What is It and What Can Help? 

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be over active.

ADHD is often misunderstood. It can cause problems:

• concentrating
• becoming distracted
• being hyperactive (sometimes)
• being impulsive

This may cause people with ADHD to have problems with their:

• schooling
• friendships
• work
• family life

Around 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD. While ADHD is more common in boys — it’s under diagnosed in girls and adults.

ADD vs. ADHD

Is there a difference?

Not anymore. In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,” or ADHD, even if the person wasn’t hyperactive. Now it’s called ADHD, inattentive type, or ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type, or ADHD, combined type.

It’s important to talk with an experienced mental health provider to make sure your child gets the right diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD can present in 3 ways:

1. Inattentive symptoms — a person is easily distractible but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive.
2. Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms — a person has symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
3. Combined symptoms — a person has a mixture of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

Diagnosis of ADHD

If you are concerned about your child, see your GP (doctor). They can refer your child to a child psychologist or a child psychiatrist, who can assess your child.

There is no single test for ADHD. A specialist can only diagnose ADHD after making a detailed assessment. They need to collect a range of information about the child – especially from parents or carers and the child’s school. For ADHD to be diagnosed, the symptoms of ADHD must be obvious in most areas of the child’s life.

The assessment can include a history of the child’s behaviors, any trauma or illness they have experienced, and their relationships and family.

Doctors and psychologists use a variety of tools, scales and criteria when diagnosing ADHD.

Caring for a child with ADHD

Caring for a child with ADHD can be challenging. There are a range of different ways you can help your child learn and develop, and reduce stress in the family.

Make sure everyone who cares for the child uses a consistent approach. Try to have breaks often, as it is valuable to get some respite from the demands of caring for a child with ADHD.

It may help if you:

• Develop consistent routines at home and at school.
• Keep rules clear and simple, and give reminders calmly.
• Get physically close to the child and make sure you have the child’s full attention when you talk.
• Give your child only one or two instructions at a time.
• Ask them to repeat the instruction to be sure that they have understood.
• Praise your child when they are behaving appropriately, and acknowledge their achievements.
• Be clear about discipline for behaviour you find unacceptable. For example, use ‘time out’ (between the ages of 18 months and six years) or logical consequences (for older children).

Essential Vitamins and Supplements can Help

Supplementing vitamins B and C can help alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Vitamin C, zinc, iron, and magnesium, are used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine.

Vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.

When both of these vitamins reach optimal levels, individuals with ADHD can experience increased alertness and decreased anxiety. This can help ADHD children focus on their tasks and decrease hyperactivity.

A healthy diet is essential, however some children may be fussy with food an have problems getting all the vitamins they need. Make sure they have a healthy diet and supplement when needed. Search our range of supplements:

Blackmores Superkids Multi Chewables 60T

Brauer Baby & Kids Liquid Vitamin C (1+ years) 100ml

MTHFR Wellbeing Total B Drops- 100mL

Schuessler Tissue Salts Kidz Minerals Be Calm 100T

Brauer Baby & Kids Ultra Pure Cod Liver Oil with DHA (12+ months) 90c

If you think that your child may have ADHD  it is important to talk to your child’s doctor about it. Effective support strategies are available that can help kids with inattention, and offering support earlier can help kids develop their strengths and thrive.

Some parents fear the stigma associated with getting their child evaluated for ADHD. It’s important to talk to your child so that they know that everyone has different skills and abilities. By getting treatment, you can help your child develop new skills and better understand their strengths.

References:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=ADHD%20is%20one%20of%20the,)%2C%20or%20be%20overly%20active.
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhd
https://www.drakeinstitute.com/supplements-and-vitamins-for-adhd#:~:text=Finally%2C%20supplementing%20vitamins%20B%20and,irritability%20and%20fatigue%20in%20children.