What should I do if my child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is most often a problem at school and at home, always quickly and visibly affecting the child’s peaceful life. At school, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms can easily lead to grade repetition; at home, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms trigger frustration and confusion to the point of affecting family relationships. As a result, both of these issues always receive immediate attention, while the importance of partnerships is always overlooked and children are not always given the appropriate help to improve their partnerships.  In fact, partnerships are very important for children. Not only do partners provide friendship and fun, but they also teach children social skills. Circles of friends create support systems that allow children to self-discover and help them grow emotionally and morally. Also, good partnerships can improve children’s moods at school and make their school life fun.  Even if a child does well in school or at home, the ability to make friends may not be without problems. A boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for example, has all his symptoms under control, but because he lacks social skills, he then doesn’t know how to get along with his partners, often fails to pick up on communication cues, and so doesn’t know when to talk or what to say, and is always unable to fit in with group communication. Some personalities may cause poor partnerships, such as: aggressive, bossy, timid, resistant, reckless, insensitive, dishonest, betraying secrets, condescending, unruly, etc.  Parents can help their children develop some social skills by coaching them when appropriate, such as not interrupting others, not changing the topic being discussed, and not jumping the gun. In addition to trying to teach their children themselves, parents can also seek professional help to guide them. Parents train their children to first learn to introduce themselves and then learn to behave appropriately in different situations. Most hopefully, social skills training can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to both fit in and maintain their unique personalities to make and maintain close friends.  Finally, partnerships, while very important, do not need to be exaggerated. We just have to try and do our best.