps up.
• Aimless movements in situations where they are inappropriate. It's about running and jumping.
• Unceremonious interference in other people's games, conversations, activities.
• Motor activity continues even during sleep.

Such children are impulsive, stubborn, capricious and unbalanced. They lack self-discipline. They cannot control themselves.

Health Disorders

Not only in behavior is manifested attention deficit in children. Signs of it are noticeable in various disorders of mental and physical health. Most often, this is noticeable by the appearance of depression, fears, manic behavior or a nervous tic. The consequences of such a disorder are stuttering or enuresis. Attention-deficit children may have reduced appetite or sleep disturbances. They complain of frequent headaches, fatigue.

Consequences of pathology

Children with this diagnosis inevitably have problems in communication, learning, and often in their health status. Surrounding people condemn such a child, considering his deviations in behavior as whims and bad manners. This often leads to low self-esteem and anger. These children start drinking alcohol, drugs, and smoking early. In adolescence, they exhibit antisocial behavior. They often get injured, get into fights. Such teenagers can be cruel to animals and even people. Sometimes they are even ready to kill. In addition, they often manifest mental disorders.

How does the syndrome manifest itself in adults?

With age, the symptoms of pathology subside a little. Many manage to adapt to normal life. But most often, signs of pathology persist. Remains fussiness, constant anxiety and restlessness, irritability and low self-esteem. Relationships with people worsen, often patients are in constant depression. Sometimes there are manic disorders that can develop into schizophrenia. Many patients find solace in alcohol or drugs. Therefore, often the disease leads to the complete degradation of a person.

How to treat attention deficit in children?

Signs of pathology can be expressed in different ways. Sometimes the child adjusts and the disorder becomes less noticeable. But in most cases, it is recommended to treat the disease in order to improve the life of not only the patient, but also those around him. Although the pathology is considered incurable, certain measures are still taken. Each child is selected individually. Most often these methods are:

1. Medical treatment.
2. Behavior correction.
3. Psychotherapy.
4. A special diet that excludes artificial additives, dyes, allergens and caffeine.
5. Physiotherapeutic procedures - magnetotherapy or transcranial microcurrent stimulation.
6. Alternative therapies - yoga, meditation.

Behavior Correction

Attention deficit is becoming more and more common among children. Signs and correction of this pathology should be known to all adults who communicate with a sick child. It is believed that it is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to correct the behavior of children, to facilitate their adaptation in society. This requires the participation of all people around the child, especially parents and teachers.

Regular sessions with a psychologist are effective. They will help the child overcome the desire to act impulsively, control himself and respond appropriately to offense. For this, various exercises are used, communicative situations are modeled. A relaxation technique that helps relieve stress is very useful. Parents and educators need to constantly encourage the correct behavior of such children. Only a positive reaction will help them remember for a long time how to act.

Medical treatment

Most medications that can help a child with attention deficit have many side effects. Therefore, such treatment is used infrequently, mainly in advanced cases, with severe neurological and behavioral abnormalities. Most often, psychostimulants and nootropics are prescribed, which affect the brain, contribute to the normalization of attention and improve blood circulation. Antidepressants and sedatives are also used to reduce hyperactivity. The most common drugs for the treatment of ADHD are the following drugs: Methylphenidate, Imipramine, Nootropin, Focalin, Cerebrolysin, Dexedrine, Strattera.

The joint efforts of teachers, psychologists and other specialists can help the child. But the main work falls on the shoulders of the parents of the child. This is the only way to overcome the attention deficit in children. Signs and treatment of pathology for adults must be studied. And in communicating with the child, follow certain rules:

• Spend more time with the baby, play and engage with him.
• Show how much you love him.
• Do not give your child difficult and overwhelming tasks. Explanations should be clear and understandable, and tasks should be completed quickly.
• Build your child's self-esteem on a regular basis.
• Children with hyperactivity need to play sports.
• You need to follow a strict daily routine.
• The undesirable behavior of the child must be gently suppressed, and the right actions should be encouraged.
• Overwork should not be allowed. Children need to get enough rest.
• Parents need to remain calm in all situations in order to be an example for the baby.
• For learning, it is better to find a school where an individual approach is possible. In some cases, home schooling is possible.

Only an integrated approach to education will help the child adapt to adulthood and overcome the consequences of pathology.

Or ADHD is the most common cause of behavioral problems and learning problems in preschool and school children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child- a developmental disorder that manifests itself in a violation of behavior. A child with ADHD is restless, shows “stupid” activity, cannot sit in class at school or kindergarten, and will not do what he is not interested in. He interrupts the elders, plays in the classroom, goes about his own business, can crawl under the desk. At the same time, the child correctly perceives the environment. He hears and understands all the instructions of the elders, but cannot follow their instructions due to impulsiveness. Despite the fact that the child understood the task, he cannot complete what he started, he is not able to plan and foresee the consequences of his actions. Associated with this is a high risk of domestic injury, getting lost.

Neurologists consider attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child as a neurological disease. Its manifestations are not the result of improper upbringing, neglect or permissiveness, they are a consequence of the special work of the brain.

Prevalence. ADHD is found in 3-5% of children. Of these, 30% "outgrow" the disease after 14 years, another 40% adapt to it and learn to smooth out its manifestations. Among adults, this syndrome is found in only 1%.

Boys are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 3-5 times more often than girls. Moreover, in boys, the syndrome is more often manifested by destructive behavior (disobedience and aggression), and in girls by inattention. According to some studies, fair-haired and blue-eyed Europeans are more susceptible to the disease. Interestingly, in different countries, the incidence varies significantly. Thus, studies conducted in London and Tennessee revealed ADHD in 17% of children.

Types of ADHD

• Attention deficit and hyperactivity are equally pronounced;
• Attention deficit predominates, and impulsivity and hyperactivity appear slightly;
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity predominate, attention is slightly impaired.

Treatment. The main methods are pedagogical measures and psychological correction. Drug treatment is used in cases where other methods have been ineffective, since the drugs used have side effects.

If you leave attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child

untreated increases the risk of developing :

• dependence on alcohol, narcotic substances, psychotropic drugs;
• difficulties with the assimilation of information that disrupt the learning process;
• high anxiety, which comes to replace physical activity;
• tics - repetitive muscle twitches.
• headaches;
• antisocial changes - a tendency to hooliganism, theft.

Controversial moments. A number of leading experts in the field of medicine and public organizations, including the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, deny the existence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child. From their point of view, the manifestations of ADHD are considered a feature of temperament and character, and therefore are not subject to treatment. They can be a manifestation of natural mobility and curiosity for an active child, or protest behavior that occurs in response to a traumatic situation - abuse, loneliness, divorce of parents.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child, causes
Cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children

cannot be installed. Scientists are convinced that the disease provokes a combination of several factors that disrupt the functioning of the nervous system.

1. Factors that disrupt the formation of the nervous system in the fetus, which can lead to oxygen starvation or hemorrhage into the brain tissue:

• environmental pollution, high content of harmful substances in the air, water, food;
• taking medications by a woman during pregnancy;
• exposure to alcohol, drugs, nicotine;
• infections carried by the mother during pregnancy;
• Rh factor conflict - immunological incompatibility;
• risk of miscarriage;
• fetal asphyxia;
• cord entanglement;
• complicated or rapid childbirth, leading to injury to the head or spine of the fetus.

1. Factors that disrupt brain function in infancy

• diseases accompanied by a temperature above 39-40 degrees;
• taking certain drugs that have a neurotoxic effect;
• bronchial asthma, pneumonia;
• severe kidney disease;
• heart failure, heart disease.

1. Genetic factors. According to this theory, 80% of cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are associated with disorders in the gene that regulates the release of dopamine and the work of dopamine receptors. The result is a violation of the transmission of bioelectric impulses between brain cells. Moreover, the disease manifests itself if, in addition to genetic abnormalities, there are unfavorable environmental factors.

Neurologists believe that these factors can cause damage in limited areas of the brain. In this regard, some mental functions (for example, volitional control over impulses and emotions) develop inconsistently, with a delay, which causes manifestations of the disease. This confirms the fact that in children with ADHD, a violation of metabolic processes and bioelectrical activity in the anterior parts of the frontal lobes of the brain was found.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child, symptoms

A child with ADHD equally shows hyperactivity and inattention at home, in kindergarten, visiting strangers. There are no situations in which the baby would behave calmly. In this he differs from the usual active child.

Signs of ADHD at an early age
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child, symptoms which are most pronounced at 5-12 years old, can be recognized at an earlier age.

• Early they begin to hold their heads, sit, crawl, walk.
• Experiencing trouble falling asleep, sleeping less than normal.
• If they get tired, they do not engage in a calm type of activity, do not fall asleep on their own, but fall into hysterics.
• Very sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, strangers, changes in scenery. These factors cause them to cry loudly.
• Throw away toys before they even had a chance to see them.

