How a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can successfully carry out the set tasks

Hyperactive children are often defined as wild, noisy and naughty. In general, they are perceived as children whose behavior is difficult to control. When we talk about children with ADHD, we can outline the following characteristics:

• Attention deficit: the child doesn’t notice details; has difficulties focusing on a single activity; seems like the child doesn’t listen when spoken to; lacks patience and avoids activities that require concentration; distracts and forgets easily.
• Hyperactivity: a constant movement of limbs; the child often stands up; can’t participate in quiet games; the child always seems like it is “wind up”; talks a lot and interrupts other people.
• Impulsiveness: the child answers before hearing the question; has difficulties waiting turns; often interrupts others while in conversation or other activity.

Techniques for achieving good results

Those easy and simple techniques will help you in achieving good results with children with ADHD.

1. Establish rules. Teach the child to follow a schedule and often remind him of it. Children need consistency. Provide a clear beginning and end to each activity.
2. Give clear instructions. Be clear and firm in your requirements. Speak with a quiet, but articulate voice, without too many words. Always give a warning in case of changes.
3. Activity choice. Choose activities according to the individual abilities of the child. In order to provide interest and wish for cooperation, alternate the tasks: an easy activity followed by a difficult one for which you can help by giving cues and assistance. For independent tasks, choose a familiar, achievable and short activities that encourage the child and give him confidence in success.
4. Vary, praise and reward. Children get bored and lose interest easily, that’s why you should give regular breaks in the form of motivational activity (soap balloons, favorite toy) or different activities (snack, music, gymnastics and other) or even change of setting – go to the other room or to the bathroom for a few minutes. This will help the child to change activities more easily, to hold interest and to keep attention for a longer period of time.
5. Be flexible and experiment, success will not take long!

Author: Stefka Tsvetanova, psychologist and member of Karin Dom’s Training Team.

Stefi is greatly interested in working with children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).