Child and Baby Care Advice

Adults and ADHD How Common is It

ADHD has become more widely known as a children’s disorder, but it is also something adults have to contend with. Read more about it here.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is usually diagnosed in children, thought it can often continue on into adulthood. In recent years, adult ADHD has become quite common, though it manifests slightly different symptoms than it normally does in children.

Adult ADHD is usually diagnosed in adults who exhibit inattentiveness in their personal relationships at work and at home with their family. Adult sufferers often find it difficult to sustain a job and a relationship.

Recognizing ADHD in adults

In general, adult sufferers tend to experience problems at work, which usually results in frequent job changes. Because of these problems they tend to have a lower socioeconomic status, by virtue of being unable to sustain a job long-term, which is a primary requirement of career development.

Adult sufferers of ADHD usually have a history of failure in professional and personal endeavors, and end up in lower-level jobs that don’t require organizational skills, and have less responsibility.

Adults with ADHD tend to find it difficult to support themselves, and their families, which often results in the breakdown of the family unit. Adults suffering from ADHD often have a history of multiple relationships and marriages.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults

No one should take it upon themselves to diagnose a friend or self-diagnose. This can lead to misunderstanding. But the more you know about an illness, the quicker you can suggest to a friend to get help. Or if you recognise symptoms in yourself, awareness can help you seek the proper help.

ADHD sufferers fall into three types:

1. The inattentive type
2. The hyperactive and impulsive type
3. A combination of types 1 and 2.

The above types of symptoms generally need to be present for at least six months, and a person must be experiencing difficulties in normal social functioning. If you recognize any of these types, then seek professional help immediately.

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.healthcareplace.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

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Parenting Skills Needed When Children Have ADHD

It can be extremely challenging for the entire family to raise a child with ADHD. But learning specific parenting skills in relation to ADHD is highly important for the health of the child as well as the relationship between child and parent.

One thing that is really useful for parents is to join a support group that is both educational and socially supportive. Listening to how others are coping with ADHD is one way parents can learn how to interact with their children. If you do not have a local support group, join an online forum or support group.

One very important thing a parent needs to do is set clear goals and limits for themselves and their children. This may be very difficult when you have both an ADHD and a so-called normal child. After these goals and limits are set, it is crucial to be as consistent as possible.

Give your child choices for what they can do. Do not tell them exactly what they will eat, wear and do. The more choices they have, the more independent they will be as time goes on.

However, do not give unlimited choices for each action. For example, the choice of clothing should be limited to two choice. The choices in food should be which two vegetables out of four available.

Keep in mind that a parent’s relationship with their child is essential in any family, but it is perhaps even more important with ADHD children.

For this relationship to work well, you need both time and a willingness to listen and notice. You must make yourself aware of the good behaviors not just the bad behaviors. Spend at least fifteen minutes to half an hour a day with your child with no distractions. Ask the child about their day. Try to eat meals with them as often as possible. Turn off all distractions at meal times — no TV. Simple things like this are the most important in keeping good connections with all your child.

Sharon Owen is editor and publisher of Answers For Your Health. For more information on ADHD see http://adhd.answersforyourhealth.com You want your health questions answered in plain language not doctor speak. Check out the articles and resources at http://www.answersforyourhealth.com

Tag: ADHD

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