How does Creative Sky Psychology help children with ADHD?
Children with ADHD struggle with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Such struggles impact a child’s ability to regulate their mind, emotions, and body. Often children with ADHD develop comorbid symptoms such as depression and anxiety. This is often due to not meeting the demands of the environment. It can also be difficult for children with ADHD to grasp social skills. Social skills are very difficult to learn when attention is compromised in any way. Once social rejection happens on any level, children feel this and often feel they have done something wrong, as our brain is wired to connect. Regulation challenges are often a roadblock for this basic need to connect. Creative Sky Psychology aims to help children recognize such clues in the body and learn to change their responses. Often parents of a child with ADHD will say their child goes from 0-60. Creative Sky Psychology helps children recognize the clues before 0 so they can alter the outcome. Emotion regulation is often a significant challenge for children with ADHD. This impacts a child’s ability to not only meet the demands of the environment, but cope with the demands on an emotional level. Body regulation is also an important skill for children with ADHD to learn. Once children learn to recognize their regulation states, they begin to learn how to move through their emotions. Signs a Child Might Have ADHD ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological condition that originates in childhood and will often continue into adulthood. Often children and teens will also experience issues related to low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, anxiety, and school/home challenges. The primary symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention and the severity of ADHD symptoms varies; from mild to moderate, or severe. There are many treatment methodologies and environmental modifications. It is important to find the right supports for your child or teen so they can experience early success.
A child with ADHD may show inattentiveness in the following ways: Inattention ● Having trouble paying attention to detail ● Have a hard time staying focused on one activity ● Can’t easily follow instructions ● Face difficulty in organizing activities ● Avoid things that require mental work ● Can be distracted easily ● May forget to do important tasks Hyperactivity/Impulsivity If your child shows the following symptoms, they might have ADHD-induced hyperactivity problems. ● Tends to stay fidgety ● Stay restless and be in constant motion ● Speak too much ● Can’t do a task quietly ● Answer before a question ends ● Can’t do a task quietly ● Facing difficulty waiting for their turn How to Help a Child with ADHD ADHD is something that a child is born with, however it is important to keep in mind that our brain is “neuroplastic”. This means that new behaviours and experiences change the pathways of a child’s brain. Intervention and trailing new strategies as a team is key. Once a child begins to experience the world in a positive way, this reduces the risk of low-self esteem, anxiety, and depression, all of which are increased risk conditions.
Ideas for parenting a child with ADHD.
Learn about ADHD as much as you can. Find the right therapists who specialize in your child’s most difficult area of functioning. Keep regular appointments with the doctor. Do medication check-ins (if applicable) and give your child their prescribed medicines on time.By involving yourself, you’ll be able to make sure everything is moving in the right direction.
Check in on your own Mental Health
A parent’s mental health matters. Parenting a child with ADHD can be challenging. When a parent is calm and regulated, they are better able to steer the ship through emotional waters. Parent’s are people too and need to have personal fulfillment and joy!
Establish Structure
A child with ADHD tends to be more effective at task completion when there is a predictable pattern. Try to sustain a structured environment where possible; it will help the child understand what they are expected to do.
Here are some tips:
● Follow a routine
● Make a simple schedule
● Try to be organized (or have areas of the house which are organized).
Encourage Movement
There are endless benefits of healthy physical activities, especially for a child with ADHD that has excess energy to burn. Exercise also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It improves concentration and brain function. Moreover, regular exercise leads to better sleep, which can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Set Clear Expectations
A child with ADHD needs set rules that they can follow. Create rules and expectations with your child/family. Ensure they are located in a place where they are easily readable by the child. Moreover, children with ADHD tend to receive criticism more often and become more sensitive to it. When your child follows the routine and rules, try to praise them. Avoid using words such as “good boy or girl” rather try “great effort” or “you worked hard”.
Final Thoughts ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is much more complex than being hyperactive or having trouble focusing. Untreated ADHD can lead to educational, career, and/or relationship difficulties if left untreated. ADHD is expressed differently in each person however, individuals with ADHD describe having to “try” much harder than a typical individual to complete simple tasks. This sustained mental energy for small things leaves little room for the big challenges. If you suspect your child has ADHD, speak to a Psychologist or Paediatricain who specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
