Many families may experience conflicts with their children due to their child getting bored easily while doing homework, not being able to pay attention to the lesson, being overactive, or the teachers' complaints in this regard at school. The first thing that comes to the minds of families and teachers in such situations is whether the child has Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD is defined as a genetically based and neurobiological disease. It carries 3 different groups of symptoms. It is a disorder in which attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity occur together, at different severities, or sometimes alone. This disorder can be seen not only in children, but also in adolescents and even adults.
In order to make this diagnosis; The symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and be seen in at least two environments (home, work, school, etc.), the quality of social, professional or academic life must be impaired and they must not be due to another mental disorder, and they must be present for at least 6 months.
In the classroom environment, these children have difficulty paying attention, listening to what is said and obeying the rules, they are disorganized and disorganized, forgetfulness is common while performing a task, they show impulsive behavior, they talk excessively, and they do not have the patience to wait their turn. They constantly lose their belongings. They also fail when running simultaneously. Their hands and feet are fidgety, they are constantly standing even where they should be sitting, and they are running around aimlessly in the classroom. They cannot complete a job to the end. They constantly interrupt other people, and when they are asked a question, they answer before the question is completed.
So, are every active child a hyperactive child?
There are distinguishing characteristics between normally active and hyperactive children. The behavior of a normally active child is harmonious, continuous and purposeful. If there is a restrictive environment and the child needs to concentrate his attention, his mobility decreases, but when he experiences stress, his mobility increases.
The overactive child's behavior is arbitrary and aimless. If there is a restrictive environment and he needs to concentrate his attention, the child's mobility increases. While an overactive child calms down in exciting environments, his/her mobility increases in normal situations.
ADHD. Children with disabilities have strong sides as well as weak sides. These children have many positive characteristics such as being curious, excited and full of energy, being able to communicate easily with other people, being very sensitive about justice and injustice, being sympathetic, loving to take risks, being playful and empathetic.
Those with ADHD have many positive characteristics. Instead of focusing on the negative behavior of children, they should reinforce their positive behavior and try to solve problems by playing games with the child.
Children with ADHD should avoid words containing praise by their teachers or parents. Because praise; The child should not be approached with praising words, as this may put pressure on the child and prevent the development of his/her weak sides. Instead of exaggerated and praising expressions such as "You are a genius, you are the smartest child in the class, you drew the most beautiful picture I have ever seen, only you can handle this task", appreciation such as "You are making an effort to do your homework, I think you have concentrated your attention well, I congratulate you for this behavior" Expressions with content should be used.
Watching violent and highly stimulating videos and playing such games frequently; It damages the frontal lobe, the brain region responsible for attention, impulsive control and planning, and can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms. Therefore, families need to impose limits on electronic stimuli such as TV, tablet, and phone.
As ADHD children are prevented, warned, and punished, the severity of ADHD symptoms increases and it becomes more difficult for them to control their behavior. Families and teachers need to ignore problematic behavior and direct their attention to the area that interests them.
Establishing a bond with the child with ADHD instead of being stubborn will prevent possible conflicts and ensure positive communication.
Family and teachers. It is necessary to support the areas in which the child with ADHD has talent by not focusing on the negative characteristics of the child with ADHD, but by recognizing his positive characteristics.
Labeling the child with ADHD by his family or teachers; It can make the child feel guilty, inadequate and worthless. Therefore, the child's self His/her perception may decrease and the child may internalize this situation over time. That's why labeling should be avoided.
Teachers and parents should never neglect to make the child with ADHD feel the feeling of trust, which is the most important emotion for human beings. They need to make the child feel good by making him feel that they always trust him and are with him despite his mistakes and failures.
As with every disease, the earlier a child with ADHD is noticed by the teacher or parent, the more success he will have with expert support. can be provided. Therefore, it is essential for teachers and parents to be good observers.
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