Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common diagnosis that can have a big impact on your child’s life. Once your child is officially diagnosed with ADHD, there’s usually a simple treatment plan.

Most healthcare providers will prescribe a stimulant medication for children with ADHD. If your child’s primary care provider decides a stimulant can help manage ADHD symptoms, you might get a prescription for Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, or Vyvanse.

Each medication works in a slightly different way, but they can all help your child concentrate better.

It’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment within 30 days after starting to take the medication. After the first follow-up, you need to meet with your doctor every 3-4 months until your child’s symptoms are under control.

After that, you may only need appointments every 3-6 months.

In addition to medication, medical professionals recommend behavior therapy, which includes parenting strategies to address a child's behavior.

Talk with your child

All of these changes to routine can be scary for kids. Openly talking about your child’s diagnosis and symptoms can make a big difference in how they view themselves, their symptoms, and their abilities.

Be sure to mention your child’s unique strengths and allow them to tell you about their fears. Make sure they know an ADHD diagnosis isn’t the end of their dreams. It just means they may need to make some adjustments to how they reach them.

Speaking positively about your child, encouraging them to pursue their passions, and enabling them to try new things will help show them that they are more than their ADHD.

More tips for speaking with your child about ADHD can be found in this guide.

Tips to manage symptoms.

Managing ADHD symptoms isn’t always easy at first. Here are some tips to help you and your child make smart decisions.

Make school simpler.

In school, urge your child to sit in the front of the class. This might help limit distractions. It’s also helpful to speak with your child’s teacher. You can both work on a plan to help your child learn in a way that’s engaging and effective. Check out this fact sheet to help you start a conversation with your child’s teacher.

Quiet distractions.

Remove or reduce distractions during study time or homework. This could include television, phones, or playful siblings or friends.

Write things down.

It seems simple, but keeping track of homework and appointments in a planner or phone app can help your child remember important things. It’s easy to look back at something written down when you have a hard time remembering.

Get moving.

Exercise is important for children with ADHD. It’s not only a good activity break, but it helps create positive emotions.

Take time to meditate.

Make meditation part of your routine. Setting aside time to breathe and visualize success can help manage ADHD symptoms. It only takes a few minutes each day, so add it into your after-school schedule.

More resources

ADHD can seem like a scary diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to be. With simple lifestyle changes and medication management, you’re setting your child up for success.

For more information and ADHD resources, visit CHADD.org.

The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.