| Every child is unique, and the treatment for ADD and | | | | loss of TV viewing, are permissible if they make no |
| ADHD should recognise this. There is no set treatment | | | | attempt. Do not, however, punish a child who has tried |
| and many doctors will prescribe Ritalin. However, there | | | | but failed. Be sympathetic and help them more the |
| are many other ways to help sufferers from these | | | | next time. They want to succeed in what you want |
| conditions. | | | | them to do but are unable to. If they refuse to try, then |
| Behaviour management is important with young | | | | that is touching the bounds of misbehaviour. Not |
| children. Even if other treatment does begin to work | | | | everything that a child with ADHD does is due to their |
| they have to be trained how to change their behaviour. | | | | condition! They can behave just as badly as children |
| To them, there is nothing wrong with the way they | | | | without the disorder. |
| behave, and they cannot understand why they keep | | | | Provide them with difficult tasks in an isolated |
| getting into trouble. The behavioural treatment should | | | | environment, without other stimuli, and you might be |
| be very specific and focussed on getting them to | | | | surprised at how they react. ADD is a misnomer - |
| behave as you want them to. | | | | they don't lack attention, they just have too much to |
| If you give an instruction, make it very clear what you | | | | pay attention to! They get distracted. Provide no |
| want done. Don't say 'go and get washed'. Say 'wash | | | | distractions and they can function normally, if there is |
| your hands', or 'wash your face'. Do not make | | | | such a thing! |
| assumptions. Your child might go upstairs, walk into the | | | | The medical treatment for ADD and ADHD available is |
| bathroom and get distracted by the cat. He or she | | | | typified by Ritalin which is normally the first in the |
| might then come downstairs with the cat, not having | | | | doctor's arsenal. However, be careful, since it has side |
| washed, and not being aware that they should have. | | | | effects and is habit forming. It is effective however, |
| You should follow them and make sure that they obey | | | | and if nothing else can give parents a much needed |
| the instruction. | | | | respite from their child's behaviour. |
| Teachers can also help by being more specific in their | | | | All treatment for ADD and ADHD should be |
| communication. An ADD or ADHD child responds | | | | customised to the child, and if the proper treatment is |
| much better if spoken to personally. It's not easy for a | | | | given they can live normal lives both as teenagers and |
| teacher to do, but if the child can be addressed | | | | as adults. |
| separately from the rest of the class, at least for | | | | This article is for information only and the author |
| specific instructions, then they might respond better. | | | | accepts no liability for any actions taken. If you suspect |
| Most teachers, however, do not have the time. | | | | that your child may be suffering from ADD or ADHD, |
| Rewards should be given when children make an | | | | please consult your doctor. |
| attempt to pay attention, and punishments, such as | | | | |