HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN: HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND CALM THEM

We hear more and more often about disorders such as ADHD, better known as attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome. A psychic pathology that mainly affects children of school and preschool age, but of which we still have little knowledge. with respect to this disorder and to understand what are the best strategies to calm a hyperactive child, we have written an article in which we explain in depth what childhood hyperactivity is and how it should be treated both in the family and at school.

Before reading, watch this video and discover 5 exercises with which to stimulate creativity in the little ones!

What is infantile hyperactivity?

Childhood hyperactivity or hyperkinesis is a developmental psychic disorder, also known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This developmental disorder of self-control affects 4% of children of school and preschool age, especially boys. ADHD is officially recognized in the United States thanks to some research and treatments that have allowed doctors around the world to have a clearer clinical picture with respect to neurobiological disorders like this. Hyperactive children often have an "above average intelligence, but find it very difficult to maintain attention because they are unable to process and channel all the stimuli conveyed by the outside world. In general, hyperactivity manifests itself through impulsive behaviors, sometimes even dangerous, and dissociated.

How does hyperactivity manifest in children? Here are the most common symptoms

It is not always easy to distinguish a simply restless child from a clinically hyperactive one, therefore, before reaching hasty conclusions, it is necessary to turn to specialists such as a child neuropsychiatrist, who will subject the child to psychological tests with which it will be possible to analyze his behavior and have a clear diagnosis. In general, there are several symptoms attributable to an attention disorder, some of these sometimes present from birth (constant crying, agitation, difficulty falling asleep, constant jolts ...). More often, however, it is from the beginning of school, when the child is around the age of 5-8, that the symptoms become more evident and can include behaviors such as:

Excessive vivacity: hyperactive children never sit still and, if forced to sit still, they still continue to move at least one part of the body
Difficulty maintaining concentration on a single activity: often, people with ADHD tend to do several things at the same time, without completing them, whether it be games, schoolwork or housework.
Predisposition to constant distractions
Extreme inattention resulting in mistakes and mistakes that can affect his self-esteem
Refusal of rules and impositions
Difficulty listening and obeying
A certain attitude to interrupt and intrude
Poor perception of danger: hyperactive children are not always aware of the consequences that their impulsiveness can entail and this can often jeopardize their safety and that of others
Tendency to lose or forget personal belongings and / or school supplies
Poor organizational and communication skills
Excessive emotionality
Aversion to performing tasks that involve a certain mental effort

The causes of infantile hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a complex disorder, the causes of which it is difficult to identify. However, some studies have shown that ADHD can be caused by genetic factors so it often happens that a hyperactive child in the family has a relative with the same symptoms. Therefore, heredity may be a factor to be taken into consideration, but not the only one. In fact, others may be the triggering causes of hyperactivity and inattention in children, such as:

Parents' exposure to toxic substances during intrauterine life (alcohol, lead, drugs, polluting chemicals ...)
Altered areas of the brain such as the right prefrontal cortex and the two narrowest basal ganglia
Early birth
Relational problems in the family and / or at school and uncomfortable living conditions: these situations can favor the development of hyperactive behaviors in children unable to process their discomfort which is thus vented through impulsive and uncontrolled actions

How to deal with hyperactive children?

As we pointed out earlier, the support of a specialist doctor in cases like these is of paramount importance. It will be this figure, in fact, to accompany parents and child on this path, opting for the right psychomotor treatment and possibly a light dosage of drugs. Faced with the diagnosis of ADHD, the minor must be subjected to cognitive-behavioral therapy and the parents to family therapy, also known as parent education, a training program aimed at informing and educating those who care for hyperactive children. In addition to these solutions, there are some precautions that parental figures must adopt in managing everyday life when dealing with a child suffering from attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, here are some examples:

Keep calm and avoid getting irritated otherwise you risk undermining his confidence and self-esteem
Transmitting limits not to be exceeded and entrusting him with some basic tasks in which to channel his energy and through which to allow the development of his autonomy
Ask each time for confirmation of the fact that he understood the instructions given, otherwise re-explain the concept again
Avoid scolding him excessively because it is useless if not to aggravate the discomfort felt by the child
Make one request at a time in a firm, decisive and above all clear way
Punish where necessary and reward when attentive and available
Speak openly
Equip him with an anti-stress in which to vent his hyperactivity

A guide for parents: behaviors to avoid

Raising a child requires a lot of energy, especially if the child in question suffers from a disorder such as ADHD. While this is easier said than done, it is important to always stay in control and not run into some common mistakes. Here are what behaviors to avoid if you have a hyperactive child in your family:

Risky situations: a hyperactive child struggles to maintain self-control, especially in a chaotic context. If he is agitated or overwhelmed by emotions he is unable to control, he tends to run all over the place and scream, becoming unmanageable for the parents. To prevent such situations from occurring, it is best to avoid taking it to particularly crowded and confusing places.
Do not shout louder: when your child suffers from hyperactivity and it happens that he disobeys you or rebels, know that entering into a bargaining perspective is totally useless. The prohibition or refusal must be categorical and expressed in a clear but calm way, to avoid the danger of a nervous breakdown.
Do not lose control of your emotions: in front of a hyperactive child, it is normal to feel helpless. The temptation to let go, give in to stress and feel guilty is strong, however it is of fundamental importance to control oneself in front of a child with ADHD, a disorder that makes him even more in need of solid points to lean on.
Don't forget about yourself: practicing healthy selfishness and thinking only of yourself, every now and then, is essential. When it is possible to relieve the pressure on your shoulders, you should relax and rest ... In short, setting aside some time just for yourself is a safety valve and an outlet not to be neglected when dealing with hyperactive children .

Some useful readings:

ADHD what to do (and not). Quick Guide for Teachers Neuro and Psychomotor Activities for Children with Self-Regulatory Deficits and ADHD
Kit for ADHD. Hyperactivity and inattention: Guide to use-Assessment tools-Materials for intervention
ADHD and homework. Tools and strategies for children with planning, organization and attention weaknesses

ADHD and school

ADHD can seriously affect the child's academic performance, due to the deficits and inattention that disorders of this type can generate. Sitting quietly at your desk during class can turn into a real nightmare for students with childhood hyperkinesis. In the long run, boredom and frustration ensue and these feelings can increase the level of agitation in the child who will begin to move in a frantic way and give rise to their own impulsiveness. This is where teachers must come into play, whose intervention, together with that of the parents, is fundamental for the success of the school path, both of the child with ADHD and of his peers.

These are called to personalize the tasks and checks, dividing them into parts and giving the student with attention deficit a few minutes' break between the various units. Furthermore, at school there is no lack of discussion and collaboration between teachers, parents and doctors. Together, these figures will be able to develop a personalized teaching plan that can help the subject in learning the concepts and carrying out school activities. Unfortunately, it often happens that these children are isolated from their classmates due to their impulsive and reckless actions. To avoid unpleasant episodes, the teacher has the task of identifying the student with whom the child suffering from this disorder is in greater harmony to accompany and support him at both an educational and social level.

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