Understanding ADHD in Children. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be greatly impactful for children struggling with the condition, as well as parents. This article will provide a greater understanding of what ADHD is, how it manifests and how you can best support yourself and your child. 

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by impulsivity, inattentiveness and hyperactivity. It is the most common neural developmental disorder in children. The American Psychiatric Association reports 5% of children have ADHD. 

ADHD has a multifaceted etiology, consisting of a combination of genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors. Studies show that ADHD tends to run in families, with a number of gene phenotypes identified. Alterations in dopaminergic and serotoninergic signaling pathways have been associated with ADHD. Variants in the COMT gene have also been found, impeding the process of methylation— necessary for the production of Dopamine and Serotonin, along with other important neurotransmitters involved in ADHD etiology. 

Altered metabolic activity in the prefrontal cortex has been associated with ADHD, and altered function in areas of the brain responsible for executive function and motivation, including alterations in dopamine metabolism. Areas of the brain involved include emotional perception, cognitive control, motor planning and attention. 

Other factors involved in the etiology of ADHD may include nutritional deficiencies, systemic imbalances and neuroinflammation.  Communication between the gut microbiome, central nervous system, immune dysregulation, and inflammation have been implicated. A previous or current mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI) is a risk factor for developing ADHD

Common ADHD Symptoms in Kids 

The core symptoms of ADHD in kids include symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive functioning, often causing social or academic impairment. Heightened emotional and sensory sensitivity are further symptoms. 

Does ADHD Cause Lack of Patience?

ADHD involves impaired focus and heightened emotional sensitivity, but with strategies like minimizing distractions, taking breaks, and practicing emotional regulation, patience and focus can be improved.

The Challenges of Parenting a Child with ADHD

Parenting a child with ADHD can be particularly challenging. Parenting a child with ADHD requires tailored strategies, including positive reinforcement, consistent expectations, and a nurturing environment to address challenges with focus, impulsivity, and emotional regulation.

What Age Is Hardest for Kids with ADHD?

Research implies that ADHD presents unique challenges throughout a child’s life. School-aged children may face academic and social difficulties, as they are getting acclimated to the school setting, warranting increased structure and emotional regulation skills. However, puberty has also been shown to exacerbate ADHD symptoms, given the biochemical and psychosocial challenges in this age range. 

Recognizing Triggers That Lead to Losing Your Patience

Increasing awareness of your own triggers, as a parent, can be incredibly helpful in implementing preventive strategies to maintain emotional regulation for you and your child. For instance, if you know that certain behaviors your child engages in are emotionally activating for you, allow yourself some space to get grounded with some deep inhales, followed by deeper exhales. Similarly, be mindful of factors like poor sleep or nutrition, that can also make you (as well as your child) less able to regulate your emotions.  

Strategies to Maintain Patience 

Here are some evidence-based and helpful strategies you can implement to maintain patience as you support your child with ADHD.

Mindfulness

Remaining mindful and empathetic, and recognizing ADHD behaviors are ways of supporting you and your child. Research also suggests that mindfulness training for parents significantly enhances their emotional regulation. This, in turn, helps to support their children. It highlights the circular relationship between parenting stress and a child’s ADHD-related behaviors.

Behavior Therapy Techniques for Parents

Behavior therapy techniques, including reward systems for progress, clear boundaries, and consistent consequences, have proven effective in helping parents manage ADHD symptoms. Studies indicate that when parents are trained in these techniques, children exhibit improved self-regulation and behavior. 

Praising Your Child to Encourage Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement, such as praising specific positive behaviors, encourages children with ADHD to repeat desired actions. Research also shows that it yields improved outcomes.

Supporting Your Child's Development

Supporting your child’s development requires focusing on your child’s strengths while providing structured support in areas of difficulty, such as executive functioning (mental skills) and impulse control. Findings demonstrate the importance of a strengths-based approach to encourage self-confidence and resilience in your child. 

Collaborating with Your Child's Teacher

Collaboration among parents and teachers is pivotal for supporting ADHD symptoms both at home and school. Studies show that when parents and teachers communicate regularly, children with ADHD experience improved academic performance and behavioral outcomes.

Effective Treatment Options for Your Child

Treatment for ADHD in children often combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), executive functioning and emotional regulation skill building, parent psychoeducation and training, as well as neurofeedback, yoga and possibly medication. CBT involves reframing negative thoughts and managing impulsive behaviors. 

Mindfulness-based interventions focus on being in the present moment neutrally without judgment. This may include awareness of one’s emotions and body sensations, and implementing appropriate grounding techniques to help the individual self-soothe. These techniques help in building emotional awareness and regulation. 

Providing psycho-education and training to parents surrounding their child’s diagnosis and presenting symptoms is also important. Finally, novel yet effective therapies, such as yoga and neurofeedback have been emerging in the research as supportive for ADHD as they help in improving mind-body awareness and balance. 

Nutrition and Its Effect on ADHD

Mounting findings also highlight the importance of nutrition and lifestyle practices for ADHD treatment.

Research suggests that nutrient deficiencies may play a role in ADHD. Therefore, ensuring your child is consuming nutrient-dense, balanced meals is important. Nutrients serve as modulators, helping to support in reducing symptoms of ADHD. 

A whole-foods diet, abundant in fruits and vegetables, quality protein, anti-inflammatory fats, low-sugar, and minimally-processed diet is essential. A Mediterranean diet focuses on these areas and has been found to be beneficial for ADHD.

