Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, more easily said as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically present from birth, diagnosed in childhood, and continues into adulthood. Parenting a child with ADHD comes with its own set of challenges and often leaves parents feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and lost at what to do. However, not all hope is lost; there are many resources to explore, strategies to try, and professional support available to help. An important first step to supporting children (and adults) with ADHD is to understand what it is and how it affects those who have it. The Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada estimates that approximately 5% of the Canadian population lives with ADHD.
Each Child Experiences ADHD in Their Own Way Many children with ADHD struggle with focus, emotional regulation, and executive functioning alongside a variety of other symptoms. Based on your child’s combination of symptoms, they will fall under one of three categories: Inattentive, Hyperactive / Impulsive, or Combined Type.
Inattentive
difficulty focusing
easily distractible
loses things
is forgetful
struggles to follow instructions
has a hard time organizing tasks
Hyperactive
fidgety and squirmy
always on the go
talks excessively and blurts things out
interrupts and has trouble taking turns
increased impulsivity with reduced control
Combined Type
Many children fall here and meet the diagnostic criteria for both Inattentive and Hyperactive / Impulsive types. Children who do not meet both criteria may still experience symptoms from the other type.
Did I do something to cause my child's ADHD?
While ADHD can be hereditary, ADHD is NOT the result of poor parenting. Rather, there are physical differences between an ADHD brain and a typical brain. These differences can be found in the levels of some neurotransmitters as well as in certain brain structures.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in our brain that are key to functioning. With ADHD, there are lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which are both important for impulse control and attention.
Brain Structures throughout the brain have been found to develop slower and are thus smaller in children with ADHD when compared to other children their age group. Once the brain has fully developed, these differences tend to be less significant. Key areas of the brain include the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the cerebellum.
Tips, Tricks & Resources
Supports for ADHD
Provide Simple Instructions
Keep instructions short and simple. Give only 1-2 instructions at a time and wait until your child finishes those before giving them anything more.
Practice & Use Skills Together
Skills must be practiced before your child can use them. When a situation arises that requires a skill, don’t leave them alone to use it, rather, use it with them.
Prioritize Sleep
A lack of sleep affects all children, but especially those with ADHD. By providing your child with a consistent bedtime and ensuring they get the recommended amount of sleep, you are giving them a better chance at being able to focus and better manage their emotions during the day.
Use Visual Schedules & Timers
The phrase “out of sight out of mind” rings true for ADHD, making visual tools vital. Timers can help children stay on task and remind them how much time they have left. Schedules / checklists can help a child see the breakdown of a task and remind them of what their current task is.
Allow for Do-Overs
Difficulties with focus and impulse control can lead to speaking without thinking. If your child says something that doesn’t sound right or sounds rude, kindly explain to them what you heard and the message you got and ask if they would like a do-over to try saying it again.
Celebrate the Wins
Children with ADHD often hear up to five more negative messages about themselves each day than their peers and 20 000 more before the age of 12. Celebrating the wins not only reinforces positive behaviours, but can also build your child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Reach Out for Support
There is no shame in needing or asking for help. A few ways to do this include: joining an ADHD-parent support group, taking an ADHD-focused parenting class, and finding a therapist with knowledge of ADHD who can work with your child and offer parent coaching.
Check out these resources
How to ADHD
This family-friendly YouTube channel is filled with videos that teach about ADHD and a variety of skills to add to your toolkit. https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoADHD
Rolling with ADHD
This free 8-module series, aimed at caregivers, teaches about practical skills and tools to use when caring for a child with ADHD. https://healthymindslearning.ca/rollingwith-adhd/
Visual Engines
By ConnectAbility, Visuals Engine, allows you to easily create personalized visual schedules, choice boards and more! https://connectability.ca/visuals-engine/
If you are seeking psychological support for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Green Door Clinic. We are here to provide assistance and guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
#230, 7915-104Street
587-989-5292
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