Talking to Your Child

When talking to your child about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), don't criticize or label him or her. Try to view this as an opportunity for growth and learning for the whole family. Learn as much as possible about the disorder. Being well informed will help you more easily talk about you child's needs. Remember, ADHD is a medical disorder. It is not a reflection of your child's intelligence or character. It is not a cause for embarrassment. The child's guide to ADHD can be given to your child to help him or her understand ADHD and learn about tips for managing it.

One challenge that children with ADHD have is helping others understand their condition. One suggestion it to role-play with your family to help your child learn to explain ADHD to someone else. You can help your child think about what questions people might ask, and help the child think of answers.

You may want to have your child talk to a professional about ADHD. That can be an important step. But it's important for your child to hear as much as possible directly from you. After all, the family is the central support network for anyone with ADHD.

There is a wealth of information available about ADHD. Books, Web sites, and other resources can help provide answers. The Tools and Resources section provides a list of sources for more information on ADHD.