ADHD: Maintain not Contain

By: Heidi L. Fretheim, BA, MACC

It is that time of year again where school is back in session. The

school supplies have been purchased. The class schedule is memorized.

The newness of seeing old friends have faded into the Monday through

Friday routine. The high hopes for the year seem to have turned into

the dread of daily or weekly phone calls from the school.

Hearing things from your child’s teachers such as your child is not

adjusting well, seems to lack focus, can’t sit still, does not follow

directions, trouble with listening, frequently loses things, lacks time

management skills or organization skills, issues getting along with

peers, and/or behavior problems. This can be very overwhelming to

the parent who is dealing with these behaviors at home and now seem

to be visible in the classroom as well. Parents are often aware that

many children have issues with behaviors at school as well as at home.

As a result, parents can find themselves anxiously working hard to

contain their child’s behaviors. This usually ends fruitless with

resentment growing between the child, parents, and even the school.

So where do you turn when you start hearing the words ADHD or

Performance Disorder with regards to your child? Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by American Psychological

Association as “one of the most common health disorders, affecting

approximately 5 to 10% of Children in the United States. The hallmarks

of the syndrome of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and

impulsivity.” Although there is no cure, there are several treatments

available to children that have ADHD. Some treatment options

available and usually recommended are Medication Management,

Behavioral Therapy, Social Skills training, Parenting Skills training,

Family Therapy, and Educational Skills. Children may be put on a

Stimulant medication as well to help with focus, attention, and

behavioral symptom management.

The purpose of treatment is to assist the child and parents in

understanding the symptoms and behaviors and how these can

negatively affect the child’s functioning at school, home, and in the

community. It is not about containing, but rather maintaining the

behavior and symptoms through medication, therapy, education, diet,

and behavioral strategies. These treatment options can assist the child

to adapt in more effective ways creating less frustration for the child,

parents, and the school. There is no shame in seeking help to assist

your child to function at his/her optimal level despite the symptoms of

ADHD. Let us Help:

Northwest Behavioral Health Services

2392 N. Edgewood Avenue

Jacksonville, Florida 32254

904-781-7797