There are many neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children, such as autism, conduct disorders, and hearing or sight impairment. One of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in childhood is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, popularly known as ADHD.
Every one in 10 children globally is diagnosed with ADHD. In Malaysia, the documented prevalence rate is 3.9%, although experts think it may actually be higher due to unrecorded cases.
In those below the age of 12, the rate is higher in boys (8-10%) than girls (4%).
ADHD can be hard to identify and diagnose, but there is more awareness and understanding of it today. This partly explains the rise in diagnosis over the last two decades.
The condition can make it difficult for children to focus and concentrate. It also makes it challenging for kids to develop behavioural skills and understand how to deal with emotions. A short attention span and lack of focus can further lead to poor academic performance in a child.
How does it affect school performance?
Symptoms of ADHD include a short attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. This makes it difficult for any child with the condition to learn.
Impulsive behaviour includes interrupting others, which results in other pupils having their concentration broken. ADHD children will often find it hard to sit still and listen; instead, they will have an urge to be in motion frequently.
The good news is, there are ways to help an ADHD child focus in school through coaching, the use of apps and games, and by limiting distractions.
ADHD treatments
Doctors may prescribe a combination of medicines for treating ADHD. These can include stimulants and non-stimulants, with the former acting the quickest and showing good results in up to 80% of children with ADHD.
Behaviour therapy and support are also needed, while many people find natural supplements beneficial, too. Vitamins C and B6, iron, and zinc have been shown to relieve some symptoms, where vitamin B6 and iron raises dopamine levels, and zinc then regulates it.
Many children with ADHD often suffer from other disorders. These may include anxiety, behavioural and conduct problems, on top of an autism spectrum disorder. Some children may suffer symptoms of depression, too.
Helping a child with ADHD learn to focus and develop necessary skills can be challenging; you will need patience, positivity and determination. Here are some ways your ADHD child’s school performance can be improved:
1. Break tasks down
Large tasks can seem hopeless to many children, but even more so to one who has ADHD. If a child with this condition is given a test with multiple questions, they are likely to eventually lose focus and become distracted. This can result in feelings of frustration, stress, and anxiety.
Parents of an ADHD child will need to learn ways to help him or her with anxiety and stress. Breaking a task down into more manageable pieces will lead to greater success, which will then boost the child’s confidence.
2. Reward positive behaviour
Build a reward system to help teach good behaviour. Some believe rewarding good behaviour sends the wrong message as the child is getting a reward for doing something they should be doing anyway, but it’s important to remember that ADHD children don’t misbehave on purpose.
A reward system can help them to connect good behaviour with a positive outcome. This could include playing a video game or app, visiting the park, watching television for an hour, or playing with a friend.
Stickers or stars on charts can work, while some parents start a coin jar. ADHD can make it difficult to manage money, so this helps introduce the importance of saving and how it can lead to bigger rewards later on.
3. Limit distractions
Seating can play an important part in limiting distractions. Windows and doors, for instance, offer the chance for ADHD to see the outside world and get preoccupied by events away from the classrooms.
4. Use fidgeting to improve concentration
It might sound contradictory, but hyperactivity can actually help children with ADHD. Their seemingly uncontrollable fidgeting can be converted into controlled movements that aid focus.
Use fidget spinners for children who have hand fidgets, or resistance bands stretched over desk legs for those who tap their feet a lot. As long as the tool you use is not overly stimulating, the child can carry on fidgeting while focusing on the lesson.
Plus, using the right tool for each type of fidget can lead to fewer distractions for other students.
5. Give feedback
Feedback can help in the same way a reward system can: it encourages the child to keep learning and not give up. If, for example, they answer any questions wrongly, giving feedback on these in a gentle and positive way will help them learn.
School can be difficult for children with ADHD but, when support is provided and tools are used correctly, they will have a better chance at academic success.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.