Is your child constantly distracted, restless or impulsive? What may appear as carelessness, disobedience or difficult behaviour could sometimes be related to ADHD.

Symptoms parents can observe: Difficulty sustaining attention or completing tasks, Easily distracted by sounds, people or surroundings, Frequently forgetting instructions or daily responsibilities, Losing books, stationery, toys or other belongings, Difficulty organising schoolwork or managing time, Excessive talking, fidgeting or difficulty remaining seated, Interrupting others or acting without thinking, Difficulty waiting for their turn, Becoming easily frustrated or having intense emotional reactions, Struggling with friendships or frequent conflicts with peers, Inconsistent academic performance despite having adequate ability

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, activity level, organisation and emotional regulation. Not every active, distracted or emotional child has ADHD. Symptoms need to be persistent, developmentally inappropriate and significantly affect daily functioning, usually across more than one setting.

When should parents seek help? If these difficulties are affecting your child’s learning, relationships, confidence or family life, consider a professional assessment. Counselling can help children develop emotional-regulation, organisational, social and problem-solving skills, while parent counselling can provide practical strategies for communication, routines, positive reinforcement and behaviour management.

The goal is not to label the child, it is to understand the child and provide the right support.

Dr. Ruupa Rao