Hyperactivity: Coping with a Hyperactive Child

Nothing is more normal than to run, jump and shout when you are a young child. It is the exaggeration of this behaviour that it a problem. If at the age of 10 months he runs around the house endlessly, tries to jump over the bars of his bed, climbs the stairs and goes down from his high chair without fear of danger, never tires and shows physical abilities out of the ordinary, than he may be hyperactive. This disorder affects 2 to 5% of children and is detected in the first years of life. As the child grows, he shows a choleric temperament and concentration difficulties.

Is it psychological or neurological?

All the evidence from neuroscience suggests that Hyperactivity arises from defects and even discrete brain function which can be screened by scanners and MRI. It cannot be denied however that hyperactivity affects the psyche of the child. Low self-esteem and lack of emotional gratification will affect the child who suffers from this disorder. Hyperactivity is also hereditary and affects more boys than girls.

Is it a quality?

Being hyperactive is to be endowed with energy as you carry out a number of tasks above average. Troublesome in school, this condition can be an asset in business. Some people have to take stimulants to achieve this level of requirement. Infact, hyperactivity is not a problem which impedes the quality of life. In most cases, the disorder leads to disadvantages such as repeated forgetfulness and difficulties in meeting planning. In such cases cognitive therapy techniques can definitely help.

Is it synonymous with school problems?

Unfortunately yes, in half of the cases. These children are more often than others struggling to learn to read, write, learn spelling, and to math. More than the other children, they have problems associated with learning, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. They often have difficulty in memorizing the medium or long term, expressed clearly and less structured than their peers. Agitated and have difficulty concentrating, these children are also poorly viewed by the teachers! Most often, in kindergarten they are identified.

How to help at home

A hyperactive child is very stressful for parents. Also some children have a tendency to be rejected and sometimes criticized. This is a big mistake, because the attitude of the family toward the child contributes heavily towards the evolution of the disorders. If the child feels left out and underestimated in the family, the symptoms will surely intensify. If the child is understood and encouraged, the development will than be more favourable. Parents should not hesitate to seek help from professionals as hyperactivity improves even better if it is treated.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/ast_oneadhd-children