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How to Help a Child with ADHD

How to Help a Child with ADHD

A kid with ADHD may experience difficulties at school, at home, or with friends. Although it is thought that ADHD is inherited, controlling your child’s symptoms well can have a positive impact on the disorder’s severity as well as the emergence of more significant issues in the future. Dr. Julia Barriga, MD, offers evaluation and treatment for ADHD/ADD in kids and teenagers. We are conveniently located at 5001 East Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33617. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online.

How to Help a Child with ADHD | Julia Barriga, MD, PA
How to Help a Child with ADHD | Julia Barriga, MD, PA

Table of Contents:

What helps kids with ADHD the most?
What helps calm a child with ADHD?
How can you discipline a child with ADHD at Julia Barriga, MD, PA?
What triggers ADHD in children?

What helps kids with ADHD the most?


While each child’s experience is different, certain interventions have proven to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms. These include:

Behavioral therapies – Behavioral therapies teach children coping skills, time management, and organizational techniques. This approach focuses on developing positive behaviors and managing impulsive actions.
Medication – For some children, medication can be beneficial in managing ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate and non-stimulants like atomoxetine are commonly prescribed by healthcare providers.
Educational accommodations – Working closely with teachers and schools to develop individualized education plans creates support, understanding, and accommodations for learning difficulties.
Parental education and support – Parents play a pivotal role in managing their child’s ADHD. Learning about the condition, attending support groups, and implementing effective parenting strategies will create a positive home environment.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: – Practices such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises teach children how to manage stress and improve emotional regulation.

What helps calm a child with ADHD?


Calming the energy and directing the focus of a child with ADHD can be achieved through a variety of strategies that promote relaxation, focus, and self-regulation. Some of the most effective approaches to calming a child with ADHD include:

Structured routine – Establishing a consistent daily routine provides a sense of predictability for the child. Knowing what to expect and when reduces anxiety and impulsivity.
Deep breathing and mindfulness – Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help your child manage stress and emotions as well as promote self-awareness and self-regulation.
Physical activity – Engaging in regular physical activity helps channel excess energy and improve focus. Activities such as yoga, swimming, or recreational sports can be particularly beneficial.
Quiet and organized spaces – A designated quiet space for tasks such as homework or reading reduces distractions. Keeping the environment organized minimizes sensory overload.
Sensory tools – Sensory tools such as stress balls, fidget toys, or weighted blankets can redirect restless energy and improve concentration.
Positive reinforcement – Reward systems that acknowledge the child’s accomplishments and efforts encourage positive behavior and boost self-esteem.
Clear instructions – Giving clear and concise instructions helps the child understand expectations and execute tasks better.
Limited screen time – Excessive screen time can overstimulate a child with ADHD. By setting limits on screen usage, you create opportunities for other calming activities.

How can you discipline a child with ADHD at Julia Barriga, MD, PA?


At our clinic, we prioritize using positive and effective discipline strategies to guide children with ADHD toward appropriate behavior while also fostering their self-esteem and growth. Our approach includes:

Consistency – Consistency in rules and consequences provides a sense of stability and makes it easier for the child to understand boundaries.
Teaching self-regulation – We help children learn self-regulation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness to encourage emotional control.
Redirecting – We can teach you techniques to redirect your child’s focus and prevent unwanted behavior.
Parental guidance – By equipping parents with tools to manage ADHD-related behaviors at home, we empower them to provide consistent discipline.

We understand that every child is unique, so our approach is designed to provide personalized care that meets the needs of each family. Through collaboration, guidance, and understanding, we support children in developing positive behaviors and achieving their full potential.

What triggers ADHD in children?


The origins of ADHD are multifaceted. Clinical research indicates that the condition arises from an intricate interplay between genetic, neurological, and environmental elements. In short, a blend of factors usually contributes to ADHD.

Genetic components significantly influence the likelihood of a child developing ADHD. A family history of the disorder heightens the chances of its occurrence, suggesting a genetic predisposition that shapes brain development. Furthermore, certain prenatal influences can elevate the risk of ADHD. Exposure to substances like tobacco smoke and alcohol during pregnancy, coupled with preterm birth or low birth weight, can contribute to its development. In addition, childhood brain injuries can alter brain development and cause ADHD.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to lead, have been correlated with a heightened ADHD risk, particularly when experienced during a child’s early years. Other aspects, such as maternal stress during pregnancy and inconsistent parenting styles, can also impact ADHD development. In summary, ADHD’s origin is complex and typically involves a genetic predisposition interacting with various environmental influences.

If your kid has ADHD, the qualified staff at Julia Barriga, MD, PA, can identify it and provide caring and efficient treatment. We are conveniently located at 5001 East Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33617. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Tampa FL, Terrace FL, Thonotosassa FL, Lutz FL, Greater Carrollwood FL, Lake Magdalene FL, and Town ‘N’ Country FL.