Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is incredibly common—more than 9 percent of children receive a diagnosis of this neurodevelopmental disorder before they reach adulthood.
Part of the diagnosis means that your child’s symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity are causing some functional impairment. They may be struggling in school, having trouble connecting with peers or suffering from low self-esteem after repeatedly receiving negative feedback on their behavior.
It’s important to remember there are positives that come with this diagnosis as well.
“Kids with ADHD are awesome and have so many strengths,” says UNC Health pediatrician Alison Kavanaugh, MD. “They’re creative and think outside the box. They are often good at multitasking, but they can really lock in and hyperfocus on what’s interesting to them.”
When your child has ADHD, it means their brain works differently than what’s considered typical, and your child’s doctor can help you learn how to support them through challenges and amplify their strengths.
Dr. Kavanaugh explains some of the next steps you can take after a diagnosis.
Learn About ADHD
You may have observed your child’s symptoms up close, but now that they have a diagnosis of ADHD, learn more about the condition. If your child is old enough, invite them to learn with you.
“When you learn more about ADHD, you can come to a better understanding of how best to support your child and minimize that functional impact,” Dr. Kavanaugh says; she recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics website healthychildren.org and the nonprofits Understood and CHADD as good places to start.
Children with ADHD can have other coexisting conditions, including learning disabilities, autism, tic disorders and mood disorders. Your research can help you understand how these various conditions may affect your child.
If you have questions about anything you learn during your research, ask your child’s doctor.
Talk to Your Child’s Teacher
Your child’s teacher may have been involved in the process of your child receiving their ADHD diagnosis. They can alert you to challenges your child is having in the classroom, and doctors will often ask teachers to complete questionnaires about symptoms they’ve observed.
You and your child’s teacher can discuss any accommodations that could help your child succeed, such as a desk in an area that has fewer distractions or additional time for a test. These accommodations can be formally documented in a 504 plan or in an individualized education program (IEP).
“Communicate with the school so they can help with a plan to best support the child’s learning needs,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “Your pediatrician or psychologist will also have ideas of how the school can help your child.”
Implement Routines in the Home
Knowing what to expect and when to expect it is helpful for most children, but it can be especially beneficial to children with ADHD.
“Have stable and predictable routines,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “When your kid can anticipate what will happen, it can help them focus.”
It may help your child to have a visual schedule, so they can be reminded that after school they’ll sit in the kitchen to have a snack and do homework before free time.
When there are changes to a routine or entirely new situations, communicate that to your child. Being prepared can help prevent unwanted behaviors.
“Provide lots of positive reinforcement,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “Kids can get a lot of negative feedback about their behaviors, so I really encourage parents to try to catch their kid doing well and be positive.”
Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Habits
All children need to eat a balanced diet, move their bodies and get quality sleep, but without those healthy habits in place, a child with ADHD can experience worsening of symptoms.
“Physical activity and exercise help kids with a higher activity level regulate,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “Some studies have shown that 20 minutes of morning exercise can be as effective as a small dose of stimulant medication for short-term improvement in symptoms.”
You may notice that your child’s symptoms seem more pronounced when they’ve had a lot of sugar or ultraprocessed food; while diet is not a cause of ADHD, eating healthy meals at regular, predictable intervals will help support behavior and attention, as well as overall development.
Check in on your child’s sleep.
“Sleep can be challenging for kids with ADHD,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. This is where a predictable nighttime routine can help, and your child’s doctor also will have advice.
One strategy may be to limit screen time throughout the day, but especially in the hours before bed. Studies have shown that unstructured and excessive screen time can worsen symptoms.
Consider Behavior Therapy
If your child is under the age of 12, their doctor may recommend behavior therapy, which will include active participation from you.
“Behavior therapy is really directed to parents and helps you learn how to best respond to these behaviors,” Dr. Kavanaugh says, noting that you’ll learn strategies for communication, enforcing rules, positive reinforcement and routines that will help your child.
Some sessions may be available online for free or at low-cost; Dr. Kavanaugh recommends the courses offered by Triple P (Positive Parenting Program).
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) also has been shown to be effective for young children with ADHD and their parents; during sessions, you’ll receive coaching from a therapist on how best to communicate with your child.
Depending on your child’s needs, they may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or occupational therapy, both of which can help with emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Talk To Your Child’s Doctor About Medication
If your child’s symptoms are impacting their academic success or ability to connect with peers, medication for ADHD is often beneficial.
“Therapies and routines are helpful, but medication is the only treatment that targets the core symptoms of ADHD,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “These medications are safe and effective and can be really life-changing.”
There are two classes of stimulant medications—amphetamines and methylphenidates—that are usually tried first to treat ADHD.
“It may take some trial and error to find which medication and which formulation will be most beneficial to a child without too many side effects,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “There are short-acting and long-acting versions, so we look at what different kids need.”
The most common side effects of these medications are decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping; less commonly, these medications cause stomachache or headache. Your child’s doctor can provide advice on when and how to take the medication to minimize these issues.
These medications work quickly, so you’ll likely see changes in your child as soon as they start taking them. Seeing improvement in symptoms isn’t a reason to stop the medications, though.
“ADHD is a lifelong condition, but symptoms and situations change,” Dr. Kavanaugh says. “You might have more control over your environment in college or the workforce and need medication less. You might still need them. These medications have a long track record for success and safety, so if it’s still providing benefit, it’s reasonable to continue taking it.”
Questions about your child’s behavior? Talk to their doctor or find a doctor near you.