These signs may indicate a tendency to ADHD, but they are also present in many restless children under 3 years of age.

ADHD also affects the functioning of the body. The child often experiences digestive problems. Diarrhea is the result of excessive stimulation of the intestines by the autonomic nervous system. Allergic reactions and skin rashes appear more often than in peers.

Main symptoms

1. Attention disorder

• R the child has difficulty concentrating on one subject or activity. He does not pay attention to details, unable to distinguish the main from the secondary. The child tries to do all the things at the same time: he paints all the details without finishing, reads the text, jumping over the line. This is due to the fact that he does not know how to plan. When performing tasks together, explain: “First we will do one thing, then another.”
• The child, under any pretext, tries to avoid routine matters, lessons, creativity. This may be a quiet protest when the child runs away and hides, or a tantrum with screams and tears.
• There is a cyclical nature of attention. A preschooler can do one thing for 3-5 minutes, a child of primary school age up to 10 minutes. Then, over the same period, the nervous system restores the resource. Often at this time it seems that the child does not hear the speech addressed to him. Then the cycle repeats.
• Attention can only be focused if you are left alone with the child. The child is more attentive and obedient if the room is quiet and there are no irritants, toys, other people.

1. Hyperactivity

• The child makes a large number of inappropriate movements, most of which he does not notice. A hallmark of motor activity in ADHD is its aimlessness. This can be rotation of the hands and feet, running, jumping, tapping on the table or on the floor. The child runs, not walks. Climbing on furniture . Breaks toys.
• Talking too loud and fast. He answers without listening to the question. Shouts out an answer, interrupting the answerer. He speaks in unfinished phrases, jumping from one thought to another. Swallows the endings of words and sentences. Constantly asks again. His statements are often thoughtless, they provoke and offend others.
• Mimicry is very expressive. The face expresses emotions that quickly appear and disappear - anger, surprise, joy. Sometimes he grimaces for no apparent reason.

It has been established that motor activity in children with ADHD stimulates the brain structures responsible for thinking and self-control. That is, while the child runs, knocks and disassembles objects, his brain is improving. New neural connections are established in the cortex, which will further improve the functioning of the nervous system and save the child from the manifestations of the disease.

1. Impulsiveness

• Guided solely by their own desires and execute them immediately. Acts on the first impulse, without considering the consequences and without planning. For a child, there are no situations in which he must sit still. In the classroom in kindergarten or at school, he jumps up and runs to the window, into the corridor, makes noise, shouts out from his place. Takes the favorite thing from peers.
• Can't follow instructions, especially those with multiple items. The child constantly has new desires (impulses) that prevent him from completing the work he has begun (doing homework, collecting toys).
• Unable to wait or endure. He must immediately get or do what he wants. If this does not happen, he makes a row, switches to other things or performs aimless actions. This is clearly noticeable in class or when waiting for your turn.
• Mood swings happen every few minutes. The child goes from laughing to crying. Short temper is especially characteristic of children with ADHD. Angry, the child throws objects, may start a fight or ruin the offender's things. He will do it at once, without thinking or hatching a plan of revenge.
• The child does not feel threatened. He can do things that are dangerous to health and life: climb to a height, walk through abandoned buildings, go out on thin ice, because he wanted to do it. This property leads to a high level of trauma in children with ADHD.

The manifestations of the disease are due to the fact that the nervous system of a child with ADHD is too vulnerable. She is not able to master the large amount of information coming from the outside world. Excessive activity and lack of attention is an attempt to protect yourself from an unbearable load on the National Assembly.

Additional symptoms

• Difficulties in learning with a normal level of intelligence. The child may have difficulty writing and reading. At the same time, he does not perceive individual letters and sounds or does not fully master this skill. The inability to learn arithmetic may be an independent impairment or accompany problems with reading and writing.
• Communication disorders. A child with ADHD may be obsessive towards peers and unfamiliar adults. He can be too emotional or even aggressive, which makes it difficult to communicate and establish friendly contacts.
• Lag in emotional development. The child behaves excessively capriciously and emotionally. He does not tolerate criticism, failures, behaves unbalanced, "childishly". A pattern has been established that with ADHD there is a 30% lag in emotional development. For example, a 10-year-old child behaves like a 7-year-old, although he is intellectually developed no worse than his peers.
• Negative self-esteem. The child hears a huge number of remarks during the day. If at the same time he is also compared with his peers: “Look how well Masha behaves!” this makes the situation worse. Criticism and claims convince the child that he is worse than others, bad, stupid, restless. This makes the child unhappy, distant, aggressive, instills hatred for others.

Manifestations of attention deficit disorder are due to the fact that the child's nervous system is too vulnerable. She is not able to master the large amount of information coming from the outside world. Excessive activity and lack of attention is an attempt to protect yourself from an unbearable load on the National Assembly.

Positive qualities of children with ADHD

• Active, active;
• Easily read the mood of the interlocutor;
• Ready for self-sacrifice for the people they like;
• Not vindictive, unable to hold a grudge;
• Fearless, they are not characterized by most childhood fears.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child, diagnosis Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may include several stages:

1. Collection of information - interview with the child, conversation with parents, diagnostic questionnaires.
2. Neuropsychological examination.
3. Pediatric consultation.

As a rule, a neurologist or psychiatrist makes a diagnosis based on a conversation with a child, after analyzing information from parents, caregivers and teachers.

1. Collection of information

The specialist receives most of the information during a conversation with the child and observing his behavior. With children, the conversation takes place orally. When working with adolescents, the doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire that resembles a test. Information received from parents and teachers helps complete the picture.

Diagnostic questionnaire is a list of questions designed to gather as much information about the child's behavior and mental state as possible. It usually takes the form of a multiple choice test. To identify ADHD are used:

• Vanderbilt Adolescent ADHD Diagnostic Questionnaire. There are versions for parents, teachers.
• Parental symptomatic questionnaire of ADHD manifestations;
• Structured questionnaire Conners.

According to the international classification of diseases ICD-10

diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child is set when the following symptoms are detected:

• Violation of adaptation. It is expressed by a discrepancy with the characteristics normal for this age;
• Violation of attention, when the child cannot focus his attention on one subject;
• impulsivity and hyperactivity;
• The development of the first symptoms before the age of 7 years;
• Violation of adaptation manifests itself in various situations (in kindergarten, school, at home), while the intellectual development of the child corresponds to age;
• These symptoms persist for 6 months or more.

The doctor has the right to diagnose "attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder" in the event that the child is found and traced

for 6 months or more, at least 6 symptoms of inattention and at least 6 symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. These signs appear in constantly, not from time to time. They are so pronounced that they interfere with the child's learning and daily activities.

Signs of inattention

• Doesn't pay attention to details. In his work, he makes a large number of mistakes due to negligence and frivolity.
• Easily distracted.
• Difficulty concentrating when playing and performing tasks.
• Does not listen to speech addressed to him.
• Unable to complete the task, do homework. Can't follow instructions.
• Has difficulty doing independent work. Needs guidance and supervision from an adult.
• Resists performing tasks that require prolonged mental effort: homework, tasks of a teacher or psychologist. Avoids such work under various reasons, shows dissatisfaction.
• Often loses things.
• In daily activities shows forgetfulness and absent-mindedness.

Signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity

• Makes a lot of unnecessary movements. Cannot sit comfortably in a chair. Spins, makes movements, with feet, hands, head.
• Cannot sit or remain still in situations where it is necessary to do this - in a lesson, at a concert, in transport.
• Shows thoughtless motor activity in situations where this is unacceptable. He gets up, runs, spins, takes things without asking, tries to climb somewhere.
• Can't play well.
• Overly mobile.
• Too talkative.
• He answers without listening to the end of the question. Doesn't think before answering.
• Impatient. Hardly waiting for his turn.
• Interferes with others, sticks to people. Intervenes in a game or conversation.

Strictly speaking, the diagnosis of ADHD is based on the subjective opinion of a specialist and his personal experience. Therefore, if the parents do not agree with the diagnosis, then it makes sense to contact another neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in this problem.

1. Neuropsychological examination for ADHD

In order to study the features of the brain, the child is

electroencephalographic examination (EEG). This is a measurement of the bioelectrical activity of the brain at rest or while performing tasks. To do this, the electrical activity of the brain is measured through the scalp. The procedure is painless and harmless.

the beta rhythm is reduced, and the theta rhythm is increased. The ratio of theta rhythm and beta rhythm

several times higher than normal. This suggests that the bioelectrical activity of the brain is reduced, that is, a smaller number of electrical impulses are generated and passed through the neurons, compared to the norm.

