Although the cause of ADHD is currently unknown, one of the most important things for parents of a child suffering from ADHD to remember, is that their child’s condition is not down to bad parenting and that they are not to blame for the condition. However, the way in which parents respond to a child with ADHD can make all the difference. Although ADHD does run in families it is important to remember that genes and environments also play an important part.

Sufferers of ADHD need to be encouraged and helped to follow the treatment prescribed and parents would be well advised to learn the skills and techniques appropriate in order to help their child to concentrate for longer and behave better.

Sufferers of ADHD may suffer from:-

• Inattention – makes careless mistakes, has trouble paying attention, does not listen when spoken to, finds it difficult to follow instructions and complete tasks, avoids mental stimulation, is easily distracted, appears forgetful.

• Hyperactive – fidgets and finds it difficult to sit still, appears restless and full of energy, finds quite, leisurely activities difficult, talks excessively.

• Impulsive – has trouble taking turns, interrupts others, blurts our answers before the question has been finished.

The chronic level of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness experienced by an ADHD sufferer often makes daily functioning difficult.