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