Micronutrients support neurotransmitter production, having crucial roles in neurologic function, including Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, and Vitamins: D, B6, B12, and B9. Children with ADHD have lower serum levels of Magnesium compared to controls. Magnesium is important for nerve signaling in the brain. It also plays a role in learning and forming new connections. 

Deficiency in Magnesium has been shown to contribute to systemic low-grade inflammation. This is important, as neuroinflammation is a contributor to ADHD. Sources of Magnesium include pumpkin seeds, almonds and yogurt. 

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in brain health and development. It is involved in regulating neurotransmitters and also affects learning, memory, emotion, and mood. Sources include oysters, beef and turkey. 

Notably, Zinc and Iron are involved in modulating a number of functions, including neurological, appetite and mood. This is important as there is a demonstrated link between zinc and iron deficiency and ADHD in children. In fact, Ferritin (a protein that stores iron) levels are nearly  50% lower in children with ADHD than in controls. Iron plays a key role in neurotransmitter production and is essential to brain metabolism. Sources of Iron include cereals, white beans, and lentils. 

Research shows those with ADHD had markedly lower vitamin D levels than those without. Vitamin D is important for modulating mood, immune and inflammation. Sources include salmon, milk and mushrooms. Vitamins B6, B12 and B9 have further notable roles in terms of neurotransmitter synthesis– including GABA, Serotonin and Dopamine– supporting mood and emotional regulation. These vitamins have been shown to be reduced in children with ADHD. Sources of B6 include hummus, tuna, and chicken. B12 sources include beef, clams and salmon. Whereas sources of B9 include spinach, beef and broccoli. 

Omega-3s are crucial for neurological health, including cellular membrane fluidity, function and neurotransmitter release. Lower intakes of omega-3s have been shown to increase the risk for ADHD. Sources include salmon, nuts and seeds, and avocados. Fruit and veggie intake is inversely associated with the severity of inattention in ADHD. 

ADHD has also been associated with increased oxidative stress and immune dysregulation, therefore antioxidants such as polyphenols found in blueberries and grapes, may have supportive roles. Research shows that adequate nutrition improves ADHD symptomatology in the long term, suggesting that this might be an effective adjunct treatment modality in ADHD.

Encouraging Healthy Mental Health Practices

Practices that encourage emotional self-regulation are imperative, as this is considered a core hallmark of ADHD. Ways to support emotional regulation include Mindfulness, Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy, nutrition, play and sleep. 

CBT helps to identify, challenge and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors related to ADHD and has been suggested to improve ADHD symptoms. Managing ADHD through therapy may also include behavior modification, parent psycho-education, classroom & time management, and social/ peer interventions. Mindfulness–  non-judgmental awareness to the present moment has been suggested to improve emotional regulation in ADHD. 

Sleep and movement are also critical for ADHD. Quality sleep supports gut microbiome, immune and circadian rhythm balance, important for modulating mood, metabolism and inflammation. Exercise seems to be beneficial relative to executive function, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Findings demonstrate that children with ADHD who engaged in exercise noted improvements in attention, hyperactivity, inhibitory control, as well as cognitive and executive function.

The role of stress and anxiety in ADHD has been well demonstrated. Yoga and meditation have been found to reduce stress and positively influence attention, hyperactivity and impulse control in ADHD.  

Encouraging your child to spend time outside is also significant, as contact with nature has been suggested to induce states of relaxation and reduce ADHD symptoms. Physiological relaxation indicators observed in nature therapy include reductions in cortisol, improved brain activity, HRV, immune and endocrine activity, as well as PNS dominance.

Seeking External Support

Individual and community support provides guidance, resources, and coping strategies to support the unique challenges of parenting a child with ADHD, while also promoting a sense of community.

Joining Support Groups for Parents of Kids with ADHD:

These groups offer a safe space to connect with others facing similar struggles, share experiences, and learn coping strategies, fostering a sense of community, compassion and enhanced understanding.

Consulting Mental Health Professionals

Specialists in ADHD can provide personalized suggestions to cope with the emotional and behavioral challenges of parenting a child with ADHD, offering practical, evidenced-based, and emotional support.

How Does a Parent with ADHD Affect a Child?

A parent with ADHD may face their own difficulties, which can impact their ability to consistently respond to their child’s needs, influencing their child’s behavior and emotional development.

Self-Care for Parents

Prioritizing self-care is crucial for parents of children with ADHD. Parents often experience high levels of stress. Self-care ensures they remain physically and emotionally healthy, enabling them to support their child more effectively.

Focusing on your well-being is imperative for yourself and your role as a parent. 

Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child

Building trust, spending quality time together, and being patient with your child’s needs, fosters a positive and supportive bond.

Provide clear, concise instructions, positive reinforcement, and compassionate active listening. This ensures your child feels understood and supported.

Help yourself to understand your child’s behavior and needs with mindfulness, compassion and empathy. This helps you attune yourself to your child’s emotions and improves your understanding of your child’s evolving needs. 

You can also strengthen your relationship with your child by building a strong parent-child bond. Offer consistent trust and emotional support and take part in shared activities. Both will help you promote a sense of emotional security and resilience in your children

When Handspring Might Be Right for You and Your Child

Working with a professional Handspring therapist may be right for you and your child if you need personalized support to manage ADHD challenges. Their tailored approach offers behavioral therapy, coaching, and practical strategies to improve daily functioning and family dynamics.

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