Holiday Break in Routine Creates Challenges for ADHD Children, Caregivers

ADHD Expert Offers Advice on How to Make Holidays Less Stressful
 


FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming for any child, but even more so for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Maintaining routines and treatment programs are key to the successful management of ADHD, yet during the holidays when parents and children look forward to time-off from work and school it is essential that children with ADHD stay on track and continue appropriate management of their condition. 

"The symptoms of ADHD don't take a holiday," says Patricia Quinn, M.D., a developmental pediatrician in the Washington, D.C. area, author of several best-selling books on ADHD, and an expert at www.focusonadhd.com, a new ADHD educational resource.  "The good news is that parents can help manage their child through this disruption to the daily routine, while also making it less stressful for them." 

In research conducted by the New York University Child Study Center, nearly all (98%) parents of children with ADHD who participated in a national survey reported that a structured routine is important for their child's emotional, behavioral, or social development.  Yet, only 13% said that they keep their child on a school routine all year.  Furthermore, two-thirds (66%) of parents agreed that getting their ADHD child back into a normal routine after time away from school is a hassle. 

"One of the most important things a parent can do during the holidays is to create structure and stick to the child's regular routine as much as possible," advises Dr. Quinn.  This includes following regular medication and behavioral treatment plans.  "Adherence to routine may make the back-to-school transition easier for both child and parent.  Talk to your child's doctor before making any changes in medication dose or schedule." 

Results of the Child Study Center survey, called I.M.P.A.C.T. (Investigating the Mindset of Parents about ADHD & Children Today), also revealed that children with ADHD face serious social development issues that affect their relationships with family and friends.  Seventy-two percent of parents surveyed reported that their ADHD-diagnosed child has trouble getting along with siblings or other family members.  Adapting to new situations may also be difficult for children with ADHD. Less than half (48%) of parents surveyed said their child easily adapts to new situations.  "Family gatherings, shopping trips to the mall, vacations to new places and other situations out of the normal school-year routine create additional challenges for a child with ADHD," says Dr. Quinn. 

The disruption to a child's normal daily schedule can also affect parents/caregivers.  According to the New York University survey, one in three (35%) parents of children with ADHD said they play a major role in their child's daily routine.  Overall, more than half reported being frustrated while helping their child through daily activities.  "Parents of children with ADHD face more challenges than other parents in helping their child complete everyday tasks," says Dr. Quinn.  "The holidays can bring about added stress, so parents need to be more patient and understanding of what their child is experiencing."

Dr. Quinn offers the following advice to parents to help make this holiday season a more harmonious one for ADHD children and their families: 

  • Keep on schedule - Try to maintain your child's regular schedule, including medication and behavioral treatment, meals, and bedtime as closely as possible. 
  • Anticipate and prepare for changes - Anticipate and talk to your child about when and where changes to his/her routine might occur. This may involve reminding your child a few days in advance as well as a few times on the day of an event. 
  • Use available resources - Take time to teach your child how to use calendars, organizers, and written reminders to help him/her stay focused throughout the holiday season. 
  • Develop a travel plan - For plane rides, offer your child the aisle seat so he has plenty of room to stretch and move about. For long car trips, schedule frequent breaks or rest stops in order to get out of the car and move or run around outside. Pack plenty of novel games, toys, and snacks to keep your child occupied.
  • Going shopping together? - Try to shop during off-peak hours when the stores are less crowded.  Make sure you start off with your child well fed and well rested. Have patience even though your child may not.
  • Gift giving suggestions - Prepare your child for the excitement of opening multiple presents. To help him/her focus, you might let your child choose a few presents to open immediately, and then take a break for a snack or go for a walk.  An alternative suggestion is to spread out the distribution of presents throughout the day or week.
  • Recognize EVERY win - Celebrate accomplishments, small and large.