What Parents Need to Know About ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how children pay attention, concentrate, and integrate information. While it's true that all kids are prone to some distractibility or impulsive behaviour, children with ADHD have unique symptoms that require additional focus and care.
The good news is that, with the right information and tools, you can be a supportive ally for your child. At Boreal Therapy Collective, we are dedicated to helping children thrive, and we do this by focusing on treating numerous clinical issues, including distress tolerance, emotional outbursts and emotional regulation, low self-esteem, school functioning or school avoidance, and more. We work with children ages 8+ and we also provide family therapy to strengthen boundaries, communication, and overall functioning.
An ADHD Diagnosis Is Just the Starting Point
Qualified mental health professionals can diagnose ADHD, and the diagnostic process often includes integrating self-reports, assessment, and information gleaned from your child's school. If you're concerned about your child's behaviour problems or social skills, it may be worth getting an ADHD evaluation.
Many parents feel unsure about their child's behaviour before receiving an official ADHD diagnosis. For example, you may have sensed something felt different or off, but others may have dismissed your concerns and told you something along the lines of, "Kids are just kids!” or, “We all have a little ADHD!” Other parents feel surprised by the ADHD diagnosis, and that's also valid. Your child's teacher, for instance, may have shared their worries, but their words may have caught you off-guard.
While ADHD is less stigmatized than it once was, it's important to remember the following truths:
ADHD is not a result of poor parenting (you didn't cause this!)
Kids with ADHD are not deficient, broken, or doomed.
ADHD symptoms are not a choice. Your child is not choosing to be defiant or struggle.
Treating ADHD requires nurturing, understanding, and patience.
The right ADHD treatment can make a significant difference in your child's behaviour.
ADHD can present differently in girls than boys, and it may be easier for girls to mask their inattentive symptoms or impulsive behaviours.
Your child is not making careless mistakes or engaging in risky behaviours on purpose!
ADHD symptoms exist on a large spectrum.
We're Still Learning About ADHD Symptoms
Experts have learned so much about ADHD in the past few decades. In fact, it wasn't until 1987 that attention deficit disorder (ADD) formally became ADHD with its three distinct subtypes: hyperactive, combined, and inattentive. We also know that ADHD exists in both boys and girls, and it sometimes isn’t diagnosed until adulthood.
Despite past beliefs, it's now considered a misconception that kids outgrow ADHD. However, symptoms of ADHD evolve over the lifespan. Similarly, not all children with ADHD present in the same way.
The good news is that ADHD diagnosed early in life can give children and families the resources they need to manage symptoms. If your child has a diagnosis, cognitive-behavioural treatment can be invaluable. Your child will learn skills for regulating their emotions, adapting to stress effectively, and improving their executive function.
Kids With ADHD Have Meaningful and Unique Strengths
It can be easy for parents to focus on the issues associated with ADHD. But it's important for you to also acknowledge your child's inherent strengths and assets, including:
Hyperfocus: Hyperfocus refers to your child's ability to pay close attention to a certain task. Kids with ADHD can often spend several hours dedicated to a single activity. As they move through adolescence and young adulthood, this can pave the path for them professionally!
Creativity: Many famous artists, writers, and comedians have ADHD. ADHD gives people a different perspective on life, which may encourage them to be more intuitive and creative with their problem-solving skills. Your child may be more innovative while completing daily tasks.
Spontaneity: Many people with ADHD learn to harness their impulsive actions into adaptive spontaneity. They may have great social skills, allowing them to connect well with others.
ADHD Often Coincides With Other Mental Health Concerns
Research shows that children with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and sleep disorders. Symptoms of one condition can exacerbate ADHD, and ADHD symptoms can also exacerbate mental health concerns.
With that, effective treatment needs to be multifaceted. It's not just about treating one symptom at a time - it's about truly understanding how your child experiences themselves and the world around them.
When a child is experiencing multiple mental health stressors, the goal turns into learning how to manage stress effectively, consistently choose positive behaviours, and improve overall self-confidence. Therefore, to treat ADHD, you need to understand the whole person - not just the ADHD symptoms.
ADHD Treatment Options Are Effective
Research shows that a combination of both behavioural therapy and stimulant medications is most effective for treating ADHD. This is especially true for moderate or severe cases. Medication can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, and therapy can support executive functioning, self-esteem, and overall emotional regulation.
Parent training can also be a valuable component of ADHD treatment. In this therapy, we help parents learn how to understand and work with their kids to foster prosocial behaviours With that in mind, therapy may focus on:
changing negative thought patterns about self and others
social skills training to improve social interactions
mindfulness and stress management techniques
implementing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with ADHD symptoms
Therapy for ADHD Parenting, Children, and Families
As a parent, you unquestionably care about your child's wellness and want to support them in the best ways possible. The good news is that most kids with ADHD thrive and live incredibly meaningful lives.
At Boreal Therapy Collective, we are a team of experienced therapists dedicated to supporting children and their families with all types of developmental and mental health disorders. If your child has trouble focusing - or you're concerned about their self-control or disruptive behaviours - we are here to help. In therapy, we'll focus on drawing out your child's strengths, and we’ll also help them work through their limitations, fears, or setbacks.
If you’re ready to start therapy with us, you can book your initial assessment here.
