Learning Your ADHD Child’s Triggers

Undeniably, ADHD can negatively affect your child’s home, social, and academic functioning. Yet, with the right care, it doesn’t have to!

In fact, learning the triggers for a child with ADHD can help you prevent and minimize functional difficulties, as well as help your child better cope with this condition. So, let’s take a closer look at some triggers and how you can recognize them.

What Triggers can negatively impact a child with ADHD?

There are many different triggers for children with ADHD, but many of them are preventable and manageable. Below are four triggers you can watch out for.

1. Not Having Enough Sleep

A lack of sleep can lead to worsening symptoms of ADHD. Children who lack sleep may become more inattentive or hyperactive. These can lead to poorer performance, which can further worsen their condition and create many frustrations for children, parents, and teachers alike.

2. Consuming Certain Food Additives

According to multiple research, the consumption of certain food additives may contribute to the hyperactive behaviors of children with ADHD. These include artificial food coloring, artificial flavors, and benzoate preservatives. Sticking to a whole foods diet can have immense benefits for your child—and even your whole family!

3. Too Much Exposure to Technology

Too much internet use has been linked to the worsening of ADHD symptoms. If your child spends too much time on the internet, that may be a factor in the manifestation of their condition. To counteract this, we recommend limiting screen time and teaching your child the benefits of other activities, such as sports or other games.

4. Stress

Stress is another possible trigger for your child’s ADHD. Research shows that constant exposure to stress is strongly connected to more persistent symptoms of ADHD.

Aside from experiencing the mental, emotional, and physical effects of stress, people with ADHD also find it harder to cope, which may only aggravate their stress. So, what can you do about all of the above?

How to Help Your Child Limit and Avoid Their Triggers

Children cope with ADHD differently. Some children may require learning to focus better, while others may need a better support system. First and foremost, you should keep close track of your child’s ADHD symptoms. This way, you’ll know how ADHD manifests in your child and what specific things trigger them.

Once you’ve mapped out the symptoms and triggers, you can make lifestyle adjustments to help your child avoid them. These include improving their diet, minimizing their screen time, and helping them find ways to properly manage life’s stressors.

We know that making these adjustments is not easy, but you don’t have to do them alone. The team at Pathways Neuropsychology Associates offers a variety of ADHD coaching and support. Contact us today to get started!