ADHD treatment for kids generally includes a combined effort of medications, therapy, and healthy lifestyle changes. Treatment plans for ADHD in children will depend on a thorough evaluation by their healthcare provider, who checks for core symptoms, comorbid conditions, and support goals. Caregivers can also consider alternative options like neurofeedback, diet changes, and exercise.
ADHD Treatment for Kids: What Are the Options?
Treatment for ADHD in children varies depending on the child, presenting symptoms, and their unique needs. While most kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience significant improvements with ADHD medications (e.g., better attention span and reduced hyperactivity), numerous other remedies exist, including behavioral therapy, neurofeedback for ADHD, and supplements. Caregivers can combine these approaches with traditional treatments if they choose not to medicate their children for various reasons, such as the risk of side effects.
ADHD Treatments for Different Ages
Given that children under six may experience more side effects from ADHD medications than older children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends trying behavior intervention as a first treatment option. Meanwhile, those six and older may benefit from medication alongside therapy that aims to improve symptoms of ADHD.1
Some younger kids taking medication may not know how to swallow capsules, which affects how parents administer their treatment. In these cases, liquid/chewable forms or wearable patches are available.
Treatment for ADHD in Children: Girls Vs. Boys
ADHD treatment for girls and boys is usually similar. Rather than focusing on assigned gender, a healthcare provider would consider their individual symptoms. However, girls with ADHD may not always exhibit externalized behaviors common in boys with ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Knowing gender differences is especially important for prompt diagnosis.
Medication Treatment for ADHD in Children
Medications for treating ADHD in children fall under two main categories, stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications target brain neurotransmitters to improve symptoms, including hyperactivity and inattention. Pharmaceutical treatment does not cure ADHD but can improve daily performance at home and in school. Caregivers and teachers must be aware of potential side effects that may interfere with sleep and appetite.2
Types of medications prescribed to children with ADHD include:
Stimulant ADHD Medications
Stimulants are well-researched and prescribed in 80% of ADHD psychiatrist visits. This first-line treatment for ADHD may enable a hyperactive child to focus and calm down by increasing dopamine levels, a brain neurotransmitter that affects their attention, mood, and movement.3
Stimulants can be short- or long-acting. Short-acting stimulants take effect within 30-45 minutes and wear off within three to six hours. On the other hand, long-acting stimulants usually last eight to 16 hours. Research shows stimulants relieve 70-80% of ADHD symptoms in children, including fidgeting and interruptive behavior. However, stimulants carry the risk of side effects and misuse.4 For these reasons, some parents may consider non-medication treatment for ADHD.
Stimulant ADHD treatment for kids may include:
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications for Kids
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are a second-line ADHD treatment for kids. Research shows approximately 30% of patients do not respond adequately to stimulants, making these a viable alternative for some children.5 Some physicians prescribe both stimulants and non-stimulants to achieve desired behaviors while minimizing side effects.
Besides serving as an alternative, non-stimulants last longer than stimulants. Additionally, these medications are not controlled substances, meaning they do not pose a risk for misuse. However, they can cause side effects, which are generally mild.
Non-stimulant ADHD treatment for kids may include:
- Strattera (atomoxetine)
- Qelbree (viloxazine)
- Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride)
- Intuniv (guanfacine)
- Kapvay (clonidine)
- Catapres (clonidine)
- Effexor, Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
Is Medication ADHD Treatment for Kids Safe?
Medications for children with ADHD are considered safe and can be taken until adulthood, although medical supervision is crucial. Furthermore, parents should monitor and report side effects to their child’s pediatrician. Regarding age, kids six and older can begin ADHD medication. If diagnosed with ADHD before six, their doctor may recommend behavior interventions first.
Below are factors to consider before considering medication treatment for ADHD in children:
- Side effects: ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as appetite loss, trouble sleeping, headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. Discuss any unusual or worsening side effects with their doctor, including tics, increased anxiety, and personality changes.
- Possible health risks: A doctor will evaluate your child for any existing heart conditions before starting them on stimulant medications. However, current research shows stimulants are unlikely to be contraindicated in those with known cardiovascular diseases, including congenital heart disease.6 As for potential psychiatric problems, the FDA recommends seeking attention immediately if you notice aggressive behavior and hallucinations.7
- Complicated and lengthy process: Parents should recognize that medication treatment for children with ADHD can last for months to years. Treatment often involves trial and error to determine which medication and dosage work best for the child.
