AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS: ADHD
Stepping out of the doctor’s office, arms loaded with pamphlets and prescriptions, you feel a little shell-shocked. Your child has just been diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). What do you do now?
1. Relax. You’re Not Alone.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than one in 10 American children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. While that’s a sobering statistic, it means a lot of parents know how you feel and are eager to share information and support. Take a deep breath. Plan on taking a couple of hours (after a day or two) to begin your research. Just knowing you’ve scheduled the time will take some pressure off. Then go do something fun with your child. Remember, she’s the same kid she was yesterday.
2. Do Your Research.
Not all information you’ll find is equally valid. Ask your child’s diagnosing doctor for a list of reliable resources. Check out the sidebar in this article for even more information. Avoid websites that prey on worried parents by touting “miracle cures.” If it sounds too good to be true, follow your gut.
3. Start with the Easy Stuff.
While prescriptions, school meetings and counseling may be required, parents can implement some simple strategies at home to take the edge off ADHD symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates instituting structure where it’s lacking, whether that’s homework time, bedtime or the morning routine. Minimize distractions like constantly blaring TVs and loud music. Dialing back the chaos helps quiet everyone’s mind.
Consider your discipline strategies as well. “Parents should learn proactive—not reactive—discipline methods that teach and reward appropriate behavior,” says the website for the National Resource Center for AD/HD. Methods like those outlined in Thomas W. Phelan’s popular book 1-2-3 Magic (see sidebar) often work wonders for ADHD children.
4. Know Your Options.
Many parents are leery of starting their kids on long-term medications, but a prescription is only one piece of the treatment plan. Be sure your doctor is on board with the multimodal approach advocated by the Centers for Disease Control and other experts. Counseling and behavioral intervention at home and at school will help maximize your child’s academic and social skills.
Alternative therapies include biofeedback, dietary adjustments and other treatments. Dr. Robert Melillo developed a program in 1994 to address what he believes is the cause of ADHD symptoms—a miscommunication between the brain’s hemispheres. The Brain Balance Achievement Center in Overland Park is one of several centers nationwide that administer Melillo’s treatments. Karen Rossetti, director for the local center, says that while Brain Balance therapies aren’t a cure, many patients make remarkable gains, even to the point of discontinuing their medication.
Along with onsite therapies that address sensory and motor balance, as well as academic exercises, the program includes making major lifestyle changes. Kids are counseled to limit their screen time to one hour daily, increase their physical activity and, in some cases, alter their diets. “We can do some really great work with [kids] here physically, but half the program is done at home,” says Rossetti, so the family commitment must be significant. Parents may find it useful to explore this approach by first reading Melillo’s book (see sidebar).
Uncertainty and anxiety are normal responses when confronted with your child’s new diagnosis. Empower yourself through thorough research and information gathering, and your family will feel better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Shawnee resident Claire M. Caterer writes frequently about special needs and other parenting issues.