1. Pediatrician's consultation

Manifestations similar to ADHD can be caused by anemia, hyperthyroidism and other somatic diseases. A pediatrician can confirm or exclude them after a blood test for hormones and hemoglobin. Note! As a rule, in addition to the diagnosis of ADHD, a neurologist indicates a number of other diagnoses in the child’s medical record:

• Minimal brain dysfunction(MMD) - mild neurological disorders that cause disturbances in motor functions, speech, behavior;
• Increased intracranial pressure(ICP) - increased pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid), which is located in the ventricles of the brain, around it and in the spinal canal.
• Perinatal CNS damage- damage to the nervous system that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth or in the first days of life.

All these violations have similar manifestations, therefore they are often written in a complex. Such an entry in the card does not mean that the child has a large number of neurological diseases. On the contrary, the changes are minimal and can be corrected.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child, treatment

1. Medication treatment for ADHD

Medications are prescribed according to individual indications only if without them it is not possible to improve the behavior of the child.

Drug group	Representatives	The effect of taking medication
Psychostimulants	Levamphetamine, Dexamphetamine, Dexmethylphenidate	The production of neurotransmitters increases, due to which the bioelectric activity of the brain is normalized. Improve behavior, reduce impulsivity, aggressiveness, manifestations of depression.
Antidepressants, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors	Atomoxetine. Desipramine, Bupropion	Reduce the reuptake of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin). Their accumulation in synapses improves signal transmission between brain cells. Increase attention, reduce impulsivity.
Nootropic drugs	Cerebrolysin, Piracetam, Instenon, Gamma-aminobutyric acid	They improve metabolic processes in the brain tissue, its nutrition and oxygen supply, and the absorption of glucose by the brain. Increase the tone of the cerebral cortex. The effectiveness of these drugs has not been proven.
Sympathomimetics	Clonidine, Atomoxetine, Desipramine	Increase the tone of the brain vessels, improving blood circulation. Contribute to the normalization of intracranial pressure.

Treatment is carried out with low doses of drugs to minimize the risk of side effects and addiction. It has been proven that improvement occurs only at the time of taking the drugs. After their withdrawal, the symptoms reappear.

1. Physical therapy and massage for ADHD

This set of procedures is aimed at treating birth injuries of the head, cervical spine, relieving spasm of the neck muscles. This is necessary to normalize cerebral circulation and intracranial pressure. For ADHD apply:

• Physiotherapy aimed at strengthening the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. Must be done daily.
• Collar area massage courses of 10 procedures 2-3 times a year.
• Physiotherapy. Apply infrared irradiation (heating) spasmodic muscles using infrared rays. Paraffin heating is also used. 15-20 procedures 2 times a year. These procedures are well combined with massage of the collar zone.

Please note that these procedures can only be started after consultation with a neurologist and orthopedist.

Do not resort to the services of manual therapists. Treatment by an unqualified specialist, without a preliminary x-ray of the spine, can cause serious injury.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a child, behavior correction

1. BOS-therapy (biofeedback method)

biofeedback therapy

is a modern treatment method that normalizes the bioelectrical activity of the brain, eliminating the cause of ADHD. It has been effectively used to treat the syndrome for more than 40 years.

The human brain generates electrical impulses. They are divided depending on the frequency of oscillations per second and the amplitude of oscillations. The main ones are: alpha, beta, gamma, delta and theta waves. With ADHD, the activity of beta waves (beta rhythm) is reduced, which are associated with focusing attention, memory, and information processing. At the same time, the activity of theta waves (theta rhythm) increases, which indicate emotional stress, fatigue, aggressiveness and imbalance. There is a version that the theta rhythm contributes to the rapid assimilation of information and the development of creativity.

The task of biofeedback therapy is to normalize the bioelectrical oscillations of the brain - to stimulate the beta rhythm and reduce the theta rhythm to normal. For this, a specially developed hardware-software complex "BOS-LAB" is used.

Sensors are attached to certain places on the child's body. On the monitor, the child sees how his biorhythms behave and tries to change them arbitrarily. Also, biorhythms change during the performance of computer exercises. If the task is done correctly, then a sound signal sounds or a picture appears, which are an element of feedback. The procedure is painless, interesting and well tolerated by the child.

The effect of the procedure is increased attention, reduced impulsivity and hyperactivity. Improved performance and relationships with others.

The course consists of 15-25 sessions. Progress is noticeable after 3-4 procedures. The effectiveness of treatment reaches 95%. The effect persists for a long time, for 10 years or more. In some patients, biofeedback therapy completely eliminates the manifestations of the disease. Has no side effects.

1. Psychotherapeutic methods

The effectiveness of psychotherapy is significant, but progress may take from 2 months to several years. You can improve the result by combining various psychotherapeutic techniques, pedagogical measures of parents and teachers, physiotherapeutic methods and adherence to the daily routine.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Methods

The child, under the guidance of a psychologist, and then independently, forms various models of behavior. In the future, the most constructive, “correct” ones are chosen from them. In parallel, the psychologist helps the child to understand his inner world, emotions and desires.

Classes are held in the form of a conversation or a game, where the child is offered various roles - a student, a buyer, a friend or an opponent in a dispute with peers. Children act out the situation. Then the child is asked to determine how each of the participants feels. Did he do the right thing.

• Anger management skills and expressing your emotions in an acceptable way. What do you feel? What do you want? Now say it politely. What we can do?
• Constructive conflict resolution. The child is taught to negotiate, seek compromise, avoid quarrels or get out of them in a civilized manner. (If you don’t want to share - offer another toy. You are not accepted into the game - come up with an interesting activity and offer it to others). It is important to teach the child to speak calmly, to listen to the interlocutor, to clearly articulate what he wants.
• Appropriate ways of communicating with the teacher and with peers. As a rule, the child knows the rules of behavior, but does not follow them because of impulsiveness. Under the guidance of a psychologist in the game, the child improves communication skills.
• Correct methods of behavior in public places - in kindergarten, at the lesson, in the store, at the doctor's office, etc. mastered in the form of "theater".

The effectiveness of the method is significant. The result appears in 2-4 months.

1. play therapy

In the form of a game that is pleasant for the child, the formation of perseverance and attentiveness, learning to control hyperactivity and increased emotionality takes place.

The psychologist individually selects a set of games based on the symptoms of ADHD. At the same time, he can change their rules if the child is too easy or hard.

Play therapy at first is carried out individually, then it can become a group or family. Also, games can be "homework", or conducted by the teacher during the five-minute lesson.

• Games for the development of attention. Find 5 differences in the picture. Define the scent. Identify the object by touch with your eyes closed. Broken phone.
• Games for the development of perseverance and the fight against disinhibition. Hide and Seek. Silent. Sort items by color/size/shape.
• Games for the control of motor activity. Throwing the ball at a set pace that gradually increases. Siamese twins, when children in a pair, hugging each other by the waist, must complete tasks - clap their hands, run.
• Games to relieve muscle clamps and emotional stress. Aimed at the physical and emotional relaxation of the child. "Humpty Dumpty" for alternate relaxation of various muscle groups.
• Games for the development of memory and overcoming impulsivity."Speak!" - the facilitator asks simple questions. But you can answer them only after the command “Speak!”, Before which he pauses for a few seconds.
• Computer games, which simultaneously develop perseverance, attention and restraint.

1. Art therapy

Engaging in various types of art reduces fatigue and anxiety, frees from negative emotions, improves adaptation, allows you to realize your talents and raise your child's self-esteem. It helps to develop internal control and perseverance, improves the relationship between the child and the parent or psychologist.

Interpreting the results of the child's work, the psychologist gets an idea about his inner world, mental conflicts and problems.

• Drawing colored pencils, finger paints or watercolors. Sheets of paper of different sizes are used. The child can choose the plot of the drawing himself or the psychologist can suggest a topic - “At school”, “My family”.
• sand therapy. You need a sandbox with clean, moistened sand and a set of various molds, including human figures, vehicles, houses, etc. The child himself decides what exactly he wants to reproduce. Often he plays up stories that disturb him unconsciously, but he cannot convey this to adults.
• Modeling from clay or plasticine. The child sculpts figures from plasticine on a given topic - funny animals, my friend, my pet. classes contribute to the development of fine motor skills and brain functions.
• Listening to music and playing musical instruments. Rhythmic dance music is recommended for girls, and marching music for boys. Music relieves emotional stress, increases perseverance and attention.

The effectiveness of art therapy is average. It is a helper method. Can be used to establish contact with the child or for relaxation.

1. Family therapy and work with teachers.

The psychologist informs adults about the developmental features of a child with ADHD. He talks about effective methods of work, forms of influence on the child, how to form a system of rewards and sanctions, how to convey to the child the need to fulfill duties and comply with prohibitions. This reduces the number of conflicts, makes training and education easier for all its participants.

