Dealing with ADHD
Dealing with ADHD
Often when it comes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or adhd) people do feel overwhelmed and companies such as Catch Up Kids are a welcomed relief when it comes to dealing with adhd. Below is a list of just a few of the elements of our program that make it so effective in helping children learn compensatory strategies while targeting the skill deficits that are causing them to struggle to reach their full potential.
- Breaking down large, challenging tasks into smaller more manageable tasks. This simply makes it easier to tackle problem areas and makes it seem less daunting. It also teaches children to climb the mountain in front of them one step at a time.
- Creating structure and routine for the children who might and might not be dealing with adhd.
- Encouraging exercise as much as possible due to the physical exertion assisting with focus and losing excess energy that might lead to behaviour.
- Knowing the difference between discipline and punishment. Often people will use punishment (such as yelling, and time outs) to “control” children when positive reinforcement with a firm hand holds the proverbial “carrot” of hope. Negative reinforcement and punishment do tend to leave children doubtful of themselves and with diminished confidence, which can inevitably lead to more problem behaviour.
- Limiting the possible distractions that might be around each of these kid, especially in a work space. Often if distractions are taken away from the immediate vicinity or kept out of sight it does make the ability to focus a bit more workable. That being said, it is also inevitable that children will have to perform in the presence of distractions – a skill that can be taught at Catch Up Kids.
- Making learning fun and integrating fun into lessons and homework activities they might have. By doing so we make learning and education easier, to the point where they want to learn and feel excited to do so.
- Not letting the disorder take control. These children do maintain incredible intelligence and they are more than the disorder. They are thinkers, doers, dreamers and whatever you help them believe they are. If you remind them they are their disorder they become the disorder. To allow them to grow you need to remind them of their own intelligence and strength. Encouraging a growth mindset, where failure is an opportunity to learn, instead of a fixed mindset, where there is no room for improvement and you are stuck with the hand you are dealt, can go a long way to boost a child’s confidence and sense of ability.
- Lastly, remember that when dealing with adhd, children are children and at times it’s not the disorder but just typical behaviour of a child. Believe in their ability and remind yourself that it does get better with patience, time, and hard work.
These are just some of the things that are often overlooked when it comes to dealing with adhd. Often with facilitation from Catch Up Kids it is very easy to see big changes from our small people and that is something often leaves parents with a new-found hope.
