Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often diagnosed with the inability to pay attention, self-control, and sitting still. It is a medical condition that affects the brain and is commonly diagnosed in children below the age of 12 but may develop to adulthood in some cases. According to Ogundele (2018), ADHD in adulthood causes poor functioning in either occupational, academic, or psychological realms, which eventually affects the family, the individual, and the social surrounding. Focusing on ADHD, this paper explores how the disorder impacted Brian, an inattentive Indian whose parents had completely lost hope.
The child, Brian, currently aged fifteen, had been diagnosed with ADHD at seven years of age. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kim, had noticed the child’s lack of concentration when playing with his agemates in the neighborhood. Most of the toys bought for him got lost, and he could not remember with whom he played last with. Whenever they talked to him, gave him instructions, or even when playing with mates, he quickly lost interest and seemed distant. They had delayed taking him to school with the hope that he would change with age, but as he reached the age of seven, they saw the need to seek medical attention, in which he was diagnosed with Predominantly Distracted ADHD. Therefore, the doctor’s examination results indicated that Brian’s disorder was probably genetic and affected his brain development.
Brian’s father was a casual laborer in the Community Milk factory, while his mother was a tailor at the market center. Therefore, their combined income was average and could not sustain the family needs and Brian’s treatment. They had then dropped the matter for later as they sought alternative means of finding his medical fees. The tough economy and political regressions would not allow them to save enough, and they had to enroll Brian in school at seven years and without treatment.
ADHD, according to Mayo Clinic (2019), is caused by a number of factors, mainly genetic disorders, exposure to certain environmental pollutants and chemicals, or use of certain drugs, smoking or alcohol consumption by expectant mothers. Therefore, premature birth of children or even having blood relatives with mental disorders or ADHD could also be a cause.
Brian’s inattentive condition could be improved or treated. Proper treatment of ADHD in youngsters requires a number of methods and has different responses with different children. Mayo Clinic (2019) suggests that the disorders could be treated or their symptoms relieved using educational services, behavior rehabilitation, medication, and counseling. Therefore, for the case of Brian, medication and Behaviour rehabilitation could be the best alternatives.
If left untreated, the Predominantly Distracted ADHD disorder could become severe, affect educational performance, and be very dangerous in adulthood during decision-making. According to Keilow et al. (2018), untreated ADHD negatively affects students’ academic performance and adult life. Therefore, it is advisable that Brian is treated and helped before his condition worsens.
A number of assets the Kim Family would need to improve their child’s condition include medical fees, a behavioral therapist, and family support. Low interest-serviced bank loans, medical appeal fund drives, well-wishers, or voluntarisms could provide financial resources to pay the required medical fees. A counselor or behavioral therapist could be sourced at the pediatric clinic or school to help Brian’s behavior change. The Kim family would also be required to play a significant role in exercising patience while providing love and support to Brian during his treatment journey.
References
Keilow, M., Holm, A., and Fallesen (2018). Medical treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and children’s academic performance. PlosOne. Web.
Mayo Clinic (2019). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Web.
Ogundele, M. O. (2018). Behavioral and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for pediatricians. World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics 7(1), 9-26. Web.