Tips for Dealing with ADHD
2007-01-15

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

ADHD and how to handle it are often a hot topic. Some claim that it is not a real condition but rather a reaction to our educational system. Others believe that it is real problem and that medication is the best way to treat it. Still others claim that ADHD can be controlled by diet. I would like to offer some practical suggestions for handling ADHD.

1. Routine. Establish daily routines to handle morning activities, schoolwork and bedtime. Routines help make sense of the chaos that uncontrolled ADHD can cause.

2. Know the triggers. Know what things can make ADHD worse for you or your child. For some it may be eating a breakfast high in sugar.

3. Organization. Lack of organizational skills is a characteristic of ADHD. The good news that organization can be taught. Learning organizational skills is not an easy process but do not give up. Personally, I have found using a program like MS Outlook helps me keep up with things and stay organized.

4. Stress. Stress can aggravate ADHD. Find ways to relieve stress and relax.

5. Focus on the Positive. ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate or even finish the simplest tasks. The very traits that make ADHD a problem can also be useful. I have found the ability to multi-task has be a great asset as a teacher.