The Truth About ADHD Medications
It is unbelievable! Your child has been diagnosed with ADHD.
Although you have been dealing with behavioral issues for some time, you now have a definitive answer.
Now what? Surely, your son or daughter will have a daily prescription to take.
But, is that going to make everything better? After all, you want to do everything possible to help your child to grow up happy and healthy.
So, you need to know the truth about ADHD medications.
Although ADHD medication may be necessary to stabilize the chemical imbalance in the brain, it is not the only treatment available for individuals who live with the disorder and cope with the challenges on a daily basis.
For example, prescriptions do not answer the issues with:
Children who have been diagnosed often have conduct disorders that need immediate attention.
For example, the kids may be prone to stealing, fighting, destroying property and even being harmful to others.
In addition, some youngsters suffer from anxiety and depression, or a myriad of other mental health issues.
While ADHD medications may be part of the answer, it is not the only solution.
Social Skills are sadly lacking in most children diagnosed with ADHD.
Although it would be a miracle to have ADHD medication to magically help these kids fit into the accepted norm of society, it is not realistic.
Instead, the skills need to be taught repeatedly and reinforced, so proper behavior will come to mind when the symptoms of ADHD are about to take control.
Family issues are a big concern when living with someone who daily exhibits the antisocial behaviors of a person with the disorder.
Not only do the parents have a mountain of challenges most people do not have to consider, the siblings are also in the line of fire, so to speak.
In addition, a special needs child requires more attention and the other kids feel left out or short changed in parental attention.
No ADHD medications can fix that problem.
Learning disabilities are generally a part of being diagnosed with the disorder.
In fact, it may be when your child first starts school that educators discover your child is more than simply exuberant and unruly.
Along with unacceptable behavior during school, the expected educational benchmarks have not been met.
Although you child may be above average intelligence, the disorder makes it impossible to tap into that ability.
Teachers and administrators are often the ones who suggest seeking medical help.
Again, ADHD medications can only address the symptoms, not the consequences.
Adult readiness is imperative.
Speaking from personal experience, living a productive and happy life with a disability is possible.
However, it is extremely important for parents to help their child prepare for adulthood.
If they do not have the knowledge and skills to make that happen, it is vital to find the professional help to encourage a challenged child to reach his/her full potential.
As an adult, ADHD medications may still be a part of everyday life, but alternative therapies that keep the disorder from being in control are so important.
So, go ahead and let ADHD medications help control the symptoms of the disorder.
But, look toward the future.
Use every resource available to make life as pleasant as possible today while preparing your child for tomorrow.
Although you have been dealing with behavioral issues for some time, you now have a definitive answer.
Now what? Surely, your son or daughter will have a daily prescription to take.
But, is that going to make everything better? After all, you want to do everything possible to help your child to grow up happy and healthy.
So, you need to know the truth about ADHD medications.
Although ADHD medication may be necessary to stabilize the chemical imbalance in the brain, it is not the only treatment available for individuals who live with the disorder and cope with the challenges on a daily basis.
For example, prescriptions do not answer the issues with:
- Complicating illnesses
- Social skills
- Family issues
- Learning disabilities
- Adult readiness
Children who have been diagnosed often have conduct disorders that need immediate attention.
For example, the kids may be prone to stealing, fighting, destroying property and even being harmful to others.
In addition, some youngsters suffer from anxiety and depression, or a myriad of other mental health issues.
While ADHD medications may be part of the answer, it is not the only solution.
Social Skills are sadly lacking in most children diagnosed with ADHD.
Although it would be a miracle to have ADHD medication to magically help these kids fit into the accepted norm of society, it is not realistic.
Instead, the skills need to be taught repeatedly and reinforced, so proper behavior will come to mind when the symptoms of ADHD are about to take control.
Family issues are a big concern when living with someone who daily exhibits the antisocial behaviors of a person with the disorder.
Not only do the parents have a mountain of challenges most people do not have to consider, the siblings are also in the line of fire, so to speak.
In addition, a special needs child requires more attention and the other kids feel left out or short changed in parental attention.
No ADHD medications can fix that problem.
Learning disabilities are generally a part of being diagnosed with the disorder.
In fact, it may be when your child first starts school that educators discover your child is more than simply exuberant and unruly.
Along with unacceptable behavior during school, the expected educational benchmarks have not been met.
Although you child may be above average intelligence, the disorder makes it impossible to tap into that ability.
Teachers and administrators are often the ones who suggest seeking medical help.
Again, ADHD medications can only address the symptoms, not the consequences.
Adult readiness is imperative.
Speaking from personal experience, living a productive and happy life with a disability is possible.
However, it is extremely important for parents to help their child prepare for adulthood.
If they do not have the knowledge and skills to make that happen, it is vital to find the professional help to encourage a challenged child to reach his/her full potential.
As an adult, ADHD medications may still be a part of everyday life, but alternative therapies that keep the disorder from being in control are so important.
So, go ahead and let ADHD medications help control the symptoms of the disorder.
But, look toward the future.
Use every resource available to make life as pleasant as possible today while preparing your child for tomorrow.