When working with a child, a psychologist draws up a psycho-correction program for several months. At the first sessions, he establishes contact with the child and conducts diagnostics to determine how pronounced inattention, impulsiveness and aggressiveness are. Taking into account individual characteristics, he draws up a correction program, gradually introducing various psychotherapeutic techniques and complicating tasks. Therefore, parents should not expect drastic changes after the first meetings.

1. Pedagogical measures

Parents and teachers need to be aware of the cyclical nature of the brain in children with ADHD. On average, a child assimilates information for 7-10 minutes, then the brain needs 3-7 minutes to recover and rest. This feature must be used in the process of learning, doing homework and in any other activity. For example, give your child tasks that he will have time to complete in 5-7 minutes.

Proper parenting is the main way to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. Whether the child “outgrows” this problem and how successful it will be in adulthood depends on the behavior of the parents.

• Be patient, keep self-control. Avoid criticism. Peculiarities in the behavior of the child are not his fault and not yours. Insults and physical violence are unacceptable.
• Communicate expressively with your child. Expressions of emotion in facial expressions and voice will help to keep his attention. For the same reason, it is important to look into the eyes of the child.
• Use physical contact. Hold the hand, stroke, hug, use massage elements when communicating with the child. It has a calming effect and helps to focus.
• Provide clear control of the execution of tasks. The child does not have sufficient willpower to complete what he started, he is tempted to stop halfway. Knowing that an adult will supervise the task will help him see it through to the end. Will provide discipline and self-control in the future.
• Set challenging tasks for your child. If he is not up to the task that you have set for him, then next time simplify it. If yesterday he did not have the patience to put away all the toys, then today ask him only to collect the cubes in a box.
• Set the child a task in the form of short instructions. Give one task at a time: "Brush your teeth." When this is completed, ask to wash.
• Take breaks of a few minutes between each activity. Collected toys, rested for 5 minutes, went to wash.
• Allow your child to be physically active during class. If he waves his legs, twists various objects in his hands, shifts near the table, this improves his thought process. If you limit this small activity, then the child's brain will fall into a stupor and will not be able to perceive information.
• Praise for every success. Do it one on one and with your family. The child has low self-esteem. He often hears how bad he is. Therefore, praise is vital to him. It encourages the child to be disciplined, to put even more effort and perseverance in completing tasks. Well, if the praise is visual. These can be chips, tokens, stickers, cards that the child can count at the end of the day. Change "rewards" from time to time. Forfeiting a reward is an effective form of punishment. He must follow immediately after the offense.
• Be consistent in your requirements. If you can not watch TV for a long time, then do not make exceptions when you have guests or your mother is tired.
• Warn your child about what's to come. It is difficult for him to interrupt activities that are interesting. Therefore, 5-10 minutes before the end of the game, warn that he will soon finish playing and collect toys.
• Learn to plan. Together, make a list of tasks that need to be done today, and then cross off what you have done.
• Make a daily routine and stick to it. This will teach the child to plan, distribute their time and anticipate what will happen in the near future. This develops the work of the frontal lobes and creates a sense of security.
• Encourage your child to play sports. Martial arts, swimming, athletics, cycling will be especially useful. They will direct the activity of the child in the right useful direction. Team sports (football, volleyball) can be difficult. Traumatic sports (judo, boxing) can increase the level of aggressiveness.
• Try different types of activities. The more you offer your child, the higher the chance that he will find his hobby, which will help him become more diligent and attentive. This will build his self-esteem and improve relationships with peers.
• Protect from prolonged viewing TV and computer seats. The approximate norm is 10 minutes for each year of life. So a 6-year-old child should not watch TV for more than an hour.

Remember, if your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, this does not mean that he is behind his peers in intellectual development. The diagnosis only indicates the borderline state between the norm and deviation. Parents will have to make more efforts, show a lot of patience in education, and in most cases, after 14 years, the child will “outgrow” this condition.

Often children with ADHD have high IQs and are referred to as "indigo children". If a child becomes interested in something specific in adolescence, then he will direct all his energy to it and bring it to perfection. If this hobby develops into a profession, then success is guaranteed. This is proved by the fact that most of the big businessmen and prominent scientists in childhood suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The child's behavior often causes parents to worry. But this is not about ordinary promiscuity or disobedience, as it seems at first glance to strangers. In some cases, everything is much more complicated and serious. Such behavioral features can be provoked by a special state of the nervous system. In medicine, it is called hyperactivity disorder and is usually paired with attention deficit disorder. Short form? ADHD.

Hyperactive children give parents a lot of worries

What does it mean?

Literally, the prefix "hyper" means "too much". It is difficult for a child to play with the same toys, not just for a long time, but even for several minutes. The baby cannot stay still for more than 10 seconds.

What about the deficit? this is an insufficient level of concentration and ability to concentrate in a child, which affects the constant excitement, the rapid change of the object of interest.

Now every parent who has read the meaning of the terms will think: “My child is very restless, asks questions all the time, does not sit still. Maybe something is wrong with him and you need to immediately contact the doctors?

Definition of hyperactivity

In fact, children must be in constant motion, because they learn about the world and themselves in it. But sometimes it is difficult for the baby to complete the tasks, calm down in time and even just stop. And here it is necessary to think about the reasons.

Is deviation from the norm a problem?

First of all, we emphasize that the word "norm" is used conditionally. It implies a set of fixed skills of typical behavior. However, any deviation from the prescribed parameters should not be taken as the end of the world. It is very important for parents not to despair, but to understand the situation and help the child.

Main task? timely identify the peculiarity of the baby, do not miss the moment and learn how to properly manage the situation.

Early detection of hyperactivity syndrome

As practice shows, before school age, the characteristics of a child are rarely established, although the symptoms are present almost from birth, as they are laid genetically. Teachers are already paying more attention to the specifics. And some manifestations are noticeable even up to 3 years, in particular:

• a child up to a year during the period of wakefulness moves arms and legs without stopping;
• it is difficult for a baby to play with one toy even for a short period of time;
• the baby is extremely emotional, easily falls into hysterics, it is difficult for him to calm down, stop crying, yelling, etc.;
• does not seem to respond to comments at all.

What parents should pay attention to

Lack of attention is a sign of ADHD

Psychological disorders associated with a lack of attention and hyperactivity include three categories:

1. Direct inattention.
2. Increased activity.
3. Unusual impulsiveness.

Each category has a number of behavioral features. Problems are mostly identified in a complex way. Therefore, it is important to understand that it is impossible to navigate only? But one condition. In order to establish a diagnosis, it is necessary to match at least three positions.

Specific signs of attention problems

Attention deficit disorder in children is indicated by the following circumstances:

• difficulties with focusing on details, individual objects, pictures;
• difficulties with the conduct of gaming activities;
• elementary tasks remain unfulfilled, for example, “Bring it!”, “Tell me!”, “Do it in half an hour”, etc .;
• unwillingness to make any effort and fulfill duties;
• poor self-organization in everyday life: the child is constantly late, does not have time to do something, loses his things;
• in a group conversation or conversation, it seems that he does not listen at all;
• a long memorization process, but an instant distraction to foreign objects;
• quick switching to another occupation;
• loss of interest in previous hobbies, hobbies.

Hyperactivity conditions

There is an allowable number of signs to determine the normal development of the child, but it should not exceed three characteristics from the following:

Definition of impulsivity

Even one of the following characteristics is a cause for concern:

• the child answers questions prematurely;
• unable to wait their turn in games or other situations;
• intervenes in other people's conversations.

Other characteristics

Impulsivity and excessive emotionality are a sign of ADHD

Violations are observed not only in psychological characteristics, but also in medical, physiological, emotional. Closer to the age of 5, the child may show symptoms of the following nature:

• general state of the emotional sphere: constant anxiety, stuttering, difficulty in clearly and correctly formulating speech, lack of restful sleep and rest;
• violation of motor functions: motor and vocal tics. The child involuntarily makes sounds, makes swings with his arms or legs;
• physiological conditions and concomitant medical diseases: persistent allergic reactions, bowel and urination disorders, epileptic manifestations.

Causes of hyperactivity

What to do?

After the diagnosis of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder is established, parents come to a standstill and ask themselves: “What will happen now? How to behave? How to help and properly treat a child?

Indeed, the problem requires increased attention and considerable effort on the part of both close relatives, educators, teachers, and the entire environment of the baby. Therefore, you need to be patient and skillfully approach education.

Brain changes in a hyperactive child

Modern medicine uses many options for managing a diagnosis. But all of them must be used in combination. In order of importance, they include:

1. Psychological home help for a child.
2. Treatment with medications and folk remedies.
3. Nutrition and diet.

Behavioral Therapy

The elimination of hyperactivity in a child, first of all, involves the creation of a special atmosphere in the family. Only close people can really help the baby, teach him to control himself. If there are no specific pedagogical skills in relatives, you can seek advice from a qualified psychologist.

