News Taffy

Don’t despair if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with ADHD. Coping with a hyperactive child or living with someone who lacks focus is frustrating. Trust me, I know! There are benefits to having ADHD and it helps to focus on those positives.

Those with ADHD are often able to hyper-focus on the things that truly interest them. For example, my husband may not recall that I asked a question and he answered but he will be able to explain the medical article he just read in great detail. My son reads everything he can find on cars and is very knowledgable but finds classes like Spanish difficult to get through. Therefore ADHD’ers will be most successful in careers that play to their strengths and interests.

ADHD’ers are often very bright and inquisitive. They find ways to cope with their weaknesses and can be quite creative as a result. Their impulsive behavior means that they are natural risk takers which in turn makes them good entrepreneurs. Distractibility means they can juggle many jobs at once, also good for being an entrepreneur.

Their impulse to talk all the time means they are good conversationalists and comfortable talking in front of a crowd. They are usually funny and have developed a good sense of humor to cope with their frustrations while remaining sensitive to others. A high energy level means they can keep on working or pursuing a goal long after others would have given up.

There are ways to improve ADHD symptoms which should be used in addition to any medication. Parents should look for a training course specifically for parenting ADHD children where they will learn to handle their children’s behavior with positive reinforcement and carefully chosen punishment when necessary.

Adults and children with ADHD will benefit immensely from regular exercise which helps the brain release dopamine that aids in being able to focus. Studies have also shown that time spent outdoors is extremely beneficial so combine exercise with being outdoors by going for a walk in the park or free play in the yard.

Those with ADHD often suffer from sleep problems as well because the same areas of the brain regulate both sleep and attention. However a lack of sleep also makes ADHD symptoms worse. Have a regular bedtime and bedtime ritual, use white noise to drown out distracting noises and avoid over stimulating activities at least 2 hours before bedtime. If sleep problems persist, speak to your doctor about using melatonin or to rule out other problems.

There are many types of medications for ADHD which can be quite helpful, especially with school and work but these may cause a host of unpleasant side effects. Stimulants like Adderall, Focalin and Ritalin work for most children in improving the ability to focus. Non-stimulants like Strattera or Intuniv can also improve concentration when the stimulants aren’t working. Side effects can include weight loss, sleep problems, headaches, profuse sweating, jitteriness or even irritability. Be sure to work closely with your doctor and don’t make any sudden changes in medication yourself as that can lead to unpleasant side effects.

Above all, maintain a supportive and positive attitude and educate yourself as much as possible.