COLORADO SPRINGS — With the new school year well underway, we're taking a closer children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) can overcome challenges inside and outside the classroom.
Statistics show nearly one in every ten children has ADHD.
Child psychologist Dr. Daniel Hettleman explained some of the signs parents can keep an eye out for.
"[Children with ADHD] struggle with distractibility and staying organized and sometimes acting impulsively, acting without thinking," he said.
So when it comes to keeping children with ADHD on-track during the school year, Dr. Hettleman believes it's all about the approach.
"Set reasonable goals for them to achieve," he emphasized.
"[Parents] can use charts like this," he said, while holding up a magnetic chore chart.
"And it's really important that they stay positive and state what they want the child to do in positive terms."
Parents can also use high-tech devices, like the Goally device, to set goals and keep their children accountable.
Dr. Hettleman says the goal is to create a system which outlines tasks, sets rewards and expectations, and helps parents avoid the negative cycle of nagging and confrontation.
Dr. Hettleman also recommends you consult with your pediatrician if you're concerned about your child having ADHD, and then speak to a child psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