Tips for parents - what to do

To improve behavior, psychologists advise:

1. Create a comfortable atmosphere in the family. The child should not hear insults, curses.
2. The emotional overstrain of the baby has a bad effect on his psychological state. Therefore, he should always feel the love and attention of his parents.
3. Find the positive aspects of learning, help your child in every way to behave well at home, in kindergarten, and then at school.
4. At the slightest feeling of fatigue, the baby must be given the opportunity to rest, relax, and then again you can start classes or study.
5. Tell about the problem to educators, school psychologist and teachers. Together they will contribute to further adaptation in society.

How to Treat Attention Deficit Disorder in Children

The child is treated by psychologists and neuropathologists. They prescribe drugs that can increase or change the functioning of the corresponding parts of the brain. It is only important to find a truly competent specialist and trust him.

The following drugs are usually prescribed:

Nutrition and Diet Issues

Children diagnosed with ADHD are advised to follow a special diet. Since doctors believe that certain foods and drinks aggravate the condition of small patients.

Proper diet is the basis of ADHD treatment

• Almost completely eliminate the consumption of sugar and sweets;
• Avoid artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors and unnatural fat-containing ingredients (sweets, pastries, sausages, etc.);
• Eat more whole grains and bran;
• Eat the most natural products, home-cooked meals;
• Diversify the child's vegetable and fruit menu, fill it with cabbage of different varieties, carrots, apples, citrus fruits, apricots, nuts, etc. All food should be beautiful and healthy, without harmful synthetic additives.

Children have a strong emotional bond with their parents. Therefore, the correct behavior of the closest people and relatives plays an important role in managing the diagnosis of ADHD.

Adhere to the following rules:

Does the problem go away with time?

With the right approach and treatment, the manifestations of hyperactivity and attention deficit in a child decrease over time and become almost invisible by adolescence.

Possible consequences of ADHD

However, it should be understood that the diagnosis cannot completely disappear. It will go into a latent form or transform, occasionally reminding of itself with a quick change in mood, depression, or the inability to do one thing. Therefore, the main task of parents and teachers is to teach the child to independently control his emotions and behavior by adulthood, to use willpower and determination.

Remember! Attention-deficit/hyperactive children need to feel love and affection all the time. They may not always be attentive themselves, but they really want other people to treat them with understanding and attentiveness.

Patience, support and diligence can change the attitude towards special and in their own way unique members of society!

In a broad sense, attention deficit disorder is a disorder of the concentration process in children associated with lack of perseverance and increased excitability. The disease has many nuances, but it does not affect the quality of life of the child.

The negative consequences of ADD are more related to the process of learning and perception of certain material by the brain.

At advanced stages of the syndrome, pathologies of physical development may occur. Therefore, having noticed signs of attention deficit in children, it is necessary to contact specialists. Disease must be treated.

Concept and characteristics

Attention Deficit in Children - What is it?

Attention Deficit Disorder is a behavioral neurological disorder.

This pathology is among the most common mental disorders in children.

According to medical statistics, this syndrome occurs more often in boys than in girls. Numerous factors related to pregnancy, environment, and heredity can provoke ADD.

How to treat asthenic syndrome in a child? Learn about it from our article.

Factors that can trigger the development of ADD in children not fully studied by experts. Doctors identify several circumstances that in most cases increase the risk of pathology.

In some cases, attention deficit disorder is not a consequence of certain influences of negative factors, but a peculiar feature of the child's psyche.

This condition is not the norm and also indicates deviations in psycho-emotional development.

Causes of Attention Deficit Disorder may be the following factors:

In medical practice, two types of ADD are distinguished - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without hyperactivity. The first type of pathology is more common.

The symptoms of these types of syndrome differ to a small extent, but their combination plays an important role in determining the course of treatment for the child.

Forms of ADD:

• carelessness(the pathology is associated with the manifestation of symptoms of a violation of the child's attentiveness, but the symptoms of hyperactivity syndrome are not present in this case);
• impulsiveness and hyperactivity(the child is prone to excessive activity, excitability and irascibility);
• mixed form (the disease combines the symptoms of two other forms of the syndrome).

Attention Deficit Disorder is in close relationship with hyperactivity.

With a combination of these pathologies, treatment becomes difficult.

Hyperactive child with ADD not only not assiduous, but also overly talkative, cannot sit in one place for a long time and is characterized by absent-mindedness of movements. The educational process in such children is always accompanied by numerous difficulties.

Connection ADD and hyperactivity:

• hyperactivity may develop with ADD and without association with this syndrome;
• ADD may be closely associated with hyperactivity or develop independently of it.

Read more about the symptoms and treatment of hyperexcitability in children here.

In some cases, attention deficit disorder becomes pronounced from the first days of a baby's life, but to recognize them extremely difficult even for experienced professionals.

Most often, the symptoms of the disease are noticed by parents at the beginning of the process of teaching a child of preschool or school age.

The syndrome has many characteristic features, but the fact that the baby has several of them at the same time is a cause for concern.

Symptoms Attention deficit in a child are the following factors:

For different ages, a special manifestation of ADD is characteristic. For example, in preschool children, the disease manifests itself in excessive activity and restlessness.

School-age children experience difficulties with the assimilation of educational material, they are restless and forgetful.

In adolescence, ADD can cause protracted depressive conditions. Life's difficulties are such children exaggerate and feel anxious all the time.

Children with ADHD have a low immune system. This factor causes them susceptibility to various diseases. Especially increases the risk of developing diseases associated with the process of reading and deviations in speech development.

The syndrome can provoke complications of any pathologies. Children with this diagnosis are most prone to allergic reactions, diseases of the organs of hearing and vision.

Concomitant diseases the following pathologies can become:

• diseases of the hearing organs;
• temporal epilepsy;
• dyslexia;
• eczema;
• nervous tics;
• neurodermatitis;
• dyspraxia;
• dysgraphia;
• dysarthria.

Before starting the examination of the child, doctors collect information about his psycho-emotional state.

In some cases, additional study of genetic features his parents.

If you suspect ADD, you should be examined by a pediatric neurologist. If necessary, the doctor will refer the child for additional consultation with specialized specialists.

The help of a psychologist for children with ADD becomes necessary with complications pathology or as part of complex therapy.

Methods diagnostics ADD are the following procedures:

• consultation with a neurologist (a complete neurological examination of the child is performed);
• MRI (the doctor may prescribe a study not only of the brain, but also of other organs, the malfunction of which could provoke the development of the syndrome);
• study of dopamine metabolism;
• neuropsychological testing;
• EEG and video-EEG.

How to treat Attention Deficit Disorder in children? Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder complex. Therapy includes a general adjustment of the child's behavior, the use of special medications, neuropsychological techniques and regular sessions with teachers and parents.

Some experts consider ADD incurable pathology, but it is possible to reduce its symptoms only by timely taken therapeutic measures.

Treatment options for ADD:

The decision to use medical treatment for ADD is made by the doctor. key role in this case, the general state of health of the baby, the tendency to recovery and the features of the psycho-emotional state play.

It is impossible to choose medicines on your own. Each group of medicines has its own nuances of use and, if used incorrectly, can harm the health of the child.

In the treatment of attention deficit disorder in children, the following types can be prescribed drugs:

• means of correcting the central nervous system (Pemolin, Methylphenidate);
• nootropic drugs (Phenibut, Nootropil, Semax);
• means of the group of tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Imipramine).

Therapy for ADD involves not only conducting classes with teachers, taking medications and other therapeutic measures, but also active participation of parents in consolidating the results.

There are several rules that must be followed without fail.

1. The exclusion of impunity and permissiveness (ADV cannot be considered a disease that is a reason to exclude punishments for bad behavior).
2. If it is difficult for a child to cope with any tasks, their solution must be approached in stages (the child must be helped to overcome difficulties, and not achieve results with reproaches and punishments).
3. Preference should be given to calm games with a minimum competition factor (the child should rejoice at his achievements, and not be upset because of defeats).
4. You need to communicate with the child as much as possible (attention from the parents will give the baby self-confidence).
5. Accustoming the child to a certain daily routine (the baby needs to develop a systematization of actions and discipline his behavior).
6. The exclusion of excessive severity in raising a child (it is difficult for a child to cope with an illness, and excessive punishment will aggravate his psycho-emotional state).
7. The baby should be praised more often for success (praise and kind attitude of parents can greatly speed up the treatment process).
8. You can not criticize the child (such actions of the parents will not only aggravate the child's condition, but also cause his aggressiveness, lower self-esteem and depression).

