Helping the hyperactive child

By Wendel Abel, I AM WHAT I THINK

What is hyperactivity in children? Hyperactivity is also referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder.

I was always, and still am, a hyperactive individual. Hyperactivity is not the end of the world for a child. It may exist in a mild, moderate and severe form. Understanding this condition and learning to live with it can make a world of difference in your child's life.

There are three groups of signs associated with the disorder:

Inability to pay attention. This is because of problems with focusing. As a result, some individuals have difficulty with schoolwork, reading and lectures. Individuals with ADHD are easily distracted by activities, noises and other people.

Hyperactivity: Persons with this condition have a lot of energy. They may talk non-stop, be unable to sit still, always moving and some may have difficulty falling asleep.

Impulsive behaviour: Talking before thinking, talking out of turn, knocking down objects while running around in a room.

Some persons may have mainly the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Other persons have mainly difficulty with attention and organisation, and yet another group of persons have both hyperactive and attention deficit problem.

How it affects children

Many children with this condition suffer. They end up lonely and they may be abused by parents and teachers, as they are often misunderstood. Children with this condition often have difficulty following instructions. They may forget to do chores and homework; have difficulty playing with other children; run into furniture and damage things in the house, like breaking a vase or running into a table; difficulty participating in groups; unable to sit still in class; have trouble making friends and may be labelled as bad.

It affects parents and teachers

Parents and teachers may become burnt out. One parent commented: "It is a full-time job, cleaning up the mess and just keeping my child focused." The problem is challenging for teachers as these children need a lot of attention. They lose focus easily and may be disruptive.

What can be done?

1. Have your child properly assessed. This should be done by a competent psychiatrist or psychologist.

2. Learn to manage your child at home.

3. Ensure that the teacher understands what is happening.

4. Discuss medication options with the doctor.

Tips to manage your child

1. State rules clearly. For instance, do not just say to the child, be clean. State, 'Your room must be cleaned every day.' Other examples are, 'You must start your homework after dinner'; 'the toys must be put away before bed'.

2. Break down the steps of a task. For chores, make a list and write them down, as these children may forget.

3. Help the child create structure. Have a box in which they place their toys. Let them place their school bag and shoes in one location.

4. Help the child create a schedule. With a fixed schedule, it is easier for the child to remember things to do.

5. Remove distractions. Many of these children are easily distracted. Encourage your child to study in a quiet location, away from noise, television, radio or anything that will distract them. It is also good to have your child in a place where you are able to check on them from time to time.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.