Kids Health Matters episodes 6 and 7: Understanding ADHD
Kids Health Matters co-hosts Danielle Engelbrecht and Dani Shuey are joined for this week's episodes by Dr Brad Jongeling, Medical Head of the Child Development Service
Inattention, impulsivity and distractibility tend to dominate discussion around attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
But children with ADHD can also be creative, delightful and innovative according to one of our State’s leading experts on this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Dr Brad Jongeling, Medical Head of the Child Development Service at the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) and Consultant Paediatrician, unravels the complexities of ADHD in this special two-part episode of Kids Health Matters.
The series provides trusted advice on common child health concerns from leading experts at CAHS.
In this episode Dr Brad provides an insight into and understanding of the disorder in easy-to-understand terms.
The discussion covers:
- what to do if you are concerned your child may have ADHD
- what’s involved with a diagnostic assessment
- how it impacts individuals and families and
- the factors considered in an assessment.
“Having a diagnosis can be transformative…particularly to help others understand the challenges associated with ADHD,” Dr Brad said.
The stress for parents of managing a child with ADHD is another focus in this episode.
“We do recognise it’s not easy being a parent of a child with ADHD.
“You really need to seek out supportive people around you…both within family and friends and take care of your own health as well.”
Support options available to children and families impacted is also highlighted particularly supports available while waiting for an assessment.
Dr Brad suggests an important aspect of support for a child with ADHD is focussing as much as possible on achievements.
“Consistency and structure can also be really helpful,” he said.
Parents are also encouraged to find an activity that gives their child a win.
“They get so much negative feedback, it’s great to find an activity where you can give them some positive feedback,” he said.
Dr Brad also discusses that having ADHD symptoms or meeting criteria does not automatically mean a stimulant is required.
He emphasises only a small percentage of children with ADHD in WA are treated with stimulant medication. The ADHD medication discussion covers:
- the role it can play in treating ADHD
- considerations around its use and
- side effects.
Dr Brad draws on a wealth of experience in this field including work with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s review of ADHD.
He is also involved with training registrars and students across Australia and at The University of Western Australia in developmental paediatrics.
This episode is hosted by broadcaster Dani Shuey and CAHS Coordinator of Nursing in Infection Prevention and Control, Danielle Engelbrecht.
Kids Health Matters is proudly produced by CAHS which includes Child and Adolescent Community Health, Neonatology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Perth Children’s Hospital.