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Children and Adolescents With ADD/ADHD Benefits Of Behavioral Counseling
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral issues among children/ adolescents. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ADD/ADHD affects approximately 3 to 5 percent of the school-age population or approximately one million children in the United States. Males are diagnosed three to four times more often than females, and are more likely to show signs of hyperactivity, while girls characteristically exhibit symptoms of inattention (ADD not HD).
Most parents and teachers initially observe unwarranted motor activity and often self-governing issues in early childhood. According to many professional guidelines for the treatment of ADHD, a treatment course that distinguishes ADHD as a continual condition as opposed to a transient state is advisable.
Inattention may be manifested in academic, occupational, and/or social situations. There are three ADD/ADHD subtypes 1) inattentive, 2) hyperactive/impulsive, and 3) combined type. These subtypes must be evident for at least six months where the child expresses maladaptive and inconsistent behaviors with their developmental level.
In children, the symptoms of the previous subtypes can affect classroom, work, and academic routine. These symptoms can contribute to difficulty following familial and social relationships as well as rules of the classroom.
The symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity are outstanding during the elementary school level. As children mature, characteristics of ADD/ADHD become less pronounced. By early adolescence, signs of excessive gross motor activity (e.g. running, jumping, not remaining seated) are less frequent, and hyperactive symptoms may be restricted to fidgeting, agitation, and restlessness regarding physical and mental activity. The earlier a parent, health care provider, teacher, or child are aware of the presence of the disorder, the better the prognosis for the individual.
Parents should not attempt to diagnose their child. A trained mental health professional has diagnostic tools and education to determine if it is in fact ADD/ADHD that a child is exhibiting. Professionals have advanced techniques for helping a child and a family. This includes coping and learning successful strategies before a child's confidence might become damaged or more harm may result from going without support for all involved.
The sooner a child is aware of ADD or ADHD traits, the better equipped a professional will be in understanding and working with him/her to understand and adapt to the social relationships, maintain and increase his/her confidence and hopefully improve performance in school.
“Talk therapy” and/or stimulant medication have shown helpful in reducing hallmark symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Experts agree that medication alone should not be the sole intervention.
Synchronizing a child or adolescent's ADD/ADHD medication management, learned behavior management techniques, a suitable school environment, and family counseling will provide a life support system for current and future success.
