How An ADHD Simulation Can Help You Parent A Child With ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can be a common disorder that may affect nearly 10% of children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using an ADHD simulator can help you be more empathetic to your child’s daily experiences and challenges. You may also choose to connect with a therapist online or in person for additional resources that can help you support your child.

Types of ADHD

Psychologists have determined that there are generally three types of ADHD. These typically include the impulsive hyperactivity type, the inattentive type, and the combination type. While these can cause similar symptoms, they also can have specific signs that help doctors diagnose them.

Hyperactivity impulsive type

This type of ADHD may manifest as difficulty sitting still and frequent fidgeting. Those with this type may seem to be constantly moving, sometimes even when they are sleeping. Children with this type of ADHD might find it challenging to wait their turn, potentially leading them to disrupt class or interrupt other people's conversations.

Inattentive ADHD

This type of ADHD may look like a child who has a hard time focusing on anything and often becomes distracted. This is often seen as a classic sign of ADHD, and when parents notice that their child cannot seem to concentrate on one thing, that is usually when they begin to suspect ADHD. Kids with this type of ADHD might also misplace things and have difficulty processing instructions.

Combination ADHD

If your child has signs of both types of ADHD, they could have combination ADHD. They may display hyperactive signs for a while and switch to inattentive signs at times, or they may show some symptoms of both types.

Symptoms of ADHD

Many people think that ADHD is characterized by a child who cannot sit still or does not listen in school. While these may be signs of ADHD, there can also be many other signs to look out for, such as the following:

• Restlessness
• Impulsive behavior
• Disruptive behavior
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty following orders
• Difficulty sitting still in class
• Distractedness and forgetfulness
• A tendency to lose things often
• Poor organization
• Unfinished schoolwork or tasks
• A tendency to fidget or move hands and feet
• A tendency to interrupt others
• Feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks
• Trouble remembering details, or focusing exclusively on some details but not all

Risk factors

Even though conflicting ideas have often been called upon regarding the causes of ADHD, biological issues are generally thought to be the main cause of this disorder. Additionally, environmental factors are usually thought to contribute to the severity of symptoms over time. Researchers have considered the role of brain structure, function, and neurotransmitters in the etiology and expression of ADHD, and have looked at twin studies for genetic contributions to the disorder.

Although experts may not know exactly what causes ADHD, some risk factors can make it more likely for your child to develop the disorder. One risk factor may be gender. Boys are typically more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, but girls also may be underdiagnosed, in part as a result of differences in symptoms. In addition, genetics can play a role because there is often a strong correlation between family history and ADHD. The possibility of getting ADHD usually increases five times if a parent or sibling has the condition. The measurement of heritability of ADHD is generally 77% to 88%, which can mean it is highly heritable.

Other risk factors:

• Chemical influences, such as smoking, using various substances, or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• Lack of nutrients during pregnancy or infancy
• Other mental illnesses
• Medical disorders, such as neurological conditions
• Environmental exposure to heavy metals, pollution, or other toxins

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No matter the cause, ADHD can cause difficulties for children in school and during interactions with others. If you recognize the signs or symptoms, you might talk to a licensed mental health professional to get an evaluation. 

Testing

As a first step, you might see your child's doctor to have medical tests done. This is generally because other disorders, such as medical illnesses, can cause similar symptoms to ADHD in some children. Although there aren’t usually any lab tests or markers to diagnose ADHD, an accurate diagnosis must be done by a professional. There are several tests that psychologists may use to verify the diagnosis. These can include the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scales, the Conners’ ADHD Rating Scales, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

Many cognitive tests can also help with diagnoses, such as the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement, the California Verbal Learning Test, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities. 

Parenting a child with ADHD

Having a child with ADHD can be challenging at times. It can be difficult to understand how other people feel, especially when it comes to mental health disorders. Even if someone explains exactly how ADHD feels, it can be challenging to truly empathize with what they are feeling. 

However, there may be many resources and tools to support you as you help your child, including ADHD simulations.

ADHD simulator

ADHD simulations often serve as tools for parents, teachers, and others who have someone with ADHD in their lives. There may be many different ADHD simulators, but they all typically aim to help you see the world through your child's eyes. Utilizing these tools can help you gain understanding and empathy for your child’s experience.

Through your child's eyes

One of the most highly regarded ADHD simulators is called "Through Your Child's Eyes." You can hear from children who have ADHD as they talk about their challenges and how their condition affects them every day. Then the simulation starts, and you may see how things seem to them. You can choose a challenge your child faces, such as attention, organization, math, writing, or reading. Afterward, an expert may break down the details and how well you did in the simulation.

Misunderstood minds

This Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) site has nine kinds of ADHD simulations and activities to do and videos to watch. The website itself is a companion site to a television show called "Misunderstood Minds" on PBS. There are four categories: attention, reading, writing, and math. This show helps to dispel some of the stereotypes associated with “ADHD brain” and helps kids with ADHD learn to recognize the unique way their minds work and how to function with ADHD rather than viewing it as a disability.

ADHD simulator video

This simulation video on YouTube can show you how some people experience ADHD. During this video, you can attempt to read the information and take a test at the end. There are so many distractions on the screen that it can be difficult to read the content. The video also interrupts the reading every few seconds with a random thought.

Whether you are a parent of a child with ADHD, a teacher, or just someone curious to see how it feels to have the disorder, these simulations may help you experience challenges similar to those faced by children with ADHD every day.

Talking to a professional

It may be best to talk to a professional about getting your child an evaluation and possible treatment for ADHD. Although some people may try to treat it on their own at home with natural remedies or by changing their child's behavior, a licensed therapist may help you determine what is best for your child. An online therapy platform can connect you with a therapist you can talk to as you support your child. They may provide helpful tips and resources for you. 

With online therapy, you generally do not need to leave the house, which may be helpful if your child experiences anxiety when you leave home. The details from this study indicate that online therapy generally has the same efficacy rate as in-person therapy.