Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect your young one’s ability to learn and get along with others. Find out about this condition and how you can help your child.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect your young one’s ability to learn and get along with others. Find out about this condition and how you can help your child.
Naughty. Mischievous. Lazy. Kids with ADHD – generally characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness – can be misunderstood and given such negative labels. But it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that warrants understanding and treatment, so that the child can be well-adjusted and grow up to the fullest of her abilities. Here are some common questions answered by specialists at Thomson Paediatric Centre, paediatrician Dr Janice Wong and psychologist Frances Yeo.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC TEST TO DIAGNOSE ADHD?
Ms Yeo: Standardised psychological tests, such as intelligence, attention and processing speed tests, are commonly used to diagnose if a child has ADHD. Diagnostic assessment is available at Thomson Paediatric Centre.
MY CHILD WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD. HOW WILL IT AFFECT HER SCHOOLING?
Ms Yeo: ADHD can make children fidgety, agitated, impulsive and be easily distracted. They find it difficult to focus on tasks that require sustained effort – for example, writing essays. They may get frustrated easily and give up trying as schoolwork becomes more difficult. They may also act out their emotions and become aggressive.
AM I A POOR PARENT IF MY KID HAS ADHD? WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Ms Yeo: ADHD is not due to poor parenting. However, it can exacerbate the ADHD symptoms. Studies have found that there is a genetic link to ADHD. The good news is that ADHD responds well to a combination of behavioural modification and medication. Early detection and intervention will enhance the child’s development, and improve his quality of life in the long term
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE? DOES MEDICATION HELP?
Dr Wong: Supplements such as fish oil (containing DHA and EPA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids), and vitamin B, have shown to help improve memory and attention. Medication such as Ritalin can help improve the chemical imbalance in the brain, which improves the regulation of behaviour, attention and memory.
WILL SHE OUTGROW ADHD?
Dr Wong: Regulation of behaviour can be learnt. Attention can improve with age or with methods such as writing notes with flow charts and using key words. Working memory can improve with cognitive training. Older children are able to improve with self-regulation, but unless help is given early and continuously, they may not learn to develop such methods, and ADH D symptoms can last a lifetime.
Signs that your child may have ADHD
He can’t sit still and constantly fidgets and squirms in his seat.
He is always distracted.
He has difficulty following instructions and organising tasks.
He avoids tasks requiring sustained effort.
He makes careless mistakes.
If you have concerns, consult a specialist at Thomson Paediatric Centre, 339 Thomson Road, #03-05, Singapore 304677. Call 6352 9100 or visit www.thomsonmedical.com for more infomation.
