How to Know the Signs?
The most common problems in children with (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), or as most people know the terms of the characteristics as ADHD, are defiant and aggressive behavior.
This can be a behavior like refusing (more frequently than other children) or following rules and directions from parents or teachers.
Children with ADHD often have emotional outbursts when asked to do things they find complex or challenging, at the same time that children who do not have ADHD experience the same challenges.
When children have developed a negative interaction pattern, discipline that works with other children may be ineffective for the ADHD child. For most children, it works without problems, but these kids with behavioral issues, these things are known to fail miserably.
Those with ADHD are more often at greater risk for behavioral issues in their adulthood like struggling with learning differences, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and self-injury. Adolescence is when kids with ADHD are most at risk of developing another issue that will often follow these children later in their lives.
ADHD & the History of Behavior
The definition of ADHD was almost unknown in most countries in the 70s and 80s. Hyperactive children were classified as children with behavior problems and even, in some cases, categorized as less intelligent or inferior individuals in many ways. Today, we know better and have been able to understand ADHD children much better than a few decades ago when they were often categorized as severely behaved, or obstacles among the “normal well behaved” children without the knowledge we have today. These kids were often evaluated by their behavior problems or lack of interest or attention and their learning skills.
Parents were often blamed for their behavior. Teachers blamed parents, and parents blamed teachers for lack of discipline and structure. They could not handle their impulsive kids or teach them to sit still like others or be quieter like "normal" kids and listen for an extended period. Some even stated these kids were born with bad genes.
With a lack of understanding, children with implosive behavior in childhood became labeled in history because of little or no research. Therefore, knowledge of these sources and their real problems were unclear. These problems that we know today as a chemical imbalance in the brain chemistry of those diagnosed with ADHD & autism. Because of this, children were often blamed first for their problematic behavior and impulsiveness before their classmates. In many instances, they were humiliated by their teachers and classmates. Many of those children experienced a systematic decay and a severe lack of self-confidence and faith in themselves after years of their silent struggle. This led to persons questioning themselves without understanding the source of their differences compared to other children and later in their lives. Many were labeled for life as they set off on their journey to adulthood. Most of these kids did not get equal opportunities when they became adults.
Studies show a people diagnosed with ADHD today or who know they are living with ADHD can be highly creative and intelligent individuals. We also know now that ADHD has nothing to do with IQ or intelligence.
The Real Tom Sawyer
(Iconic figure & ADHD Characteristics)
Every person can be born with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, despite their social standards, intelligence, or occupations. We have judges, doctors, scientists, and CEOs of worldwide corporations with ADHD. Even though many ADHD children struggle with learning or other behavior problems, not all individuals have issues like learning disabilities or planning because of ADHD. There can be different factors or characteristics between individuals.
We can see iconic characters throughout our history. We can take an example from literature by looking at iconic figures that show very similar characteristics and signs. Published theories, essays, & books as a diagnostic approach and discussion often reflect these classic ADHD characteristics.
A Great example is the classic novel Mark Twain wrote of "Huckleberry Finn" & his friend “Tom Sawyer” Despite Tom Sawyers wild and impulsive behavior, imagination, and creativity.
The story shows that after the boys continually get themselves into problems, they can get themselves out of problems, in the end, using their creativity and imagination as an advance in the story. The story will even lead them to strike it rich in the future.
Some studies involving creativity and ADHD in adults show us that individuals with ADHD and autism are often more creative in their adult life than others not diagnosed with it. According to a study published in the (American Scientific Magazine). The study shows that Adults diagnosed and non-diagnosed have more frequently chosen artistic and creative relative carriers or hobbies in their lives on average than other compared groups of people.
10 Ways to Help Parents Deal with Negative Behavior
Please note this is not a definitive list, but should be useful
So, how can you help your child pay attention and learn more positive behavior to help cope with these complex behavior issues? Here are ten valuable ways parents can learn as guidance for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Show Them Love and Care
Caring for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging. The impulsive, fearless, and chaotic behaviors typical of ADHD can make everyday activities exhausting and stressful Although it can be difficult at times, it's important to remember that a child with ADHD cannot help their behavior.
People with ADHD can find it challenging to suppress impulses, which means they may not stop to consider a situation or the consequences before they act.
Plan the Day
Plan the day so your child knows what to expect. Set routines can make a difference in how a child with ADHD copes with everyday life. For example, If your child has to get ready for school, break it into structured steps to know what they need to do.
Set Clear Boundaries
Ensure everyone knows what behavior they can expect, and reinforce positive behavior with immediate praise or rewards. Be clear, using enforceable consequences, such as taking away a privilege, if boundaries are over-stepped, and follow these through consistently.
Be Positive & Give the Proper Instructions
Give specific praise. Instead of saying a general: "Thanks for doing that," you could say: "You washed the dishes well or/ well done how you put the toys in their place. Thank you."
This will make it clear to your child that you're pleased.
If you ask your child to do something, give brief instructions and be specific. Instead of asking: "Can you tidy your bedroom?" say: "Please put your toys into the box and put the books back onto the shelf." This clarifies what your child needs to do and creates opportunities for praise when they get it right.
Reward Good Behavior
Set up a behavior scheme using stars or signs on a chart so good behavior can earn your child a privilege. For example, behaving well on a shopping trip will make your child time playing or other positive rewards they love. Involve your child in it and allow them to help decide what the privileges will be. These rewards scheme is essential to change from time to time, or they become dull.
Take Action Early
Watch for warning signs. If your child looks like they're becoming frustrated, overstimulated, and about to lose self-control, intervene. Distract your child, if possible, by taking them away from the situation; it may calm them down.
Friends Visits and Social Situations
Social situations should be short and not when the child comes home from school tired or feeling hungry or when the child comes home after a long day from school. Invite friends to play, which will help your child not lose self-control.
Physical Exercise & Play
Make sure your child gets lots of physical activity during the day. They can climb, pretend play, interact with other children, and help the child with social skills, gross motor skills, and balance to help the child's self-confidence. By Climbing, or playing in or on a Climbing gym and playground toys that help the child with physical movements and offer Challenges or by playing sports can help your child wear themselves out and improve their sleep quality. Make sure they're not doing anything too strenuous or exciting near bedtime.
Nutrition & Food
Keep an eye on what your child eats. If your child is hyperactive after eating certain foods containing additives or caffeine. Be better aware of what food and drinks are suitable for the child.
(Foods and nutrition can be found by searching what is recommended for ADHD)
Bedtime & Night
Stick to a routine. Make sure your child goes to bed at the same time each night and gets up at the same time in the morning. Avoid overstimulating activities before bedtime, such as computer games or watching TV.
Sleep problems and ADHD can be a vicious circle. ADHD can lead to sleep problems, which can make symptoms worse.
Many children with ADHD will repeatedly get up after being put to bed and have interrupted sleep patterns. Trying a sleep-friendly routine can help your child make bedtime less of a battleground.
Last words for parents
-Help from kindergarten or school-
Children with ADHD often have problems with their behavior at school, and the condition can negatively affect a child's academic progress. Speak to your child's teachers or school about the child's educational needs with a coordinator or a psychiatrist about support for your child, or proper medication that can help your child if needed.
You have the right to assist your child's needs if the individual has been diagnosed.
If you suspect your child bears some of these characteristics and behavior, as I have described earlier above, talk to your coordinator/teacher and ask for a diagnosis or assistance by a specialist/psychiatrist for evaluation or help for your child.