Clinical Psychology Specialist Psk. from Istanbul Okan University Hospital. Müge Leblebicioğlu Arslan gave information about the diagnosis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.
Mentioning that breaks in children with attention deficit hyperactivity diagnosis affect the academic life of the child, Psk. Müge Leblebicioğlu Arslan said, “For most children, holiday breaks mean fun, rest and activity and can positively affect the development of the child. However, for some children, it may be more difficult to talk about the same effect. Especially in children who have problems in focusing and sustaining their attention, or who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity, holiday breaks can have a disruptive effect on the child's academic life, social relationship or home life, in short, on his whole life. he said.
Providing information about the diagnosis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Psk. Müge Leblebicioğlu Arslan said, “The most obvious symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder are inattention, hyperactivity, pretending not to listen, not being able to continue the tasks given, forgetting things and impulsivity. However, having all these symptoms alone is not enough to get a diagnosis. At this point, expert evaluation is very important. Because, although it may seem like a lack of attention, a child whose emotional needs are not met by his family or who has separation anxiety may have difficulty focusing on lessons. Therefore, in every activity or concentration, difficulty does not mean a lack of attention. Lack of attention is a consequence. Determining the maintenance factors that cause this result is very important in terms of the child's bio-psycho-social development. Although ADHD is a disorder with a high genetic transmission, it is not possible to talk about the exact cause. For this reason, it is extremely important to notice the disorder in the early period rather than prevent it, to inform the family members about this disorder and to increase the level of awareness.” she said.
Stating that holidays have a significant effect on the mental health of the child, Psk said that, rather than the holiday itself, how this process is spent plays a big role in terms of mental well-being. Müge Leblebicioğlu Arslan listed her suggestions to families during the holiday period as follows:
“It is extremely important to maintain the existing order and maintain the routines in the school process. Routines have a protective effect in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, as in every child. Children with ADHD may have difficulty adapting to change. Routines facilitate adaptation, make the child feel safe and have a reducing effect on their symptoms.
Support your child's academic skills during the holiday period. For example, you can contact your child's teachers to identify issues that need support.
Avoid stigmatizing words that will damage your child's self-esteem. For example, 'You are doing it on purpose. You are spoiled. You are lazy.' All these words like these can affect your child's mental health in a negative way by making the process that your child has difficulty in coping even more difficult. Instead, support your child's positive aspects and create environments where they can reveal their potential. For example, if your child likes to paint, put positive emphasis on this feature of him, you can buy him materials he can use or support him to go to the course if he wants.
Create social activity areas. Social activities help the child to throw away his existing energy, strengthen his social relations, physical and psychological development. Make plans with your child inside or outside the home. Ask her for her opinion by giving her options as she makes the plans. In some cases, create fields that can leave all selections to him. Concretize the activities to be done and write them on a calendar. Highlight the parts you think are important using highlighters. So your child will know when to do what. The concretization process can also be applied in domestic rules.
Your child, who has difficulty in planning and managing time, may not realize the time they spend in front of the screen. Set limits for screen time. with your child during the day sohbet do it. Ask open-ended questions about how he feels or what he does during the day.
Breaks are a great opportunity to start and continue the assessment, prevention and response process. Unfortunately, most parents ignore this situation. Especially with the closure of schools, false extinction can be seen in children's symptoms. This can lead to dysfunctional thoughts in families that the situation is getting better or that support is no longer needed. I liken this situation to the stoves that we think are turned off because the fire is not visible. We can continue by assuming that it is closed because there is no fire coming from the furnace whose process has not been completed. Accumulated and untreated symptoms, unfortunately, can erupt with the opening of the schools, almost like the explosion of that gas.”
Stating that the cooperation of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, parents and teachers is extremely important in evaluation and intervention, Psk said. Müge Leblebicioğlu Arslan said, “In addition, testing appropriate for the age and development of the child by psychologists in order to assist and evaluate the diagnosis is very important for the early diagnosis and intervention process in Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.” used the phrases.
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