Studies have shown that cultural disparities in ADHD care among ethnic minority children occur in the early stages of problem recognition, through service selection, and in the quality of treatment.
While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been extensively studied in the past decades, the role of social and cultural practices in its assessment, diagnosis, and treatment has been often overlooked. Ethnic minority children were less likely than their non-minority counterparts to be diagnosed with ADHD and its comorbid conditions and less likely to be prescribed and adhere to stimulant drug treatment. These differences reflect cultural diversity in norms and attitudes towards mental health issues (e.g., fear of social stigma) as well as limited access to qualified health care.
Paradoxically, cultural, racial, and language bias may also lead to the overidentification of ethnic minority children as disabled and to higher ratings of ADHD symptoms. We need to understand the importance of sociocultural factors in understanding developmental psychopathology and help-seeking behavior. In addition, it further supports calls for increasing cultural competence amongst health professionals in communications during clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in minority communities.
We all know kids who always fidgets, who are always on the go, who cannot wait for their turn, who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow instructions no matter how clear instructions were given, or who talk back abruptly at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are pointed as Naughty children or criticized for being undisciplined. Or sometime their parents are blamed for their poor parenting skills. However, these are the kids who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD makes it difficult for children to control their impulses so they can act or speaks abruptly without thinking the consequences of their action.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a developmental condition which can cause poor attention, concentration, and control of impulses. Kids with ADHD are generally very fidgety and are easily distracted and sometime can be disruptive in the classroom. It can affect children’s personal, academic, and social life, and family functioning. With medical treatment, understanding and care, a child with ADHD can live a normal life. It is a very common condition and is Australia about 3-5 of every 100 children in Australia have ADHD. It is much more common in boys than girls. It affects children of all social, economic, and educational background though it is more common in low socio-economic social state
There is always a question: Are above written issues a part of normal child development or is it ADHD?
The signs and symptoms of ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. According to specialists before 6 years of age, it can be difficult to differentiate between attention deficit disorder and normal childhood behavior. But if the problems have persisted for more than 6 months and are affecting the child across the board in multiple situations-at home, at grandparents’ house, at school, at birthday party, at swimming and at sports it is more likely to be an ADHD rather than normal childhood behavior. On the other hand, if the symptoms occur only in some situations, it’s probably not ADHD. It is important to understand where the child is struggling most; at spots, at school, socially, academically we can work together to find right solutions and capitalize on strengths.
There are three main features needed to diagnose ADHD which are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The presentation of ADHD in each child may be different and that depends upon which characteristics predominates. Child may have Inattentive type, Hyperactive type or both-combined type of ADHD.
Children with hyperactive ADHD are easy to diagnose as compared to inattentive type. Children with hyperactive type ADHD constantly fidgets and squirms, has difficulty sitting still, playing quietly, or relaxing, moves around constantly, often runs or climbs inappropriately, talks excessively, may have a quick temper and Impulsive behavior. The impulsive behavior can cause poor self-control, poor emotional regulation leading to classroom disruption and aggressive behavior, and they can be disrespectful. They interrupt conversations, invade other people’s space, ask irrelevant questions in class. It is difficult for them to be patient and wait for their turn.
Inattentive type is more common in girls and is often missed because these children are generally not disruptive in the class. Generally, there is a myth that all children with ADHD are hyperactive. In fact, only some percentage of children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many others have only attention problem with no associated hyperactivity. Children with ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may have symptoms of daydreaming, forgetfulness, poor organization, and easy distractibility.
Children with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy, which is against the believe that children with ADHD never pay attention and can never focus on task for long time. But they struggle keeping on focus despite all the best efforts, particularly when the task is no very interactive and interesting. They usually have fleeting concentration and shifts from task to task very quickly without finishing first task. Children with ADHD may have fantastic concentration in 1:1 environment (at home) but they are not able to filter out the needed instructions in classroom environment of 1:25 children (at school). They have trouble staying organized, planning, and finishing projects on time. They frequently loose or misplace homework, books, toys, or other items
As a usual childhood development by age four or five most children learn how to be respectful to others, how to follow instructions and wait for their turn. Generally, ADHD peaks symptoms peaks at 8-9 years of age but most children by the time they reach school age their ADHD symptoms are easily picked by the schoolteachers.
It is important to remember that mere symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity does not mean that child has ADHD. There are many medical conditions-Epilepsy, learning difficulties, Sleep disorders, Thyroid disorder, Iron deficiency and bullying, psychological problems-anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder and life events-post traumatic stress disorder, divorce, disharmonic family environment can mimic ADHD.
ADHD children do have many day-to-day negative issues but there are many positive aspects of ADHD in children. Children ADHDs are generally very creative and imaginative. They have multiple ideas in their mind and use their artistic brain in various fields and various way. They are generally full of energy and drive, and they work hard to achieve their goal. Many of the ADHD children are high achiever at school. They may have gifted range of cognitive ability. There children are generally very entertaining with full of enthusiasm and very rarely boring.
ADHD is generally a lifelong problem, but it does not mean your child needs medication for the whole life, some symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity improves with the age, but overall, it is unlikely your child will outgrow the problem. But with treatment-with medication or without medication child learns how to manage the symptoms best.
Symptoms of ADHD can cause many problems if not treated timely. Children may struggle in school, get into frequent trouble-multiple detentions, suspensions from school, and find it hard to get along with others or make friends. These frustrations and difficulties can lead to low self-esteem as well as friction and stress for the whole family.
But with right treatment and support, child can get back on track for success in all areas of life. There are many modalities used to treat ADHD. Medication though often prescribed for ADHD, may not be the best option. It is always good to discuss all the available options with your pediatrician. Other effective treatment for ADHD may be to have a good understanding of disease by the whole family and school, and providing the child with behavior therapy, support at home and school. Children with ADHD needs clear and short instructions rather than having multiple instructions. They need clear, simple, and consistent structured plan of their day-to-day activities. They need clear communication of positive and negative rewards and consequences of their actions. Keeping the child busy with physical activities is another way of spending their extra energy. Maintaining a good Sleep Hygiene is important and good quality sleep helps in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. Teaching social skills at home and school is very useful. Enrolling your child in Social Skill Group will add to their social skills.
ADHD does interfere with learning at school because these children cannot sit and listen and cannot retain the academic information given at school. It is important to have meeting with school staff, pediatrician, and psychologist to understand your child’ weaknesses and strengths and make strategies to work on his weaknesses, and at the same time using his strengths as a weapon to encourage him.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
