Understanding ADHD

Hello lovely humans. The neurodivergent spectrum is broad, but ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, usually recognised first in children. Neurodevelopmental refers to the ways our brains develop and grow. While most individuals are or appear to be neurotypical, there also exists a community where the development may not align with social norms, this community is the neurodivergent community. 

ADHD is commonly associated with three major behavioural traits 

They need help paying attention and get easily distracted. Being made to listen, or do tasks that require long periods of concentration and constant mental effort is difficult and can also be extremely stressful.

The need to constantly be in motion is referred to as hyperactivity. 

Frequently making decisions, actions, or even saying things without much thought.

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ADHD Myths

Even though there are many misconceptions about ADHD let’s discuss three:

Generally speaking, boys are more likely than girls to display those symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Due to social expectations, girls are far more likely to display inattentive presentations. Children who are restless or lose focus in class are less apparent than those who can't stay in their seats or refrain from talking over the teacher. That's why a lot of experts believe that girls who have the condition go unnoticed, even if they have difficulty in school and frequently experience issues with their self-worth. 

Especially in India, there is a habit of connecting behaviour to a social expectation, for example, “boys will be boys,” “she’s just a girl,” and “children are energetic like that.” This is extremely harmful because now ADHD isn’t seen as a valid condition that requires support or empathy, but rather something that will eventually disappear. 

Impulsive thoughts and feeling fidgety are not the same as having ADHD or being neurodivergent. When these traits begin to affect everyday life and make it difficult to adjust, that is when it becomes disorderly. Especially in countries like India, where you’re expected to always be the better than your neighbour, and the best at everything everywhere, most children and adults with ADHD learn to “mask." This is extremely difficult and takes a lot of energy, so it is extremely unfair and untrue to claim that everyone struggles with ADHD and that it can be easily overcome.

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Strategies for Inclusion

One of the most stressful places for a child with ADHD is a classroom setting. In a country like India, any performance that is not up to the standard is heavily criticized and judged from a very young age. 

Here are some ways in which classrooms can be more inclusive: 

Children with ADHD are often forgetful and can sometimes misunderstand rules. Keeping them written down in big bold and colourful writing can often help with remembering them. It must be kept in mind that these kids are often restless and having rules that are too strict can feel suffocating and stressful. So if a child seems to work better while chewing gum, or standing up, or drawing while listening, let them. If behaviour is not disrupting anyone else’s life or the child’s then there’s nothing wrong with it. Squish Toys can also provide stimulation for children without disruption. 

Children with ADHD get distracted very easily, limiting distraction and fostering an environment where they do not have to put an active and forced effort to pay attention can greatly help their situation and also help them learn more efficiently. 

Providing kids with ADHD opportunities to get up and move around can be beneficial since they often struggle with sitting still for extended periods.

Dividing the whole workload into manageable chunks can be beneficial for an ADHD child who is prone to feeling overwhelmed with information causing them a lot of distress. 

Encouraging compassionate and empathetic behaviour from other faculty members and students who may not struggle with the consequences of ADHD might be the most important strategy to foster an inclusive classroom environment. Teaching other students about the neurodivergent community, rewarding kind and compassionate behaviour, and recognising when a child is distressed and overwhelmed can do wonders for a child who is so regularly misunderstood.

A Message from Heart It Out

We live in a world full of different people. Regular application of the above tactics can foster healthy, inclusive environments. Gaining regular feedback from children with ADHD can also help to continuously improve the educational system. If your child has been showing symptoms of ADHD, or know someone who is, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional at Heart It Out for wholehearted love, support and quality care today.