Graphic: ADHD Brain by Amen Clinics/CC2.0
The ADHD brain is different. That’s what scientists tell us based on brain scan images and testing. If you are parenting a child with ADHD symptoms, you know it without all the scientific testing. As parent, you are looking for the “how” (to teach, help with homework, live day to day with ADHD symptoms) more than the “why”.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about my ADHD child that you may have noticed in yours.
* She learns better when she is challenged. Sometimes I have to “skip” an easier skill and teach one that is more advanced, then she goes back and fills in the details of the easier skill later.
* “Because I said so” doesn’t fly as a reason for doing something with her. “Why? Why? Why?” is always the reply.
* Everything is personal. This creates a lot of misunderstandings. I have to be very careful with communication.
* If I teach a skill in “baby steps” she often doesn’t understand. When she learned to tie her shoe, I had to show her on my shoe over and over and over because when I broke it down into small steps, she just couldn’t get it. Swimming, same thing. She just watched me swim laps while she played in the shallow end. Never wanted a lesson, but does well on the swim team and can now accept instruction on the “details.”
* She is excellent at reading body language and voice tone. No hiding what you really feel from her!
* Her everyday handwriting is a mess, but she does beautiful calligraphy.
* She has a hard time keeping her emotions in check and can throw a mean temper tantrum, but gets over it quickly and doesn’t “hold a grudge.”
The ADHD brain is creative and gifted in many ways. Teaching children with ADHD requires different strategies both at home and at school. If you have a young child with ADHD, you are in for quite a ride! If you have an older child with ADHD, you are in for quite a ride! So basically, parenting a child with ADHD is quite a ride, and I’m sure it doesn’t end when they leave the nest! Stay tuned…
