No. You do not have to take medication. However, for 80% of people with ADHD medication is effective. For 20% of people it is not.

At Guide Little Minds we have a comprehensive approach that addresses the totality of the child or adult who comes to us for help. The four key areas for effective treatment are learning as much as you can about ADHD and how it presents in you or the person you love; lifestyle changes including sleep, nutrition and exercise; coaching; and medication where that is effective.

Beyond that, we look at the milieu or system in which the individual lives and try to determine the best school, or the best job, or the best camp, or the best living situation, again always with the goal in mind of promoting talents and strengths. 

No. You do not have to tell your school or employer. However, it can be a helpful step where you might benefit from accommodations, particularly in the school context. Most educational institutions should have a resource person or special education expert who can discuss the needs of the student, and what support or accommodations might be helpful.

The diagnosis of ADHD gets missed all the time in females, as there are gender differences in ADHD symptoms. Women and girls tend not to exhibit disruptive or defiant symptoms, unlike men and boys. They may not stand out. Rather, they sit in the back of the classroom lost in their thoughts, daydreaming, quite content to be in their own world. As adults, they tend to underachieve, not due to lack of talent or hard work, but due to lack of focus and organization, the classic signs of ADHD. If they do seek help, they typically get diagnosed with depression or anxiety, because doctors tend not to think of ADHD in females. They may well have depression and anxiety, but the depression and anxiety are caused by the untreated ADHD. Treating the ADHD often fixes the anxiety and depression because the woman will feel more in control, hence less anxious, and will perform up to potential, which takes away the so-called depression.

Although we don’t know exactly what causes ADHD, we know that it tends to run in families. Like many traits of behavior and temperament, ADHD is genetically influenced, but not genetically determined. Simply put, no one actually inherits ADD, but they can inherit a proclivity for developing the symptoms of ADHD.

You can see the role of genetics at play by glancing at some basic statistics. In a random sample of children, an estimated 5 to 8 percent will have ADHD. However, if one parent has ADHD, the chances of a child developing it shoot up to about 30 percent. If both parents have ADHD, the chances leap to more than 50 percent. Keep in mind, however, that those numbers also mean that none of the children may inherit it, or that all of the children in a family may inherit it.

Over the years, we have met many families where a parent, after discovering their child has ADHD, recalls experiencing similar symptoms and learns that they, too, have ADHD. This usually results in a sense of great relief for the parent, who at last has an explanation for why things may have been so difficult for them. It also can help forge a stronger connection between the parent and child.. We work with individuals and their families to help them overcome their challenges so they can all  achieve their dreams.

• A child must display behaviours from one of the three subtypes before age 7
• These behaviours must be more severe than in other kids the same age
• The behaviours must last for at least 6 months
• The behaviours must occur in and negatively affect at least two areas of a child’s life (such as school, home, day-care settings, or friendships)
• The behaviours must also not be linked to stress at home. Children who have experienced a divorce, a move, an illness, a change in school, or other significant life event may suddenly begin to act out or become forgetful. To avoid a misdiagnosis, it’s important to consider whether these factors played a role in the onset of symptoms

First, your child’s doctor will perform a physical examination of your child and ask you about any concerns and symptoms, your child’s past health, your family’s health, any medications your child is taking, any allergies your child may have, and other issues. This is called the medical history, and it’s important because research has shown that ADHD has a strong genetic link and often runs in families. Your child’s doctor may also perform a physical exam as well as tests to check hearing and vision so other medical conditions can be ruled out. Because some emotional conditions, such as extreme stress, depression, and anxiety, can also look like ADHD, you’ll probably be asked to fill out questionnaires that can help rule them out as well. You’ll also likely be asked many questions about your child’s development and his or her behaviors at home, at school, and among friends. Other adults who see your child regularly (like teachers, who are often the first to notice ADHD symptoms) will probably be consulted, too. An educational evaluation, which usually includes a school psychologist, may also be done. It’s important for everyone involved to be as honest and thorough as possible about your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Research has shown that medications used to help curb impulsive behavior and attention difficulties are more effective when they’re combined with behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy attempts to change behavior patterns by: reorganizing your child’s home and school environment giving clear directions and commands setting up a system of consistent rewards for appropriate behaviors and negative consequences for inappropriate ones. Here are some examples of behavioral strategies that may help a child with ADHD: Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up timeto bedtime. Post the schedule in a prominent place, so your child can see where he or she is expected to be throughout the day and when it’s time for homework, play, and chores. Help your child organize. Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them. Avoid distractions. Turn off the TV, radio, and computer games, especially when your child is doing homework. Limit choices. Offer your child a choice between two things (this outfit, meal, toy, etc., or that one) so that he or she isn’t overwhelmed and overstimulated. Change your interactions with your child. Instead of long-winded explanations and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind your child of his or her responsibilities. Use goals and rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then reward your child’s efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic (think baby steps rather than overnight success). Discipline effectively. Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior. Younger children may simply need to be distracted or ignored until they display better behavior. Help your child discover a talent. All kids need to experience success to feel good about themselves. Finding out what your child does well – whether it’s sports, art, or music – can boost social skills and self-esteem.

Alternative Treatments Currently, the only ADHD therapies that have been proven effective in scientific studies are medications and behavioral therapy. But your child’s doctor may recommend additional treatments and interventions depending on your child’s symptoms and needs. Some kids with ADHD, for example, may also need special educational interventions such as tutoring, occupational therapy, etc. Every child’s needs are different. A number of other alternative therapies are promoted and tried by parents including: megavitamins, body treatments, diet manipulation, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one “talking” psychotherapy. However, the scientific research that has been done on these therapies has not found them to be effective, and most of these treatments have not been studied carefully, if at all. Parents should always be wary of any therapy that promises an ADHD “cure,” and if they’re interested in trying something new, they should be sure to speak with their child’s doctor first.

As your child’s most important advocate, you should become familiar with your child’s medical, legal, and educational rights. Children with ADHD are eligible for special services or accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and an anti-discrimination law known as Section 504. Keep in touch with your child’s teachers and school officials to monitor your child’s progress and keep them informed about your child’s needs. In addition to using routines and a clear system of rewards, here are some other tips to share with teachers for classroom success: Reduce seating distractions. Lessening distractions might be as simple as seating your child near the teacher instead of near the window. Use a homework folder for parent-teacher communications. The teacher can include assignments and progress notes, and you can check to make sure all work is completed on time. Break down assignments. Keep instructions clear and brief, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Give positive reinforcement. Always be on the lookout for positive behaviors. Ask the teacher to offer praise when your child stays seated, doesn’t call out, or waits his or her turn, instead of criticizing when he or she doesn’t.

Teach good study skills. Underlining, note taking, and reading out loud can help your child stay focused and retain information. Supervise. Check that your child goes and comes from school with the correct books and materials. Ask that your child be paired with a buddy who can help him or her stay on task. Be sensitive to self-esteem issues. Ask the teacher to provide feedback to your child in private, and avoid asking your child to perform a task in public that might be too difficult. Involve the school counselor or psychologist. He or she can help design behavioural programs to address specific problems in the classroom. Being Your Child’s Biggest Supporter You’re a stronger advocate for your child when you foster good partnerships with everyone involved in your child’s treatment – that includes teachers, doctors, therapists, and even other family members. Take advantage of all the support and education that’s available, and you’ll be able to help your child with ADHD navigate his or her way to success. Reviewed by: W. Douglas Tynan, PhD