Symptoms of ADHD: Learning How To Help My Child #lifescript

Tracking PixelThis is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Lifescript.com. All thoughts on the symptoms of ADHD are ours.

 When my daughter, Desiree, was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it was not a complete surprise, since I have it myself. What I was not expecting was for her medication to not work as smoothly as mine works for me. I also didn’t realize that not everyone’s symptoms are the same and the symptoms of ADHD affect different people in varying degrees. One of the most difficult symptoms we deal with as a family is her impulsiveness.

Symptoms of ADHD

Desiree is now 13 years old and as she gets older, I worry more than ever about her. How will the symptoms of ADHD affect her as she becomes a teenager? Is there anything else I can do at home to help? What other treatment options do we have? Because the Internet is full of information, both accurate and not, it is important to visit a reputable website, like Lifescript.com Childhood ADHD Health Center.

symptoms-of-adhd

I learned a lot about managing the symptoms of ADHD. For example, 88% of children with the disorder have sleep difficulties, whether it is trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, dealing with restless leg syndrome or even having nightmares. I know I don’t function (or act) my best when I don’t get enough sleep and it is even more true for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Desiree is a lot like me, neither of us have good sleeping habits. We go to bed extremely late and I know she doesn’t sleep as many hours as she should.

Another thing that helps a child stay focused is having a routine. I know that experts, other parents and everyone else I have ever talked to has stressed the importance of routines, but I have to admit I’m not the best at establishing and following routines. But in order to help Desiree, I realize now just how important it is. I had no idea that it would help her stay focused.

I’ve also discovered that the facts on medications and alternative therapies. I knew that stimulants and anti-depressants were used as treatment options, but was surprised to find medications for narcolepsy and high blood pressure are sometimes prescribed. After looking at what each medication does to relieve the symptoms of ADHD, possible side effects and other information, I know that Desiree is taking the right medication for her, but wonder if the dosage may need to be adjusted to help with the impulsiveness that she still has.

Now that I know this information, I can bring up the sleep issue and the continued impulsiveness with Desiree’s doctor. I can also enforce earlier and regular bedtimes to help her get the sleep she needs. I plan on creating (and sticking to) and daily routine to help her stay focused and so she knows what to expect.

Dealing with the symptoms of ADHD in a child can be challenging, but the more I learn about the facts, the better I can help her and the better prepared she will be to help herself as she gets older.

Educate yourself about the symptoms of ADHD

Want to find more posts relating to Childhood ADHD? Then be sure you do not miss these articles:

 

Lifescript’s Childhood ADHD Health Center features tips, quizzes, recipes and articles – all by professional health writers, experts and physicians – covering how to help your child succeed in school, advice for getting through the morning routine, how girls’ ADHD differs from boys’ and more. Please visit the Lifescript Health Center on Childhood ADHD for more information.

And to check out this free website, click here!

This is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Lifescript.com.

 

12 thoughts on “Symptoms of ADHD: Learning How To Help My Child #lifescript”

  1. Thank you so much for this post. This is the first that mentions restless leg in regards to ADHD. Which my 8 year old has both, as well as a parasomnia and feratin disorder. All related to sleep. The past 4 years have been such a struggle. I look forward to reading more. Thank you.

    1. Thank you so much, Lori. I was surprised to find out the connection… I had always thought they were two separate things. I do hope things get easier!

  2. Thanks, Kelsey! There wasn’t much information out there when I was younger, especially since back then they didn’t look for the signs of ADHD in girls. I’m glad that there is so much information available now and that people can raise awareness and know the symptoms so their kids don’t have to go years without the proper treatment!

  3. I never knew sleeping issues that went along with ADHD. Thanks for sharing this personal and informative information. I am concerned about my daughter so I need to look further into this.

    1. I never about the sleep issues either, Jenn. I knew that Desiree didn’t sleep that great, but had no idea that there was a connection between it and ADHD.

  4. Thank you for sharing this information and website. My oldest was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I’m still learning so much about it. It’s nice to read we are not alone in this!

    1. You’re very welcome, Alyssa! I am so glad this information can help you. It was really hard when my daughter was first diagnosed, but there is tons of information out there!

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