How Can I Seek ADHD Support For My Child?

Parents generally want the best for their children at all stages of life. When your child is diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as ADHD, you might wonder how you can provide the most effective support to address your child’s behavior. 

While this disorder can present some unique challenges for kids and parents alike, it can be manageable for the whole family with the right information and tools. A child with ADHD often exhibits a common set of symptoms. In this article, we'll talk about seeking out help for your child with ADHD from various sources—including support from professionals, peers, and trusted online sources.

What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is generally defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the areas of the brain that control executive functions—like attention span, sitting still, and the ability to control oneself—might be affected. In many cases, the person who lives with this condition might have difficulties focusing in the same manner that a neurotypical child might, whether they are in a classroom, at home or in some other public setting.

The concerns that can be associated with ADHD can stem from disruption that can be caused by the symptoms of the disorder. Children with ADHD, for example, might whisper to their classmates, talk to themselves, hum, whistle or fidget constantly. They might also experience excessive distraction, sleep disruption and other co-morbid mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or depression. However, with the right support, your child living with ADHD can reach a higher quality of life with the functionality that they need to thrive. 

Testing for ADHD

If you believe that your child has ADHD, it can be helpful to visit to your doctor for a formal evaluation. While there is no single test for diagnosing ADHD, the doctor can ask questions, observe your child and give them different cognitive and behavioral tests. They might also interview you, your child’s teacher or other adults in your child’s life. After gathering enough information, they can then make a diagnosis. If you were correct in your assessment that your child has ADHD, you can then talk to your doctor about some possible courses of action for treatment. 

Alternatively, you might also seek support for a diagnosis before visiting the doctor. Having a unified approach that’s supported by the child’s school system and other adults in their life can support a more holistic plan for treatment and support overall for your child with ADHD. It can also offer insight into possible contributing factors to the condition, whether they are environmental or relational. The National Resource Center on ADHD has an extensive collection of information available to parents. The following links on the “For Parents & Caregivers” tab will guide you through a comprehensive overview of ADHD.

Finding support for childhood ADHD

What to consider: Medication

When it comes to ADHD, the two types of medications that are usually prescribed are stimulants and antidepressants. Stimulants can help the child focus and concentrate when they're not able to do so naturally. Alternatively, antidepressants can help with their sleep patterns, possibly allowing them to avoid the potential “low periods” that can come with having ADHD.

It can be helpful to remember that your child’s practitioner might need to try a range of different options before you land on the most effective medication treatment and dosage for your child. Pharmacology is not an exact science, and it might take a little time to figure out what's going to have the most powerful effect. Always consult a doctor before starting or stopping any kind of medication.

What to consider: Support groups

Your doctor will often have the most up-to-date information about available treatment options, but it's also nice to get an alternate perspective from people who are in the same place. To that end, you can look around in your area for ADHD support groups. These are groups of parents who meet to talk about the struggles and challenges associated with having a child with ADHD. 

What to consider: Online forums

If you can’t locate an active support group in your area, another thing you can do is go online and explore some of the forums that exist for parents of children with ADHD. You can find information on just about any topic you'd care to name. While it is true that you may find some negativity online, these groups can be very supportive and help you learn strategies as a parent.

We do want to note that the internet isn’t generally a replacement for medical advice. While you can get advice and perspective online, it can be important to run any information past your medical provider. Since they are trained in disorders like ADHD, they can provide evidence-based, researched information and treatment protocols that can give your child a strong chance at a more fulfilling experience.

What to consider: Therapy for ADHD symptoms

Another avenue that you can consider for your child is therapeutic intervention—generally executed via therapists and behavior modification coaches. As is the case with medication, your doctor can be a helpful first place to start. They can put you in touch with a therapist who works primarily with kids who have the disorder. 

Behavior therapy can be powerful, possibly allowing your child to open up to someone about their frustrations and experiences with the condition. The therapist can listen and offer validating suggestions or help to enhance your child’s quality of life and address your child's inappropriate behavior. 

Experimenting with treatment

When your child is diagnosed with ADHD, finding the right combination of medication, therapy, coaching or supportive methods can take time. The urgency with which you try different solutions can directly tie into how much or how little ADHD affects your child's development.

Some children diagnosed with ADHD may not experience significant effects in their life, but for others, it can be a daily challenge. Researching and finding the right drugs and dosage, the most effective doctor or coach, and getting feedback from your support group or online forum can be a significant and time-consuming project. However, it may help you discover the most powerful methods for managing your child’s ADHD effectively.

Online therapy with BetterHelp: How can online therapy support those living with ADHD? 

ADHD can present a unique challenge for you and your child. However—you’re not alone in figuring out which treatments will work most effectively for your child. Online therapy can support both you and your child(ren) who are currently living with the condition, offering validation and constructive support that can enhance your quality of life and offer adequate parent training. 

Learning how to manage your child’s ADHD can be time-consuming, meaning that there may not be a lot of free time left over during the week. This can make it difficult to schedule therapy appointments into your day, especially once you factor in the drive there and back! Online therapy is a useful way for many to avoid this possible concern, offering you therapy that aligns well with your schedule—no matter where you are.

Is online therapy effective? 

Online therapy has generally grown in popularity in recent years as society finds more ways to connect with one another. In a review of six studies on the effectiveness of online therapy for kids and adults with ADHD, researchers found that the online interventions were successful in treating symptoms of the disorder. 

Each of the studies showed that there were self-reported improvements in the “attention deficit and social function of adults and children with ADHD.”  This suggests that online therapy can be an effective and relevant modality to address the symptoms of ADHD in most.