Explaining an ADHD Diagnosis to Your Child: A Compassionate Approach
Explaining ADHD to a child can be challenging, but with a clear and simple explanation, it can help the child understand their condition and cope with it better. Here are some steps you can follow:
Choose an appropriate time to have the conversation: Find a quiet, private place where you can talk to your child without distractions.
Use simple language: Explain ADHD in a way that the child can understand. You can say that some people have trouble paying attention and staying calm, and that they sometimes do things without thinking.
Emphasise that it's not their fault: Make sure your child knows that ADHD is not their fault and that they are not alone. Let them know that many other children have ADHD and that they can get help for those things they find difficult to handle.
Be positive: Focus on the strengths and positive aspects of the child and help them understand that ADHD can be seen as a unique aspect of their personality. Encourage them to embrace their individuality and to be proud of who they are.
Answer questions: Allow your child to ask questions and answer them honestly and simply. Reassure them that you are there for them and that you will work together to find ways to manage their symptoms.
Remember to be patient and understanding as your child may have a range of emotions and questions about their diagnosis. The most important thing is to offer love, support, and encouragement.
It is likely that the diagnosing clinician would have explained this to you already. However, if you’re a little stuck, here is a child friendly explanation about how the ADHD mind works…
“Imagine that your brain is like a train station, with lots of different trains coming and going all the time. In the brain of someone with ADHD, the trains can get a little bit mixed up and they might go off in different directions. This can make it hard to focus on just one thing and to stay calm.
But with the right helpers (e.g., mum, dad, therapists/psychologists, doctor) and things to help you, you can keep the trains on track. Just like a train conductor makes sure that all the trains are going to the right places, you can use some fun tricks and special tools to help you stay focused and calm.
For example, you might take breaks to move your body or use a toy to keep your hands busy. You might also find that writing things down or using a special notebook helps you remember what you need to do. You might also like to use pictures and colours, to help you understand and remember things. There are also some fun and helpful apps that can make things easier, like Mightier (ages 6-14) and Goally are some examples.”
Cautionary note…
While apps and technology can be a useful tool in helping manage the symptoms of ADHD, it's important to remember that they are not a replacement for professional medical advice and treatment. Additionally, it's important to carefully research and evaluate the quality and safety of any app or technology you might use, as well as to monitor your child's usage to ensure it's appropriate and helpful for their individual needs.
It's also a good idea to talk to your child's doctor and therapist about any technology or app you're considering using, to make sure it fits in with their overall treatment plan and that it's safe and appropriate for your child. With the right support and guidance, however, these tools can be a helpful resource in managing ADHD symptoms.