Coping with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rick Riordan’s popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is one of the first young adult book series to feature characters that suffered from Attention-Deficit Hyperperactivity Disorder, ADHD. Rather than depict the disease as a source of debilitation, Riordan instead makes ADHD a source of strength for the series’ main protagonists.

Unfortuantely, in the real world, ADHD is rarely a positive characteristic. Characterizing ADHD and those who suffer from it in this way runs counter to genuine efforts to arm people with accurate information.

But just what is ADHD? The Mayo Clinic defines ADHD as a condition characterized by impaired attention spans and impulsive behavior. The condition may be diagnosed in early childhood and persists well into adulthood. Children that suffer from ADHD usually manifest symptoms at the age of 7. However, the symptoms may appear in children as young as 2.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Joseph Pritchard is passionate reader and writer. He has a bachelor's degree in Biology and also completed a degree in medicine. He has written for other prominent online publications and enjoys writing on a variety of topics.

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

Unlike their children counterparts, adults with ADHD must take a more proactive approach to managing the behavioral symptoms. Adult patients are asked to make certain lifestyle changes that help them foster habits that allow them to cope with the more obvious signs of ADHD. Adults should attempt to become more structured and well-organized.

The New York Times Health Guide notes that behavioral management for ADHD children occurs primarily at home and at school. Both instances will require consistency, patience, persistence, and flexibility. Parents, caregivers and teachers must identify behavioral patterns that are potentially problematic, while still giving the children room to develop individuality and creativity. This means being able to ignore lapses such as temper outbursts.

However the bouts of aggression typically seen in children with ADHD, may be a potential stumbling block for parents and teachers. They should be careful to distinguish between mildly disruptive outbursts and deliberate destructive or abusive behavior. Should the latter occur, then one possible way of curbing the aggression is through short-term isolation in order to give the children an opportunity to calm down. Conversely, it is equally important to establish a reward system that reinforces positive or correct behavior.

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