Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome that affects babies, children and adults to various degrees. The classic sign is a child who's driven by a seemingly endless source of energy, day and night. It affects 3 times more boys than girls.
Symptoms of ADHD
Not all symptoms will be present to the same degree but can include: being clumsy and accident prone, poor concentration, uncooperative and aggressive behaviour, normal or high intelligence and the inability to concentrate for any amount of time.
Coping with ADHD
ADHD in its most severe form is exhausting for parents who are often isolated by their child's disability. Their children create havoc wherever they go and they are not welcome at nursery school, playgroups or as playmates.
If you think your child has ADHD, talk to your GP. Medication isn't usually the answer and it's rarely given to children under 3. Some parents have been helped by changing their child's diet.
Get some back-up
Do ask your GP to put you in contact with support groups. It helps to share experiences with other people facing the same problems. The Hyperactive Children's Support Group can put you in touch with a local group if one exists.
Be calm and organised
Like every child, a hyperactive toddler needs a clear routine. He's naturally disorganised so you need to compensate for this by being very organised. Structuring his day is important, so try not to vary the routine and keep unexpected events to a minimum.
Discipline him, but only concentrate on 1 or 2 aspects of his behaviour. He has an attention span of zero, so anything you try to tell him must be clear and concise. You will have to repeat it more than once. Keep noise in the house to a minimum, so it's easier for him to take in instructions. Eye contact is crucial. You must stay calm and never smack or hit him. If you feel you can't cope step back and do something else for a minute.
Be positive and avoid problems
Keep the atmosphere at home calm and keep tension to a minimum. Your child will react badly to a tense atmosphere, however quickly it passes. Avoid unnecessary trouble - toddler-proof your house. He will want to touch everything in sight and is especially clumsy so put things you don't want him to touch out of reach. He's very sensitive and constantly saying 'no' will only damage his self-esteem and make him feel more frustrated.
He needs more love, praise and attention than the average toddler. His disruptive behaviour may make him feel isolated and unloved. ADHD is often accompanied by other learning disorders, like dyslexia. He may feel very frustrated and is likely to underachieve so you should build up his self-confidence. Get out to the park as much as you can and let him work off some energy.
Time out for you
Make time to recharge your batteries. Looking after a hyperactive child is exhausting and can take over your life. A hyperactive child takes its toll on all relationships within the family. Go out without your child at least once a week. Make time to be together with your partner in a relaxed and calm environment.
Most importantly, remember to make time for your other children. It's true that the squeaky wheel often gets the most oil.
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ADHD in toddlers sometimes are difficult be detected because some symptoms are present like they are more energetic and hyper than the kids of their age and sometimes not. Maybe you should check and ask your doctor about your child if you notice some unusual actions in your children.
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