Fostering Children With ADHD

Fostering children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has special challenges for foster carers. Although there are three types of ADHD, the condition is generally characterised by factors including a lack of concentration, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

Genetics is thought to be a partial cause of ADHD and this means that ADHD is often passed down in families. Evidence suggests that the risk of a child being diagnosed with ADHD approximately seven times higher for children with a parent or sibling with ADHD.

The effect of environmental factors on children are linked to ADHD such as families who exposure children to alcohol, cigarette smoke or drugs during pregnancy, and exposure to family violence. ADHD is a medical condition which can be diagnosed and can explain why some children behave badly.

ADHD is more common in boys and is most often noticed when a child starts school. Children tend to have difficulty concentrating, remembering instructions, paying attention and finishing tasks. Children can be fidgety and always on the go and appear to act without thinking. Children might be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive.

ADHD is not just bad behaviour. Foster carer looking after children with ADHD will be frustrated because discipline strategies they use with other children are not as effective. Foster children with ADHD need clear boundaries, consistency and stability of care. Foster carers can help by monitoring children's food as some colourings might make the symptoms worse.

Foster children might not have had a diagnosis therefore if a foster carer is concerned about a child's behaviours professional advice should be sought having informed the child's social worker.

In therapy, children suffering from the condition learn to identify and modify certain aspects of their conduct. Common forms of ADHD behaviour management include coping skills such as learning to organise tasks in list form, breaking large tasks into smaller ones, and completing short tasks.

The second most popular method of ADHD behaviour management is medication. The most commonly prescribed stimulant medications are Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine.

These medications take the form of behaviour management as they correct the chemical imbalance found in the brains of diagnosed children. Of the two methods mentioned, research suggests that medication is the more successful form of ADHD behaviour management.

If you are thinking about fostering remember that children need to really feel part of your life and the things you and your family do. Never lie to them or keep bad secrets and never moan about their family or their social worker - be positive, be honest and always aware that you have the privilege to really make a massive difference for the better in children's lives!