Introduction
ADD (attention deficit disorder), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affect nearly 2.4 million children in the U.S. between the ages of 6 to 11 and 3.3 between the ages of 12-17 (Forbes ADHD Statistics). Children are already more prone to become unfocused and lose interest in things they do not enjoy, but for those with ADHD or ADD, these mountains become even steeper. The uphill battle begins with trouble focusing and spirals into many other issues that often result in poor school performance and trouble listening at home. While ADHD can’t be cured, it can be managed through medication, therapy, and awareness from both the individual and those in their life.
How do you know if your child has ADHD?
It can be challenging to see right away if your child has ADHD or ADD because kids are often hyper and move quickly from task to task. It is for these reasons you should not self-diagnose your child with ADHD but instead bring them to a professional who will provide their insights as well as a test that will give clarity to their symptoms.
Five Common Symptoms of ADHD include,
- Struggle to listen
- Constantly Fidgeting and restless behavior
- Easily Distracted
- Seem not to listen or pay attention
- Struggle following directions
Seeing these symptoms as a reoccurring problem both at home, school, and in other extracurricular activities that they are involved in often points to ADHD. When the symptoms only occur in one space with one individual, they may struggle in that situation.
TREATMENTS and ADHD Treatment Centers
The most common ADHD treatment for children is a combination of therapy and medication. This approach provides the child with a space to communicate their feelings and emotions with someone who understands and is trained in understanding how to help them in their day-to-day life. There is a wide variety of unique therapy treatments, and we at NorthStar can direct you in the right direction that will benefit the child most.
Medication may also be prescribed to manage symptoms related to mood, anxiety, attention, and focus. A wide variety of medicines can be prescribed to your child, especially as they become older and enter their teenage years. These medicines can significantly affect their mindset and help manage their symptoms. With ADHD and ADD being a disorder that will follow them throughout their lives, it is important to understand it and what the best method is for the individual so they can continue to have control over it.
The Secret SuperPower
ADHD and ADD provide unique characteristics that, while treated properly, can be used to the advantage of the individual. Many people with ADHD experience a very intense focus on certain tasks that they very much enjoy and build grit in their determination with the niche topic they become entwined with. They often have a bunch of energy and provide spontaneous energy to their friends and family. ADHD can really be a superpower and, when treated properly, can benefit the child throughout their life.
NORTHSTAR THERAPY STRATEGY
Our goal is based on the RAISE Value Pillars.
- Respect: We honor everyone’s beliefs, values, and self-worth, treating people with dignity and professionalism
- Accountability: We recognize that we are responsible for our words, actions, and results as individuals and team players.
- Integrity: We reinforce trust by working with conviction, taking responsible action, and building honest relationships.
- Spirituality: We believe faith, hope, healing, and wisdom can inspire us to pursue our individual and collective missions and visions.
- Excellence: We embrace every opportunity to contribute to growth, maintaining daily goals of development and greatness.
Conclusion
ADHD and ADD can be very difficult and hard to navigate but we are here to help turn the disorder into your child’s superpower. ADHD affects nearly 5.7 million children between the ages of 6-17. By exploring the common symptoms, a parent can better prepare their child for a life of understanding and success. Allowing the child to manage the symptoms through medication and therapy will ultimately lead to greater success into adulthood and unlock the superpower that ADHD and ADD can be for an individual. Through NorthStar’s five pillars of respect, accountability, integrity, spirituality, and excellence, we can provide that path of success.
