ADHD—Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—is one of the most misunderstood conditions seen in Indian children today. It is commonly mistaken for bad behaviour, poor parenting, or lack of interest in studies. In many households and schools, a child with ADHD is told to “try harder,” “sit properly,” or “stop being careless.”
In reality, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a character flaw.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD affects how the brain manages:
*Attention and concentration
*Impulse control
*Activity levels
*Emotional regulation
A child with ADHD often wants to do well—but their brain struggles to filter distractions, especially in highly demanding environments like classrooms.
In the school context:
A child may understand the lesson during tuition but fail in the exam because:
*They miss instructions
*They rush through answers
*They struggle with long written papers
*This is not due to low intelligence, but poor regulation of attention and impulses.
Types of ADHD
1. Predominantly Inattentive Type
These children are often labeled as lazy or daydreamers.
Common signs:
*Not copying homework from the blackboard properly
*Forgetting notebooks, water bottles, or textbooks
*Making silly mistakes in maths despite knowing the concept
*Teachers’ remarks like: “Can do better if more attentive”
Example:
A Class 5 child understands maths concepts during oral questioning but loses marks because they skip steps or misread questions in exams.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
These children are often seen as naughty or undisciplined.
Common signs:
*Standing up repeatedly during class
*Talking to classmates during lessons
*Blurting out answers without raising their hand
*Getting frequent complaints in the school diary
Example:
A child in a CBSE or ICSE classroom struggles to sit through 40–45 minute periods and is punished repeatedly for “indiscipline,” which only increases frustration.
3. Combined Type
This is the most common type seen in Indian schools.
Common signs:
*Poor focus during studies
*Restlessness at home and school
*Emotional outbursts after school
*Difficulty managing homework, tuition, and exams
Example:
A child attends school, tuition, and extracurriculars, but becomes emotionally overwhelmed, cries easily, or refuses to study in the evening.
How ADHD Affects Children Emotionally
In the Indian academic system, children with ADHD often face:
*Constant comparison with siblings or classmates
*Pressure from teachers and relatives
*Fear of exams and failure
*Low self-esteem
*Repeated comments like “You are intelligent but careless” slowly damage a child’s confidence.
How to Cope With ADHD: Practical Strategies for Families
1. Shift From Scolding to Understanding
Punishment does not improve ADHD symptoms. Calm guidance and emotional safety work far better.
At home:
Replace “Why can’t you sit quietly?” with
“Let’s take a short break and then continue.”
2. Create Study Structure That Works
Children often study for long hours—but ADHD brains need short, focused sessions.
*20–25 minutes study
*5-minute movement break
*One subject at a time
*Clear, written instructions
This is more effective than forcing 2–3 continuous hours of study.
3. Simplify Homework and Exam Preparation
*Break homework into small sections
*Use checklists for school bags
*Revise orally before written practice
*Practice time-bound answering gradually
This reduces overwhelm and improves performance.
4. Regulate Screen and Tuition Overload
Excessive screen time, late-night studying, and multiple tuitions worsen ADHD symptoms.
A tired ADHD brain cannot focus—even if the child wants to.
5. Support Emotional Regulation
Children with ADHD often suppress emotions due to fear of scolding.
Teach them:
*It’s okay to feel frustrated
*How to pause and breathe
*How to express feelings without fear
Emotional strength improves academic performance too.
6. Seek Individualized, Holistic Support
ADHD management is not just about marks—it is about:
*The child’s temperament
*Family expectations
*School environment
*Emotional well-being
Each child needs a personalized approach.
A Message to Parents
*ADHD is not a failure of parenting.
*Your child is not careless or stubborn.
*They are simply wired differently.
*With understanding, structure, and the right guidance, children with ADHD can excel—not just academically, but emotionally and socially.
If your child:
*Struggles to focus in school
*Gets frequent complaints from teachers
*Is intelligent but underperforming
*Becomes emotionally overwhelmed after school
👉 You don’t have to navigate this alone.
At Dr. Alfred’s Life Transformation Centre, I help parents:
Understand ADHD beyond labels
Build practical, school-friendly strategies
Support their child emotionally and academically
📞 Book a personalized consultation today and help your child experience school with confidence—not fear.
Early understanding can change your child’s entire academic journey.
If you need any guidance for yourself or for a friend, feel free to get in touch with us by filling the form below
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