- Comorbid conditions: Some kids with ADHD have a secondary “comorbid” condition, such as childhood anxiety, childhood depression, a learning disability, or oppositional defiant disorder. Medications for ADHD may increase related symptoms.
How to Administer ADHD Medications Safely
Parents must administer the recommended dose according to doctor recommendations. They should also raise any concerns about dosage or adverse effects. To encourage adherence, explain the purpose and benefits of taking medications to your child. While most kids do not misuse stimulants, always keep their prescriptions in a place only you can access.
Therapy for ADHD in Kids
Therapy is another form of ADHD treatment for kids that teaches symptom management and skills to improve their daily performance. While ADHD medication targets brain chemicals, psychotherapy addresses executive dysfunctions to enhance the ability to plan, meet deadlines, remember things, and control outbursts.
ADHD therapy for kids may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for ADHD is a research-backed therapy that helps kids change their thoughts. Many children with ADHD have negative internal dialogues, sometimes triggered by comments about their behavior or unique characteristics. Children often think symbolically, so CBT for younger kids involves storytelling and puppets. Adolescents who think more abstractly learn more age-appropriate CBT skills.
Parent Training
In this collaborative approach, parents learn to reinforce positive child behavior. During group or individual sessions, coaches teach parents to praise good behavior, provide consequences, set rewards, and promote an ADHD-friendly home environment. Caregivers should find a therapist specializing in parent training to ensure safe practices while honoring the child’s needs, uniqueness, and strengths.
Behavioral Interventions in the Classroom
Behavioral interventions involve teachers influencing a student’s behavior through a daily report card, which includes a list of goals that the student should meet. Such goals may include paying attention in class, completing homework, and remaining seated. A rewards system will motivate them to meet their daily goals. Younger kids may benefit from more immediate rewards than older kids.
Family Therapy
Family therapy helps the entire family develop skills to increase positive and eliminate negative behaviors at home. For example, the therapist teaches the child and their parents about organizing tasks so they can collaborate on effective solutions. Family therapy doesn’t have a definitive timeframe but is usually short-term (12 sessions on average).
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy for kids with ADHD explores their strengths to promote healthy functioning. This approach can help reduce impulsivity, negative thoughts, and procrastination. Play therapy can benefit younger kids as they can communicate with their preferred medium of expression. Older kids discuss things directly with the therapist.
Brain Training Therapies
Brain training is a relatively new concept encompassing various solutions and programs that ultimately transform brain activity. This therapy approach focuses on the idea of neuroplasticity. One example of brain training is neurofeedback, where a therapist uses EEG equipment to monitor brain waves and offer feedback. Another is Cogmed, which resolves working memory deficits so kids can focus better, recall instructions, and reduce hyperactivity.
Alternative ADHD Treatment for Kids
Children with ADHD, regardless of their age, can experience improvements in their function, focus, and mood with alternative treatment. Natural remedies for ADHD may help them get the most out of their medication treatment and counter some adverse effects. Non-medication approaches can be positive additions to a traditional ADHD treatment plan for kids. However, natural remedies do not address the underlying brain differences in ADHD, and parents should always consult a pediatrician before implementing changes.
Alternative or complementary ADHD treatments for kids include:
Diet & Supplements
Some research shows kids with ADHD may have lower levels of certain micronutrients that aid neurologic function, such as vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Supplements and whole-food diets can help replenish these deficits.8 Additionally, kids taking stimulants for their ADHD should avoid sugar and caffeine, which can contribute to increased hyperactivity. Due to the connection between Red Dye 40 and ADHD, children with ADHD should also avoid foods containing Red Dye 40.
Exercise
Playing sports, riding bikes, dancing, running, and other forms of exercise are excellent for calming down an overactive brain. Research shows even a single session of physical activity leads to immediate improvements in ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity. Furthermore, movement improves executive functions and academic performance.9
Coaching for ADHD
ADHD coaching has become increasingly popular over the years. Like athletic coaching, this approach teaches children with ADHD skills that enable them to succeed in school and improve their interaction with others.
Coaching and CBT share similar elements, although coaching focuses on enhancing daily living. A child must be willing to participate for the process to work. This approach is common among kids from middle school to high school.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and inexpensive adjunct treatment to ADHD treatment for kids in which professionals insert hair-thin needles at specific points throughout the body. More research is needed to prove its efficacy, but acupuncture may help reduce core ADHD symptoms.10 Discuss acupuncture with your child’s doctor before booking an appointment.