What are the indirect signs of hydrocephalic syndrome in children? Find out the answer right now.

As the child grows older, the symptoms of ADD become less pronounced, but the consequences of the syndrome can become cause of low professional performance and susceptibility to depression.

Correcting such consequences will be extremely difficult. With proper treatment of the disease in childhood, the likelihood of such factors is greatly reduced.

Consequences of ADD In adulthood, the following factors may become:

• difficulties in communicating with other people;
• frequent changes in professional activity;
• difficulties in creating a family;
• addiction to alcoholism due to low self-esteem and depressive states.

Raising a child with Attention Deficit Disorder many challenges for parents. Errors can reduce the effectiveness of therapy or cause complications.

If it is difficult to cope with the baby on your own, then you need to seek help from specialists. Doctors and teachers will not only conduct classes with children, but also explain to parents the intricacies of raising children.

A clinical psychologist talks about ADHD in this video:

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The first approach I use with ADD children (everything I say applies to adults with ADD and ADHD) is to teach them to clearly distinguish when they are "here" and when they "out of reality". I ask children to pay special attention to when they are present in the present moment, that is, where we must absorb and remember something, and when their presence is only visible.

Parents can help kids practice what I call attention muscle while playing the game I called "Distraction Monster". Ask your child to focus on doing some simple homework while you try (in a mild way at first) to distract him with something. When the child begins to solve the problem in mathematics, the mother can say out loud: “I wonder what I would cook this for dinner? Mmm, kids always like something like swede and brussels sprouts...”

The child should try his best not to be distracted or raise his head. If he copes with this task, he gets one point. If the child is distracted, then the mother gets the point. Children love it when they have the opportunity to ignore the words of their parents, and this game, which becomes more and more difficult each time, helps them learn to pay attention.

Another interesting game that allows children to train their attention is to give them multiple commands at once, which they must perform, having previously memorized the desired sequence (taking into account the fact that you will not repeat this twice). “Go back to the yard, pick three blades of grass, put them in my left hand, and then start singing “Happy Birthday to You.”

Start with simple tasks and then move on to more complex ones. Most children enjoy this game very much because it helps them understand what it means to use their attention to the fullest.

...and proper nutrition

A well-rested and well-hydrated brain is able to work more efficiently than a brain that is tired, dehydrated, and hasn’t taken in the right amount of calories.

I've had people come to see me with serious attention problems who have achieved incredible results simply by cutting back on their sugar intake and getting more hours of sleep. A study conducted by Cornell University in 1993 showed that eliminating dairy, wheat, corn, yeast, citrus fruits, eggs, chocolate, peanuts, and artificial colors and preservatives from the diet reduced the symptoms of ADHD.

A previous study found that a hypoallergenic diet supplemented with vitamins and micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc contributed to favorable results. The levels of omega-3 acids in plasma and red blood cells in children with ADHD are always much lower than in children who do not suffer from this syndrome, therefore, the inclusion of a daily dose of omega-3 in the diet will contribute to the positive dynamics of treatment.

Homework

Let's talk a little about what poses the biggest problem for kids with (and without) ADHD: homework. It is important to emphasize once again that parents should support the child, showing care and friendliness, explaining that they are on his side, and not act as an opposing force or threat.

Realizing what the child has to struggle with when he tries his best to concentrate on a task that is completely unattractive and boring for him - for example, when he solves several pages of math problems or rewrites words in order to learn their spelling - a parent can say: " I understand, dear, that doesn't interest you at all, does it?" and thereby help him open up more for participation and advice.

I teach children how to help their brain wake up before doing homework with light tapping with fingers all over the head or gentle massage of the auricles (this stimulates important acupuncture points). Before doing homework, children can also spray some air freshener in the room where they will be studying. An unobtrusive smell will help to quickly start the brain to work.

Ten Minute Rule can be a huge help in doing homework that children are so reluctant to start. This method boils down to telling your child that the homework they dislike the most can be done in as little as ten minutes, even though it actually takes a lot longer. Ten minutes later, the child decides for himself whether he will continue to practice or stop there. This is one of my all-time favorite tricks that I use to force myself to do everyday chores like filling out paperwork or washing dishes!

Another idea is to ask the child to complete a small part of the task, and then jump up and down ten times or walk around the house and only then continue with the activity. Such a break in hateful homework will help awaken the prefrontal cortex and activate the central nervous system. Thanks to this, the child will begin to show more attention to what he is doing, and will no longer perceive his work as lifelong hard labor.

We want the child to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and this can be achieved by breaking large tasks into small and manageable pieces.

Susan Stiffelman

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Discussion

Comment on the article "How to help a child with ADHD? The 10-minute rule and 5 more ways"

Is it ADHD? Your opinion.. Medicine / children. Adoption. Discussion of adoption issues, forms of placement of children in families, raising foster children, interaction with guardianship Doctors diagnosed hyperkinetic syndrome, but I see that there is also a lack of attention.

When treating a child with a cold, mothers may come across erroneous recommendations that not only do not help the baby recover, but sometimes even are dangerous for his health. We propose to consider the most common mistakes and misconceptions in the treatment of respiratory infections in children. "The temperature must be brought down urgently" An increase in body temperature is a protective reaction of the child's body, the purpose of which is to destroy the infection. Bringing down the temperature already at...

Discussion

A good article and useful tips for young parents) I remember with my first child I didn’t know anything at all and even a runny nose in a baby made me panic)

Yes, our ENT prescribed us recently, with regular snot - Umckalor. It is an antimicrobial agent of plant origin. It should be given 3 times a day on an empty stomach, dosage according to the instructions, according to age.
In our case (adenoids), the drug helped very well, after a week the daughter began to breathe well at night, her nose stopped stuffing up.

Discussion of adoption issues, forms of placement of children in families, foster care It resolved later) I had hyperactivity without attention deficit) 08/02/2015 10 for ADHD, although they travel with others. ..

Discussion

With my blood after 12 it became easier. And now, with the advent of his brother, a new round. He gives me a little one, moreover, he himself can already stop at my command, and then our baby then has to be brought back to normal for hours, although he is not ADHD. It's hereditary in our family. I didn’t pass the DV, well, I don’t like to wait very much, to stand in lines in public places. At one time, a very good doctor put forward a theory for me and my son that this is from vascular problems, insufficient blood supply to the GM, so they jump. This was confirmed with mine later. And no more rispolepts, non-stop sports, the same doctor's idea. Helped mine.

My letter G from the diagnosis went to the second class. But the attention deficit remained. Attention when they deliver?

Psychologist and blogger June Silney has written an amazing article on living with someone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And Bright Side translated it for you. - In fact, loving a person with ADHD is difficult. You never know what to say. It's like walking through a minefield: you walk on tiptoe, but you have no idea what step (or word) will cause an explosion of emotions. People with ADHD suffer. Life is harder for them than for most. Their brilliant minds are constantly in...

How to deal with a hyperactive child? Where can the parents of this living perpetual motion machine be patient, unable to sit still for a couple of minutes? And how to respond to the persistent recommendations of educators or teachers to check the child with a neurologist. After all, a normal child cannot be so restless. Obviously some kind of pathology ... Of course, one of the main tasks of parents is to ensure that the child grows up healthy and develops correctly. Of course, we listen to...

There are serious professionals. We also had a question about the lack of attention in front of the school. After the _teachers_ heard me. Not a child of someone, but adults. And if you set a goal, then signs of ADHD (yes, anything) can be found in any child.

Discussion

I recommend Tomatis therapy to everyone... I don't know directly, it helped us a lot.
I also gave homeopathy (you only need a competent homeopath to select a scheme for your boy).
Well, regimen, fresh air and sports. Swimming is good, they say, also horseback riding and judo. And music also teaches you to concentrate very well. The piano did not work for us, and the drums are only on the way :-)
Nootropic type medicines I would not give in this case.

I have an older son, 8 years old, first grade. At your age, it was a complete nightmare - both in behavior and in concentration. We are also in the provinces, but we were lucky to find a competent neurologist. She said that it would be hard in the lower grades, but by the age of 12 it would be compensated. We corrected the child mostly by ourselves, but with a little medical support. And now every vacation we visit a neurologist. I was sent to school at 7.5, at 6.5 I was completely unprepared. In the year before school, there was a huge leap in mental and physical development. First class is almost behind - the flight is generally normal. He studies well, everything is easy to grasp. But the behavior - alas ... Almost a day without comments :)). And because of their behavior, they didn’t get into the strongest class, but I don’t regret it. Every year it gets easier and easier! We occupied our son a lot with all sorts of creative activities - designing, sculpting, drawing, it helped a lot!
If I were you, I would look for a competent neurologist or neuropsychologist - a lot can be corrected a year before school. Everything will be fine, good luck!

