ADHD and Children: A Guide for Parents and Educators by Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready
In this blog, child education specialist Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready guides parents and educators about ADHD, explaining the steps that must be taken to ensure proper treatment, growth and development.
When it comes to neurodevelopmental disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common types typically diagnosed in children. Affecting millions of children worldwide (with most going through life undiagnosed), the need to properly address this disorder has never been higher.
What is ADHD?
A child has an built-in ability to concentrate, control impulses and manage energy levels efficiently. However, ADHD is a neurological condition that affects this capability. Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley says that when undiagnosed and untreated, this disorder affects everything from academic performance to emotional regulation in a child’s life.
There are three primary types of ADHD in early childhood:
- Inattentive Type – This results in a child struggling to focus on the task at hand.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – This type increases the energy levels of the child, resulting in action without thinking.
- Combined Type – A combination of both inattentiveness and hyperactive impulsivity.
Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready emphasizes that the presence of this order does not mean your child has below-average intelligence; it is just a meter of determining how information is processed in the brain and how the brain reacts to stimuli around us.
What are the Common Symptoms of ADHD in Children?
As with all disorders, early diagnosis is greatly beneficial. Some of the signs that point to ADHD are:
- Struggling to pay attention
- Easily distracted, even when it comes to daily routine
- Constant movement or fidgeting
- Unable to wait for their turn,; interrupting conversations or activities
- Daydreaming
It should be noted that these symptoms must be present at both school and home for the child to have ADHD. Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley says that both parents and educators need to be on the lookout for these signs, in order to act accordingly.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has ADHD?
If you observe the above mentioned symptoms in your child, the first and foremost step is consulting a professional (pediatrician or child psychologist). For diagnosis, your child may be asked to go through a series of behavioral assessments and/or interviews. No need to panic, as these are all carefully curated in a way that does not break the child’s spirit or make him feel any less.
For parents, Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready has noted down some of the proactive steps that can be taken:
- Have a structured and firm routine at home
- Instead of one big task, break it down into smaller steps
- Visual aids can be used to engage the child
- To direct extra energy, encourage physical activities like games, running, swimming, etc
The Role of Educators in Supporting Children with ADHD
Educators of young children also play an important role in supporting students with ADHD. A child will only nourish if the environment is secure and supportive. For every child to feel like a part of the classroom, educators can adopt the following strategies:
- Instead of strictness in seating arrangement, allow children to choose for themselves.
- For best results, in addition to verbal instructions, write them on the board.
- For children to stay motivated, positive reinforcement goes a long way.
- To direct pent up energy, let the children have frequent short breaks.
Kinder Ready Tutoring follows this philosophy. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready strictly believes that every child has a unique mind and an educator’s strategies should cater to each and every child.
Final Points
ADHD is not something to hide or be ashamed of. It is just a testament to the brain working a bit differently. Using proactive strategies, parents and educators can reduce the “barrier” of ADHD and help the children achieve success, both academically and emotionally.
Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready is a leading name in the field of early child education. With expert insights, she is committed to making the world a better place for young children.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
