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Course of action: Tips for managing ADHD in children Guest column School rules Home sweet home A helping hand

Capital - 9/27/2016

More than 5 million American children ages 4 to 17 years are currently diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 3.5 million of those children are taking medication for ADHD.

Boys are more than twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed with the disorder.

Children with ADHD often have a difficult time getting into the classroom groove during the fall months.

If your child with ADHD is having trouble at school, here are some tips to help him or her have a successful school year:

School rules

*Make sure your child is seated in the front row, close to the teacher, and not next to a window or in the back of the room where distractions abound.

*Children with ADHD need their teachers' and parents' help de-cluttering their school backpack. This lessens the confusion and frustration when looking for homework that needs to be completed or turned in.

*Along with your child's teacher, take a proactive stance to break large assignments into smaller parts. Big projects can frustrate kids with ADHD.

Home sweet home

With school presenting its own challenges, it's time to reinforce steps that make for a calmer home life.

For example, goal or reward charts can have positive effects. Immediate rewards for smaller goals might include extra video game time or a favorite snack. Larger rewards for bigger accomplishments can include an outing to your child's favorite park.

A helping hand

If it feels like your child is struggling more than usual with distraction, impulse and hyperactivity, it may be time to seek additional medical help.

For children 6 years of age and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy with medication. While your pediatrician can prescribe medication, behavioral therapy for children can be hard to find.

Your pediatrician may be able to help as some pediatricians are familiar with community resources and can make referrals.

If your pediatrician tried one or two ADHD medications but results are not as hoped, that points to a more complex case that calls for a psychiatric provider.

This is particularly important if your child is dealing with ADHD plus other issues, and these cases are typically beyond the pediatrician's expertise.

Finally, there are many myths out there about dietary changes and supplements "curing" ADHD. None of this is evidence based. Before beginning any treatment on your own, you should speak with a medical professional first.

Melissa Wellner, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Credit: Melissa Wellner