2. Find out as much as you can about ADHD and available resources: One of the most significant challenges in parenting an ADHD child is that it requires a great deal of parental participation. Effective parent participants become knowledgeable about the disorder and available resources.
A key role for caregivers of ADHD children is serving as coordinators of services and other resources. First, they coordinate the evaluation and diagnostic process with its many professionals. Later, they must coordinate the educational and treatment services.
Yet another coordinating role for the primary caregivers is to coordinate the care of all the other caregivers. This includes grandparents, step-parents, relatives, neighbors, and babysitters. Everyone must work together and follow the same approach. The people who care for a child with ADHD should form a similar treatment philosophy and plan of action. This is not always easy to do. Sometimes a professional can help get everyone on the same page.
Another central role is advocacy for their child. Caregivers may not always agree with some recommendations. That's okay. They should speak up and express their concerns. In order to be a good advocate, caregivers must be able to knowledgably participate in team discussions. This knowledge will help them evaluate recommendations, and to select the best treatment approach for their child.
3. Evaluate your own potential for ADHD
As caregivers learn more about ADHD, they should consider whether or not they may also have the disorder. Since ADHD is generally inherited, many caregivers of newly diagnosed children discover that they too have ADHD. Research indicates that 70% of children with ADHD have at least one parent who also has the disorder. Clearly it would be hard for a caregiver to teach the very same skills that give them difficulty. For example, it would be quite difficult for a parent with ADHD to increase organization and structure in the home. However, once a caregiver learns that they too have ADHD, they are in a better position to help their child.
4. Be proactive to prevent ADHD-related accidents and injuries
Children with ADHD generally sustain more accidents and injuries than other children. Inattention, impulsivity, and poor decision-making often lead to rushing into situations without thinking. For example, a young child may forget to check both ways when crossing the street. Research indicates that teenagers with ADHD who drive may have more traffic violations or accidents, than those without ADHD.
One ramification of more frequent injuries is increased medical costs. When this additional cost is added to the costs of diagnosis, therapy, and medication, it becomes clear this is a costly disorder for both families and insurance companies.
Caregivers should teach and instill safety precautions at early ages to reduce the risk of injuries. Families can establish certain rules that make these safety expectations clear. Rules should be consistently enforced using behavioral training methods (e.g., reward desired behavior). Repeat the safety rules a sufficient number of times so that children can recite the safety rules on their own.
Remember, impulsive children will require more supervision than other kids. Do not be discouraged! With the right attitude and approach, time spent supervising your child can be a positive experience.
Caregivers' safety guidelines: Techniques to reduce injuries in ADHD kids
The following techniques can be used to reduce the likelihood of injury for children with ADHD: