Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ali Evren Tufan stated that inattention, hyperactivity and impetuosity, the symptoms of which begin before the age of 12, are seen in at least two different environments such as home and school, and last for six months or longer, indicate Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and added: "Everyone in primary school age in the world "This problem, which is seen in one in 20 children, also occurs in one in every 25 adolescents. In our country, the number of people applying to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry departments with these complaints is increasing day by day," he says. ADHD) are two different disorders and they are not always seen together. However, in children seen together, sometimes hyperactivity and sometimes attention deficit may come to the fore. Moreover, it may vary depending on gender; among children diagnosed with ADHD, attention deficit is more common in girls, while hyperactivity and impulsivity are more common in girls. It is seen in men.
Assoc. Prof. said that, contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not caused by a high level of intelligence. Dr. Ali Evren Tufan "Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder can cause problems in the child's academic, business, social and private life, while in the future, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, failing classes, dropping out of school, low success in business life, frequent job changes, dangerous driving and "Additional problems such as substance use can also be added," he says. Associate Professor Dr. Ali Evren Tufan made important warnings and suggestions to parents about the right approach to their children.
Not his personality, but his Criticize their mistakes
These children may fall frequently, damage the furniture in the house, and get injured while playing. In such a case, criticize the mistake they made, not their personality. For example, when they break a vase, "If I had given birth to stones instead of giving birth to you, your hands and feet cannot stand." Saying ” hurts your personality. Instead, you can make him realize his mistake by saying, "You broke the vase while playing with it in the living room. This action is wrong and that's why I will send you to your room for ten minutes."
Give short and clear instructions and have them repeat it.
They may not listen to what you say until the end. Even if they say "I understand", they don't actually understand what you say and what you say. He may not fully understand what you want from him, in fact, only your first and last sentences will remain in his mind. Therefore, making eye contact with your child, giving a clear and short message, and then repeating it will increase the effectiveness of your instructions.
Structure the house rules
They need visual, concrete reminders and fixed rules to organize their tasks. For example; Even if you tell him that dinner will be at 19:00, then he will help clear the table, and then he should do his homework, he will forget what you said if he is busy with something else at that time. Therefore, determine the rules of the house by a common decision, make a list and hang it on your child's study desk. Rules that will always be visible will be more effective than words.
Do not refrain from praise
If you like your child's actions and behaviors, immediately, without wasting time. praise. Verbal reinforcers increase the likelihood of repeating the desired behavior. You will see that the behavior you verbally reinforce and praise a few times will become a habit for your child over time.
Do not criticize at length
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Evren Tufan "Do not criticize your child's unwanted behavior at length. "Behaviors that are criticized a lot and frequently can become a way of attracting attention and communication," he says.
Do not rearrange belongings at home
In your child's room Keep your belongings in clear and secure locations. You can indicate the location of toys, socks, underwear, books and notebooks with colored labels. Over time, you will see that your child will get used to the labels and start making his room more organized.
Keep in touch with his teacher
Keep in touch with his teachers. Their observations are very important in diagnosis and treatment. When teachers of children diagnosed with ADHD notice that these children are fidgeting or yelling at their friends, they may ask them to say the child's name or turn in front of them, etc. warnings like y Instead of doing so, they can do a behavior that they have previously agreed upon with the child (such as hitting their desk with a pencil while passing by). This behavior serves as a warning for the child and prevents the child from standing out among his friends.
Initiate your child in sports activities
Start sporting events. Sports performed in a certain order can reduce behavioral problems. Coaches and similar adults can serve as role models for your child. Team games support your child's social skills and can help him model his circle of friends.
Make time for yourself
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ali Evren Tufan "You may feel exhausted, tired and weak most of the time because you have to pay more attention to your child diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Make time for yourself at least one hour a week. Do not feel guilty for this. Because by taking time for yourself, you can improve your daily life and "You will also benefit greatly in providing the energy required for your parenting skills," he says. First of all, behavioral therapies are applied and parents are informed about the correct approach. In moderate-severe symptoms, drug treatment is recommended as the first option for children of primary school age and older. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Evren Tufan "Drug treatment should be carried out together with individual and family psychotherapy and a – "After two years of treatment, the medication should be taken off for a month or two, preferably during the school term, and re-evaluate whether treatment is necessary," he says. Assoc. Prof. stated that since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, its symptoms may regress with development and maturation of the central nervous system. Dr. Ali Evren Tufan: "The medications and therapies used temporarily control the symptoms and prevent the development of additional disorders and problems. In order to observe these benefits, parents should be in communication with their children's teachers, and symptoms such as course failure, inattention, and hyperactivity are especially important." "If it continues for six months, it is recommended to apply to child psychiatry outpatient clinics," he says.
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