Green Space
Exposure to green spaces and nature, such as trees, grass, or parks, can benefit children with ADHD. Research shows time in nature can improve overall mental and physical health and ADHD symptoms.11
Meditation
Meditation for ADHD helps kids focus on the present moment, providing opportunities to clear their minds and increase their self-awareness. Parents can tailor medication routines to their child’s age, daily routine, and interest level. A simple practice that works for any age would be counting backward from 100 to 1 in their minds, closing their eyes, and imagining a clear blue sky.
Monarch External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System
The eTNS device is an FDA-approved alternative ADHD treatment for kids ages seven to 12. This system works by stimulating the brain’s trigeminal nerve via electrodes applied to the forehead while the child is asleep.12 One study found children who used the device had improved symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Furthermore, eTNS is well-tolerated and has minimal risk.13
Supporting a Child in Treatment for ADHD
Besides medication, therapy, and alternative treatments, parents can take advantage of practical everyday tips to make ADHD more manageable. Parents play an essential role in promoting healthy behaviors, thus allowing their kids to succeed. Determining how to treat ADHD in kids can be daunting, but taking small steps can significantly improve symptoms and overall functioning.
Below are 10 ways to support your child in treatment for ADHD:
1. Advocate for Your Child
Neurotypical peers typically misunderstand children with ADHD. We can advocate for them by being well-informed about the condition. Openly communicating with their teacher regarding ADHD and discussing possible accommodations will promote understanding and reduce stress in the classroom.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protect students with ADHD from disability discrimination. Furthermore, the IDEA offers free public education to eligible children.
2. Create a Routine
Mealtime, bedtime, homework, and play rituals and routines show children what to expect every day. Maintaining a schedule keeps them organized and on track, which helps reduce disorganization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. Establishing a routine is challenging initially but gets easier with time.
3. Use Goals, Praise, & Other Rewards
Children with ADHD may not get as much praise as other kids. However, acknowledging good behaviors, such as waiting their turn and not interrupting people, will help increase their motivation to repeat positive actions. When these kids grow up, they can use these strengths to succeed.
4. Educate Yourself About ADHD
Learning everything you can about living with ADHD ensures your child receives the best possible intervention. In addition, you can raise awareness by sharing your experiences, which increases social acceptance.
5. Take Time for Self-Care
Don’t ignore your well-being while caring for your child receiving ADHD treatment. Self-care is a must to keep you mentally healthy and protect yourself from the effects of stress, such as anxiety and depression. Properly managing stress by joining support groups, giving yourself credit, and eating nutritious food will ultimately benefit your child’s behavior outcomes and your relationship.14
6. Use Visual Aids
Implementing visuals, such as charts, drawings, and lists, offers many benefits. Visual aids present information to kids more clearly and engagingly. Information becomes easy to remember, and children are more likely to stay on track.
7. Remove Distractions
Internal and external stimuli can prevent a child from completing their homework. Consider turning off the television during study time and letting them study in a quiet corner, away from high-traffic areas. Additionally, you can play background music, preferably brown noise, to help them stay on task.
8. Spend Time Together Every Day
You can try plenty of activities with your child during free time. After-school and weekend activities that beat boredom and help them burn off excess energy include indoor scavenger hunts, outdoor sports, craft projects, a picnic, and gardening. ADHD treatment for kids can be scary, so set time aside for fun outings with your child.
9. Break Down Large Tasks Into Smaller Chunks
Teach your child how to break complicated tasks into more manageable chunks. Let’s say you want them to clean their messy bedroom. If your child is older, show them a list of steps they can take. Younger kids can start with one action, such as picking up their toys, before asking their parents about the next step.
10. Talk With Your Child About ADHD
Experts generally encourage parents to discuss ADHD with their children. Be factual, positive, and supportive while avoiding sugarcoating. You can adjust your conversation based on their age. For instance, older kids may be interested in how ADHD affects their brains, while younger children can learn why they behave the way they do. Additionally, spend time explaining their treatment plan for ADHD so they feel included in decision-making.
Finding Treatment for ADHD in Children
If you suspect your child has ADHD, you can start by talking to their pediatrician, who may provide a referral or make an appointment with a child psychiatrist trained in ADHD. Finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can help a child accept themselves and harness their abilities. Thankfully, online directories are widely available to locate the right professional for your child.
In the end, parents should not be afraid of an ADHD diagnosis. Remember, every child has strengths. Once we identify areas of weakness, we can take steps to improve. The right approach can make a difference!