Updated on July 17, 2024
ADHD, which is the short form of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting individuals’ behaviours, and how they manage their emotions and actions. This impacts other areas of their lives like their relationships with people, society, and their efficiency and achievement at school or work.
Symptoms of ADHD
Persons with ADHD are usually restless. They don’t complete tasks, are always distracted, and sometimes engage in reckless behaviour. They also lose focus easily, lose things frequently, are impatient, fidget and can have quick mood swings.
These symptoms may be hard and sometimes frustrating to manage. It is therefore important to create a supporting and understanding environment for individuals with ADHD.
5 ways to support someone with ADHD
- Educate yourself on the condition
Read books and articles, reach out to a professional, and do whatever would help explore how ADHD affects individuals and by extension, you. Ignore stereotypes about the condition and do your findings. Doing this lets you see things from their perspective and adjust your actions accordingly.
- Build routines
Individuals with ADHD are not particularly fans of change, as they also tend to lose focus easily. So, scheduling activities and helping them to set reminders means helping them have a plan they can stick to. This structure will help them stay organized and also prioritize important things.
- Teamwork makes the dream work
Be a team player with them. If there’s an activity that helps them relax, or a diet, whatever helps them feel better, help them to engage in it. Also, allow them to have a say in how things should be run. Do things together.
- Seek and offer help
It can become overwhelming to support someone with ADHD. Get help from friends and family, and most importantly, professionals, both to help you and to help the person with the condition. While offering help, it is important to ask them how they want to be helped, not take over completely.
- Connect empathically
Have open conversations about their feelings and try to put yourself in their shoes. Don’t judge. Give positive feedback and encourage them. Focus on their strengths and celebrate them on any progress they’ve made.
Bonus tip:
Practice self-care to put yourself in the right frame of mind to help them better. Ensure you’re eating well, exercising, having adequate rest and taking things slowly.
How to Manage ADHD
- Therapy
- Connect with people who have similar experiences
- Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Lifestyle choices for people with ADHD
- Healthy Nutrition
- Adequate sleep
- Exercise
- Stay organized
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, providing independent supported living or assisting individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
Additionally, we provide day-to-day support for individuals with mental health issues, complex behaviour and other types of disabilities. We also have support coordinators available to assist with planning, navigating NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, or a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
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