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The child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Who should we turn to now?

Writer: אילנה כהנא אילנה כהנא
5 days ago

So the child has ADHD, what do we do about it?


After a professional has definitively diagnosed ADHD, we move on to examine how to treat it.


The discourse on social media revolves around the pros and cons of medication, placing it in a position where parents are hesitant to approach it. However, as effective as medication may be, it is only one way to address your child's ADHD. The disorder also affects social, familial, and, of course, academic aspects, all of which require attention.


For children or adults with ADHD to fulfill their potential in the world and express their strengths and abilities in the best way possible, they must address the problems and challenges that block their path to becoming the best version of themselves.


Children with ADHD often suffer from low self-esteem because, from a young age, they feel different. Comments from their surroundings about their behavior harm their sense of capability and self-worth, impacting them socially.


So what does treatment mean? We need to address it on several levels.


In the following posts, I will try to expose you to information about the various treatment options available today to address the different aspects of your child's ADHD:


- Emotional therapies

- Behavioral therapies

- Extracurricular activities

- Games that encourage emotional dialogue

- Recommended literature to have on your shelf

- And more...


Today's post focuses on **parental guidance tailored for families with ADHD children.**


Understanding that the parent is the primary and most important framework within the child's life circles, it is crucial for the parent to receive support during the process. Tailored parental guidance serves as a foundation for support, consultation, and the acquisition of professional knowledge and practical tools to cope with the impact of ADHD on parenting, family life in general, and the child's life in particular. Many parents first encounter the disorder when the educational system refers them for diagnosis. This initial referral catches them unprepared and anxious, with difficulty understanding the disorder due to a lack of knowledge. They then turn to their surroundings, social media, and "Dr. Google" for answers. This search overwhelms them with information and differing opinions, leaving them more confused. This is precisely why, when there are questions, it is essential to consult a professional expert in the field who can provide clear guidance and professional knowledge to organize all the information for you, explain what the disorder is, what diagnostic options exist, and who to approach. You will receive structured guidance on treatment methods based on diagnostic recommendations and tools for you as parents.


Many parents describe feeling as though someone held up a mirror to their lives when they first heard about their child's ADHD. They found themselves exposed, reliving the struggles and pain of their own challenges, only that when they were children, no one diagnosed, treated, or provided solutions for them.


ADHD treatment is multidisciplinary, so it is essential to seek parental guidance specializing in ADHD to accompany you through the process.


Parental guidance includes:


- **Providing emotional support** to parents during the process of understanding and accepting the disorder.

- **Acquiring professional knowledge** about the disorder and practical tools for implementation.


At home:

- Guidance on creating effective and positive communication with the child.

- Parental authority and setting boundaries.

- Coping with organizational difficulties, time management, and task execution.


With the educational system:

- Guidance on diagnostics and tailored professional assistance.

- Analysis of psychoeducational assessments and guidance on tools based on recommendations.

- Preparing for discussions with the school and mediating information.

- How to establish good communication with the educational staff in kindergarten/school to promote the child.

- Accompanying meetings with the educational staff.

- Guidance for integration committees at school.


For the child:

- **Tailoring emotional/behavioral therapy** – You will learn about the variety of treatments available and make an informed choice about the most suitable treatment for your child.

- **Tailored medication treatment** – After a doctor's recommendation, you will learn about the implications, expected side effects, what rebound is, and how to handle it.

- **Addressing academic difficulties** – Understanding the challenges based on diagnostics and identifying the professional support your child needs.

- **Developing and strengthening social skills** – Providing tools for you as parents and guidance on addressing your child's needs.


There is so much discourse, stigma, and misinformation coming at you from your surroundings and social media.


Your child needs you to learn about the disorder, to mediate it for them, to love them as they are, with and despite the disorder, and to provide them with all the help they need to become the best version of themselves.


Plant the seeds, water them with love, give them light and warmth, and eventually, you will reap the fruits.


From experience – here we live happily with ADHD.


**Ilana Cahana**

Parenting consultant specializing in ADHD

Integrative coaching for children and teens

053-5453350


 

Thank you for reading!I invite you to stay connected and join our community:

See you in the next post! 🌟

Ilana Cahana


 

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