What is childhood hyperactivity? Usually, symptoms in children begin to occur at the age of 2-3 years. However, in most cases, parents see a doctor when the child begins to go to school, and he is found to have problems with learning, which are the result of hyperactivity. In the behavior of the child, this manifests itself as follows: restlessness, fussiness, anxiety; impulsiveness, emotional instability, tearfulness; ignoring the rules and norms of behavior; having problems with...

Mini-lecture "How to help a hyperactive child" Keeping in mind the individual characteristics of hyperactive children, it is advisable to work with them at the beginning of the day, and not in the evening, reduce their workload, take breaks in work. Before starting work (classes, events), it is advisable to conduct an individual conversation with such a child, having agreed in advance the rules for the implementation of which the child receives a reward (not necessarily material). A hyperactive child needs to be encouraged more often...

Let's divide our article into two parts. In the first part, we will talk about what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is and how to understand that your baby has ADHD, and in the second part we will discuss what can be done with a hyperactive child, how to educate, teach and develop him. If you know for sure that your child has ADHD - you can go directly to the second part of the article, if not, then I advise you to read the article in its entirety. Part one. Syndrome of hyperactivity and deficiency ...

Aggression is not at all a sign of ADHD, just like serious disorders in the field of social communication. The main symptom is a lack of attention, that is, it is possible to adapt a child to school, many ADHD children go to school. And sometimes medication also helps a lot.

Discussion

Our boy is 4 years old and doesn’t talk at all, the doctors said wait until three years, they can’t say anything, now, as I myself understood, he already has hyperactivity, doesn’t sit still, doesn’t understand anything, etc., but goes to sometimes there is no potty, how to deal with it in terms of speech development

02/06/2019 20:15:59, Arman

My son did the same thing until the 2nd grade, but not from a lack of attention, but from the mind, as it turned out. He was bored. The values ​​went from below normal to above normal. Many parents who have developed children have the same complaint, I do not see any problem, she is most likely not interested. Well, my truth also worked as a clown, at first the teachers hinted to me that he was most likely the rest and poured out complaints, now I see delight in the eyes. My son has a child with ADHD in his class. That child does not have time to do anything because he is busy making faces, running away from the classroom, teachers running after him, he has serious violations in the field of social communication and aggression.

Your baby cannot sit still for a minute, rushes like mad and sometimes it just makes you dazzle in your eyes .. Perhaps your fidget belongs to the group of hyperactive children. Children's hyperactivity is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, increased motor activity and excitability. Such children are constantly on the move: pulling clothes, wrinkling something in their hands, tapping their fingers, fidgeting in a chair, spinning, cannot sit still, chew something, stretch their lips ...

Currently, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered one of the most common behavioral disorders in children.

Discussion

The environment does not accept them, and they suffer because of the inability to gain independence, to clearly identify themselves in relationships with peers.
The social immaturity of such children is manifested in the preference for building play relationships with younger children. Such manifestations of infantilism can be viewed as an attempt to adapt at a level at which children with ADHD receive less stressful influences.

Children with ADHD have difficult relationships with adults.
The social environment requires the hyperactive child to be more predictable,
stable and effective approach to life than he can demonstrate.
The inability to regulate behavior adequately to the situation and meet expectations leads to unpredictable, explosive behavior.
As a result, some children increasingly fall into a bad mood and depression, while others, according to their temperament, react aggressively, provoke conflicts, and sometimes elements of clowning are added to their behavior.

So,
Relevance of the problem
determined by the high frequency of this syndrome in
child population and its great social significance.

You may be wondering: Which children are likely to have ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder can be seen
in children with neurotic conditions (anxiety, fears),
in chronically ill children,
with mental retardation,
motor alalia,
early childhood autism, etc.

Attention deficit disorder often accompanies hyperactivity disorder. Its main manifestation is the inability for a long time
remain in a state of immobility.

Thus, ADHD manifests itself:
- motor hyperactivity,
- impulsive behavior
- Difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention
- learning and memory disorders
- problems in relationships with others.

So we found out that children with ADHD
Difficulty in regulating your activity
attention and social interaction skills,
to adapt to the context of a particular situation.
This leads to frequent problems that arise in their communication with both adults and peers.

..."MMD, hypertensive syndrome, attention deficit hyperdynamic syndrome ". I don’t observe ADHD yet, I understand spoken language well, so I try not to be nervous myself. Both of my self-made children had hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (ADHD). A child is born in the family. And adults dream: now he will start walking, now they will study together. He starts some business and is quickly distracted by another. Then he drops everything and grabs the third one.

Discussion

I don't understand what the controversy is about. A good article, for the first time I see it in clear text that MMD is not a medical diagnosis. It always seemed to me that a medical diagnosis should be based on a physiological pathology revealed in one way or another, and MMD is just that, they looked at the child and decided that something was wrong with him. And no encephalograms, emerai or something else, even a blood test is not necessary. So the nanny looked at the child and said: not everything is in order with his head, well, not so much, then they would immediately write UO or mental retardation, and so, a little, in the end we get the diagnosis of MMD. And if you look at the topic below, then from the point of view of many employees of "institutions", and many doctors, orphans a priori have something wrong with their heads. So we get such diagnoses en masse: in infants, perinatal hypoxia and encephalopathy, in older children, MMD, and so on.
So everything is written correctly in the article and explains a lot, what is there to break spears about? Hyperactivity at school is rather associated with egocentrism, narcissism. When a child needs increased attention from others.

And I have a question for all mothers of children with ADHD - do your children suffer from bedwetting? Recently I read that this is one of the symptoms ... We have it. Not every day, of course, but it happens, especially when you get nervous. On Sunday there was a conflict situation at the dacha, everything was settled, but the grandmother calls now and says that since that day there has not been a single dry night ... The kidneys, the bladder were checked, everything is fine. I associate it with ADHD. What to do?

I am the mother of a child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Here and there, all over the Russian Internet, I see a discussion of the topic of hyperactive children. Shouldn't we unite in a single forum of mutual assistance and support for parents of children with ADHD?

Discussion

I very much support such a desire, I myself have been thinking about something like this for a long time, but I myself am not able to start anything like this. Unfortunately, a Russian-language forum on Yahoo will require constant recoding, it's just not very convenient, and I'm not at all oriented on this page. And another thing that comes to mind: one forum is not enough. In general, a Russian-language site on this topic has been needed for a long time, but I'm not so strong in site building that I can't even master a modest hamster. Or maybe someone knows an already existing resource?
It would be nice to make a help page, a catalog of resources, etc. I'm ready to offer some nice links on my own. I can also translate something from English out of pure enthusiasm, I bookmarked it a long time ago, but ... there are a few "buts" about which for a long time, although you can still sort it out. And I welcome the initiative.

Misha flew into the house like a typhoon, grabbed a bottle of water from the table, threw his school backpack and jacket on the floor and ran back to the yard. "Stop!" - Mom shouted after him and almost doomedly continued with tired demands: “Put on a jacket! .. Come back in half an hour - do your homework!”.
“And how do his teachers withstand this onslaught of activity, if a third of Misha’s classmates have proven ADHD ?!” - Misha's mother thought again - with great bewilderment.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: what is hidden behind these words, if we speak simply?

Attention: what is it really? Many of us automatically know that feeling when we give something our full attention. We focus on the subject, listen, look and absorb all the characteristics and changes. And we must admit that even for adults this is not always an easy process.

It is very easy for us to focus on pleasant or interesting things: an exciting movie, an exciting book, a walk by the sea with a gentle warm breeze.

However, the level of the ability to concentrate (ie, the ability to focus and hold attention) is determined in other situations - WHEN WE CAN FOCUS ON THINGS NOT INTERESTING FOR US. A test for the ability to concentrate - a boring lecture, a dull lecturer, an unloved subject at school.

Let's see what non-drug ways help to concentrate.

1. Remove distractions

Noisy corridors at school, lack of silence in the classroom and sounds from the street can distract the child's attention. Therefore, the correct calm environment during classes is so important - in the classroom and in the school as a whole.

You can offer a child with ADHD mobile partitions for desks, ear plugs, and a light filter in the form of glasses. This will reduce susceptibility to external stimuli. Also, inflatable balancing discs for sitting remain an effective tool, which also reduce the creaking of chairs when the student sits on them.

2. Constantly train your sense of balance

The key word in balance training is CONSTANTLY. The areas of concentration and balance are so closely related that more and more new adaptations are steadily appearing so that the child can study and at the same time maintain body balance in a changing environment.

Use all sorts of ways to develop your balance skills. It doesn't have to be complicated bungee jumps or obstacle courses in play centers or playgrounds. Moreover, the best period for practicing balance is the time immediately before the lesson.

