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Parents of children with ADHD play a critical role in managing their child’s treatment. This Kit was designed to help parents take an active role in that process. To sum up what we’ve discussed, remember:
TALK
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Ask questions to clearly understand your child’s medication treatment. Alert the doctor to important information from your child’s and family’s medical history. |
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To your child. |
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Explain the reasons why the medication is being given. Learn how to take the medication safely. |
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To your child's teachers/coaches. |
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Learn how your child is doing in school and what changes teachers/coaches have observed, both academically and socially. |
KNOW
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As much as possible about ADHD and the medications available. |
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About the information provided with the prescription. |
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What symptoms and behaviors to report to the doctor. |
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That you are helping your child overcome difficulties. |
MONITOR
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Your child’s progress. |
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Changes for the doctor – keeping a weekly diary can help. |
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Feedback from teachers, coaches, and other caregivers. |
conclusion
While medication can be a key part of successfully treating your child’s ADHD, it’s important to know that there are other ways to support your child throughout the treatment process. You can help your child thrive by creating an ADHD-friendly environment through frequent conversations with your child and your child’s doctor, friends and other relatives.
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Focusing on your child’s strengths. |
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Joining an ADHD family support group to share your experiences with people who are going through a similar situation. |
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Establishing a positive role for your child within the family. |
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Avoiding problem situations (e.g., large, unstructured gatherings). |
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Managing ADHD behaviors by enforcing discipline and consequences, and offering incentives to reinforce desired behaviors. |
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Avoiding over scheduling your child. |
By providing acceptance and encouragement, you can help your child gain self-confidence and experience a feeling of accomplishment and control. The next section includes a list of additional resources on ADHD treatments that can provide other valuable information for parents. Remember, ADHD is a manageable condition. By seeking medical help, you have taken a step toward helping your child. Medications can benefit many children with ADHD. With close involvement in your child’s treatment program (including daily medication and behavioral modifications) and your doctor’s guidance, you can help your child cope successfully with ADHD.
Just to recap, some key questions parents might ask themselves once their child receives an ADHD diagnosis are:
What should you tell your child about medication?
One of many challenges of having a child diagnosed with ADHD is learning how to talk about it with him or her. Tell your child that ADHD isn't something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Reinforce that it's a medical condition that needs to be treated, like bad eyesight or allergies, and will help them concentrate more.
What are the various types of medications available?
Stimulant medications are the first-line of defense for treating ADHD. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to give a stimulant to a child who is hyperactive, the medications are highly effective. Stimulant medications include short, intermediate and long-acting forms of methyphenidate and amphetamine. They also are formulated in extended-release forms so children can take their medication once a day and avoid taking it in the middle of the day.
How do I recognize side effects, and what should I do with some of the common side effects?
Parents must monitor their children’s behavior before and after starting any medication. It is important to keep a log of your child’s progress while on medication. If you recognize any negative changes in your child behaviorally or physically, contact your physician immediately.
It is also recommended that you sit down with your child and discuss possible side effects that they may be feeling and that they must alert you if any they are experiencing new, unusual feelings. Your child must feel comfortable talking with you about how the medication is affecting him/her.
What are common side effects versus rare but serious side effects?
Common side effects are experienced more often and are more prevalent than the rare but serious side effects that your child may experience. If your child experiences any side effects, you should contact your physician immediately. It is important that your physician evaluates the side effects to determine if the side effects are harmless, or if there is cause for alarm.
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