Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often branded “trouble-makers,” and their behavior leads parents or teachers to use harsh language or physical punishment in disciplining them, experts have said.
However, child psychiatrists warn against that approach, saying that ADHD is a psychiatric disorder that has to be dealt with in accordance with each child’s unique needs and personality.
“A delay in the development of the prefrontal cortex is often observed in children with ADHD, which is why it takes a longer time for these kids to learn to make plans, override their impulsive urges and handle things rationally,” Taiwanese Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry director-general Chang Hsueh-tsen (張學岑) said.
Chang said that the condition could render them susceptible to unfair and improper treatment from their peers, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
“Young patients with mild ADHD symptoms are generally more accepted by society and may only require behavioral therapies. On the other hand, those whose symptoms are more visible often require both behavioral and medical treatments to make their conduct more socially acceptable,” Chang said.
Chang divides the parents of ADHD children into four types: the “hermit crab,” who is reluctant to accept their children’s diagnosis; the “octopus,” who is keen on exploring unorthodox methods to cure their children; the “seahorse,” who looks after their children around-the-clock; and the “shark,” who keeps a strict hand over their children.
The mother of a young man with ADHD, who requested anonymity, acknowledged that she used to be a “shark parent.”
“My son started exhibiting ADHD symptoms in kindergarten. Whenever I went to pick him up, I was cornered by other parents who accused my son of pushing or hitting their kids,” she said.
“I was so mortified that I later decided to pick up my son after his classmates all left with their parents,” she added.
She tried softer approaches to deal with her son’s condition, such as teaching him meditation.
“To my astonishment, meditation did not calm my son, but rather made him more hyperactive. I had no choice but to take a more rigorous approach, which included me hitting my son 100 times each time he used foul language,” the mother said.
“Even to this day, my son, who is now a senior-high school student, still complains to me about my parenting style,” she said.
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