Read also How to help a child with ASD eat better

There are many tools for training balance at home, among which are those that are used during exercise at the table. Large fitness ball, trampoline, balancing board, inflatable balancing hemisphere, stretching table legs for balancing legs while sitting.

3.Continuously exercise joint hand-eye coordination

Throwing and catching, but not a ball, but a light scarf (!) This is much easier for the child, but the therapeutic effect remains pronounced. Just 5 minutes before any activity that requires concentration, and you will be surprised at the positive result!

4.Correct table position and posture

How the seat of the chair is located, and what the posture of the child during classes, plays an important role in the readiness of his body for efforts to focus attention. Use a reclining chair seat, or a special seat support - with air inside. This brings the child into a state of increased attention due to the active tilt towards the table and above it.

Also, a bean bag chair can be an effective way to read for a long time, which gently works with proprioceptive sensitivity, providing the child with complete information about the position of his body, thereby removing external stimuli (from not understanding “where am I” that children with ADHD or ASD often experience) .

5. Weights and pressure

The impact of gravity on the sensory system leads to a decrease in the reaction to external stimuli and releases forces to focus attention. Weighted vests and belts are included, as well as a weighted knee pad.

6. Breaks in classes for sensory activity

Not just changes, it is not clear what they were filled with, when the child either ran aimlessly or remained sitting at a table or desk. Fill breaks in class with activities with different sensory input.

These can be games with sensory boxes, in the sand, with water, with a bag containing the child's favorite sensory toys (rosaries, soldiers, boxes). Or a distraction with the maximum benefit for gross motor skills - a children's sports corner, a hammock or a bean bag chair as a felting mat. Such breaks refresh the child's ability to focus attention.

The child's behavior often causes parents to worry. But this is not about ordinary promiscuity or disobedience, as it seems at first glance to strangers. In some cases, everything is much more complicated and serious. Such behavioral features can be provoked by a special state of the nervous system. In medicine, it is called hyperactivity disorder and is usually paired with attention deficit disorder. Short form? ADHD.

Hyperactive children give parents a lot of worries

What does it mean?

Literally, the prefix "hyper" means "too much". It is difficult for a child to play with the same toys, not just for a long time, but even for several minutes. The baby cannot stay still for more than 10 seconds.

What about the deficit? this is an insufficient level of concentration and ability to concentrate in a child, which affects the constant excitement, the rapid change of the object of interest.

Now every parent who has read the meaning of the terms will think: “My child is very restless, asks questions all the time, does not sit still. Maybe something is wrong with him and you need to immediately contact the doctors?

Definition of hyperactivity

In fact, children must be in constant motion, because they learn about the world and themselves in it. But sometimes it is difficult for the baby to complete the tasks, calm down in time and even just stop. And here it is necessary to think about the reasons.

Is deviation from the norm a problem?

First of all, we emphasize that the word "norm" is used conditionally. It implies a set of fixed skills of typical behavior. However, any deviation from the prescribed parameters should not be taken as the end of the world. It is very important for parents not to despair, but to understand the situation and help the child.

Main task? timely identify the peculiarity of the baby, do not miss the moment and learn how to properly manage the situation.

Early detection of hyperactivity syndrome

As practice shows, before school age, the characteristics of a child are rarely established, although the symptoms are present almost from birth, as they are laid genetically. Teachers are already paying more attention to the specifics. And some manifestations are noticeable even up to 3 years, in particular:

• a child up to a year during the period of wakefulness moves arms and legs without stopping;
• it is difficult for a baby to play with one toy even for a short period of time;
• the baby is extremely emotional, easily falls into hysterics, it is difficult for him to calm down, stop crying, yelling, etc.;
• does not seem to respond to comments at all.

What parents should pay attention to

Lack of attention is a sign of ADHD

Psychological disorders associated with a lack of attention and hyperactivity include three categories:

1. Direct inattention.
2. Increased activity.
3. Unusual impulsiveness.

Each category has a number of behavioral features. Problems are mostly identified in a complex way. Therefore, it is important to understand that it is impossible to navigate only? But one condition. In order to establish a diagnosis, it is necessary to match at least three positions.

Specific signs of attention problems

Attention deficit disorder in children is indicated by the following circumstances:

• difficulties with focusing on details, individual objects, pictures;
• difficulties with the conduct of gaming activities;
• elementary tasks remain unfulfilled, for example, “Bring it!”, “Tell me!”, “Do it in half an hour”, etc .;
• unwillingness to make any effort and fulfill duties;
• poor self-organization in everyday life: the child is constantly late, does not have time to do something, loses his things;
• in a group conversation or conversation, it seems that he does not listen at all;
• a long memorization process, but an instant distraction to foreign objects;
• quick switching to another occupation;
• loss of interest in previous hobbies, hobbies.

Hyperactivity conditions

There is an allowable number of signs to determine the normal development of the child, but it should not exceed three characteristics from the following:

Definition of impulsivity

Even one of the following characteristics is a cause for concern:

• the child answers questions prematurely;
• unable to wait their turn in games or other situations;
• intervenes in other people's conversations.

Other characteristics

Impulsivity and excessive emotionality are a sign of ADHD

Violations are observed not only in psychological characteristics, but also in medical, physiological, emotional. Closer to the age of 5, the child may show symptoms of the following nature:

• general state of the emotional sphere: constant anxiety, stuttering, difficulty in clearly and correctly formulating speech, lack of restful sleep and rest;
• violation of motor functions: motor and vocal tics. The child involuntarily makes sounds, makes swings with his arms or legs;
• physiological conditions and concomitant medical diseases: persistent allergic reactions, bowel and urination disorders, epileptic manifestations.

Causes of hyperactivity

What to do?

After the diagnosis of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder is established, parents come to a standstill and ask themselves: “What will happen now? How to behave? How to help and properly treat a child?

Indeed, the problem requires increased attention and considerable effort on the part of both close relatives, educators, teachers, and the entire environment of the baby. Therefore, you need to be patient and skillfully approach education.

Brain changes in a hyperactive child

Modern medicine uses many options for managing a diagnosis. But all of them must be used in combination. In order of importance, they include:

1. Psychological home help for a child.
2. Treatment with medications and folk remedies.
3. Nutrition and diet.

Behavioral Therapy

The elimination of hyperactivity in a child, first of all, involves the creation of a special atmosphere in the family. Only close people can really help the baby, teach him to control himself. If there are no specific pedagogical skills in relatives, you can seek advice from a qualified psychologist.

Tips for parents - what to do

To improve behavior, psychologists advise:

1. Create a comfortable atmosphere in the family. The child should not hear insults, curses.
2. The emotional overstrain of the baby has a bad effect on his psychological state. Therefore, he should always feel the love and attention of his parents.
3. Find the positive aspects of learning, help your child in every way to behave well at home, in kindergarten, and then at school.
4. At the slightest feeling of fatigue, the baby must be given the opportunity to rest, relax, and then again you can start classes or study.
5. Tell about the problem to educators, school psychologist and teachers. Together they will contribute to further adaptation in society.

How to Treat Attention Deficit Disorder in Children

The child is treated by psychologists and neuropathologists. They prescribe drugs that can increase or change the functioning of the corresponding parts of the brain. It is only important to find a truly competent specialist and trust him.

The following drugs are usually prescribed:

Nutrition and Diet Issues

Children diagnosed with ADHD are advised to follow a special diet. Since doctors believe that certain foods and drinks aggravate the condition of small patients.

Proper diet is the basis of ADHD treatment

• Almost completely eliminate the consumption of sugar and sweets;
• Avoid artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors and unnatural fat-containing ingredients (sweets, pastries, sausages, etc.);
• Eat more whole grains and bran;
• Eat the most natural products, home-cooked meals;
• Diversify the child's vegetable and fruit menu, fill it with cabbage of different varieties, carrots, apples, citrus fruits, apricots, nuts, etc. All food should be beautiful and healthy, without harmful synthetic additives.

Children have a strong emotional bond with their parents. Therefore, the correct behavior of the closest people and relatives plays an important role in managing the diagnosis of ADHD.

Adhere to the following rules:

Does the problem go away with time?

With the right approach and treatment, the manifestations of hyperactivity and attention deficit in a child decrease over time and become almost invisible by adolescence.

Possible consequences of ADHD

However, it should be understood that the diagnosis cannot completely disappear. It will go into a latent form or transform, occasionally reminding of itself with a quick change in mood, depression, or the inability to do one thing. Therefore, the main task of parents and teachers is to teach the child to independently control his emotions and behavior by adulthood, to use willpower and determination.

Remember! Attention-deficit/hyperactive children need to feel love and affection all the time. They may not always be attentive themselves, but they really want other people to treat them with understanding and attentiveness.

Patience, support and diligence can change the attitude towards special and in their own way unique members of society!

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