Overcoming the ADHD Stigma

All of the evidence points to a very real, and at the best addiction treatment center in Lahore, damaging the stigma associated with ADHD. Although you can't control the thoughts and reactions of the general public, and you can serve the Liquor Detox and Withdrawal, you, the parent, can influence your behaviours. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the impact of the stigma of ADHD and help your child boldly face the challenges before him:

Re-evaluate your parenting perspective. Most parents are unsure how to handle the news that their child has attention deficit disorder. If you respond negatively, with embarrassment or anger, your child will pick up on those feelings and adopt them as her own. Remind yourself that the ADHD diagnosis means your child has a different way of experiencing the world, and your family can and will adapt. Research shows it is also important for parents of children with ADHD to maintain high expectations of their child. If you see your child as "disabled" or mentally ill, your child will modify her behaviour to suit your expectations.

Don't shame your child into secrecy. Treating an ADHD diagnosis as a secret sends the message that the disorder is something to be ashamed of. Talk openly about ADHD at home and make sure your child feels comfortable describing his symptoms, challenges, and special talents with others if he chooses.

Teach your child to become a self-advocate. The more information your child has about her disorder, the better equipped she will be to manage her condition and explain it to others. Please help your child come up with a description of ADHD and how it impacts her behaviour. ADHD shouldn't be used as an excuse to justify poor behaviour, but it may help explain why she has difficulty focusing or staying organized. Also, prepare her to handle negative reactions or stereotyping by identifying inappropriate remarks and practicing constructive responses. By law, certain accommodations are required for children with ADHD and other conditions, so be sure your child knows her rights and feels comfortable asking for the necessary support.

Boost your child's confidence. Young people with ADHD often struggle socially, partly because of increased difficulty picking up on social cues but also because of discrimination from other students, their parents, and even teachers. It's tough to face criticism and judgment every day. It's even tougher for a child who has internalized negative stereotypes and sees himself as "defective" or inferior to other children. At this point, many kids give up on themselves and their prospects for success.

The better your child feels about herself, the more likely she is to excel in school, make friends, and create plans for the future. Frequent praise from parents and reward systems (using stickers or other benefits to reinforce positive behaviours) can be powerful motivators. Make every effort to catch your child being good rather than harping on negative behaviours.

Once you know his strengths and talents, encourage your child to participate in activities that create opportunities for success. If your child is easily overwhelmed or distracted, invite over one friend at a time and keep free time structured and focused on one activity at a time. Nurture your child's independence by helping him stay organized with different coloured folders for school, breaking projects into manageable components, and keeping his school belongings in one place so he can get himself ready for school in the morning. A child who can care for his own basic needs will feel empowered to take on additional responsibilities.

Find camps and schools that can help. There is no way to escape the realities of our world. But for kids with ADHD, opportunities to be around other kids struggling with similar challenges and to play and have fun without judgment or criticism can be deeply rewarding. Aspen Education Group offers a range of programs for children with ADHD, including therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness therapy programs, and summer camps, to help children and adolescents learn how to manage their disorders, build self-esteem, and improve academic and social performance.

For example, Stone Mountain School in North Carolina and New Leaf Academy, with Oregon and North Carolina campuses, specialize in working with young people with ADHD and other learning differences. With increased structure, small class sizes, individualized attention, outdoor activities and hands-on learning, and special support services, these therapeutic boarding schools have made a significant difference in the lives of teens with ADHD.