ADHD Information and Resources

While ADHD is believed to be hereditary, effectively managing your child’s symptoms can affect both the severity of the disorder and development of more serious problems over time. Early intervention holds the key to positive outcomes for your child. The earlier you address your child’s problems, the more likely you will be able to prevent school and social failure and associated problems such as under achievement and poor self-esteem that may lead to delinquency or drug and alcohol abuse. Although life with your child may at times seem challenging, as a parent you can help create home and school environments that improve your child’s chances for success.

Here are some ways to get started.

• Don’t waste your limited emotional energy on self-blame. ADHD is a disorder in certain areas of the brain and is inherited in the majority of cases. It is not caused by poor parenting or a chaotic home environment, although the home environment can make the symptoms of ADHD better or worse.
• Learn all you can about ADHD. While a great deal of information on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is available, not all of it is accurate or based on scientific evidence. If you’re using the Internet, stick with reputable websites such as government (for example CDC), nonprofit (such as CHADD) or university resources (those that end in .edu).
• Make sure your child has a comprehensive assessment. To complete the diagnostic process, including medical, educational and psychological evaluations.

How to help your child succeed at school

• Become an effective case manager. Keep a record of all information about your child, such as report cards, teacher notes, disciplinary reports, evaluations and documents from any meetings concerning your child. 
• Form a team that understands ADHD and be the team captain. Meetings at your child’s school should be attended by a special educator and a classroom teacher that knows your child. You have the right to request input at these meetings from others outside of the school that understand ADHD or your child’s special needs. 
• Communicate regularly. A collaborative attitude when working with your child’s team—communicate regularly and when issues or concerns arise, reach out before they become a problem.
• Learn all you can about your child’s educational rights. Become familiar with education laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, see Education for Individuals with ADHD.

How to make life at home easier

• Seek professional help. Ask for help from mental health professionals, particularly if you are feeling depressed, frustrated or exhausted. Helping yourself will benefit your child as well.
• Work together. It is important that all of the adults that care for your child agree on how to handle your child’s problem behaviors. 
• Learn the tools of successful behavior management. Behavioral techniques have been widely established as a key component of treatment for children with ADHD. Learn more at https://www.parentcenterhub.org/?s=adhd.
• Find out if you have ADHD. Since ADHD is often inherited, many parents of children with ADHD discover that they have ADHD when their child is diagnosed.
• Identify your child's strengths. Many children with ADHD have strengths in certain areas such as art, athletics, computers or mechanical ability. Build upon these strengths, so that your child will have a sense of pride and accomplishment. 
• Set aside a daily special time for you and your child and notice your child’s successes, no matter how small. 

Resources:

https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html