{"id":52779,"date":"2026-03-27T14:24:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T13:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tdr.ddk.mybluehost.me\/website_1e04b078\/?page_id=52779"},"modified":"2026-03-27T14:36:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T13:36:30","slug":"child-adhd-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/child-adhd-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Child ADHD Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"52779\" class=\"elementor elementor-52779\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84d2789 e-flex e-con-boxed cmsmasters-bg-hide-none cmsmasters-bg-hide-none cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"84d2789\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0dab225 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0dab225\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;cmsmasters-fade-in-left&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bbe5a5 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1bbe5a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">It-tifel\/tifla tieg\u0127i g\u0127andu dijanjosi ta\u2019 ADHD <\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ccc58ed cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ccc58ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;cmsmasters-fade-in&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:200}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Seeking Information or Guidance on Coping and Support<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c892543 e-flex e-con-boxed cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c892543\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2766b0c cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2766b0c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;cmsmasters-fade-in-up&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:200}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It can be challenging to live with ADHD, as our society often has expectations that may be difficult for ADHD brains to meet. ADHD medication can be helpful, however it is not a magic fix and there are many other things that can and should be done to support a person who has ADHD alongside medication use.<\/p><p><b>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <a href=\"#knowmore\">I would like to know more<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about what ADHD is and how it affects people.<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/p><p><b>2\ufe0f\u20e3 <\/b><a href=\"#parent\"><b>I am a parent or caregiver<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of an ADHD child and I am seeking advice on:<\/span><\/a><\/p><ul><li><a href=\"#one\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parenting issues<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#two\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child&#8217;s behaviour<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#three\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School issues (applying for an LSE, HW or exam problems, etc)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#four\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication (starting, changing or adjusting)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family relationships<\/span><\/li><li>Emotional dysregulation<\/li><li>RSD<\/li><li>Correlated conditions<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28481e1 e-flex e-con-boxed cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"28481e1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-354c1c7 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"354c1c7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"knowmore\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">I want to know more about ADHD and how it affects people\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35bf57e cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35bf57e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;cmsmasters-fade-in-up&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:200}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADHD is a condition that affects the brain and system that controls and supports it, and this in turn affects behaviour.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADHD is largely genetic, which means that if a child has ADHD, then probably (but not always) one or both parents also have ADHD or another neurodevelopmental disorder such as dyslexia or autism.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the ways that ADHD affects a person is that their \u201cexecutive functions\u201d develop slower than other children, and even as an adult, that person probably has weaker executive functions than other people. This means that people with ADHD usually have to try harder and spend more energy to do things that need executive function, for example:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Control of attention:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0ADHD brains are attracted to anything new, interesting, or exciting, making it very difficult to pay attention to anything that is boring to them. They are easily distracted by what they can hear or see, and can even be distracted by their own thoughts!<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Motivation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0ADHD brains do not feel the same motivation that most other people do &#8211; important tasks just don\u2019t feel important and some may leave things pending till right before deadlines, until the last minute panic and urgency can finally help motivate the brain to feel motivated and productive. This means that ADHDers often procrastinate.\u00a0 Things like paperwork, admin tasks, housework, school homework, assignments or studying, paying bills, filing taxes often get left behind and pile up<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Working memory<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: the ability to remember what you were doing, what you just did, or what you are supposed to be doing right now. ADHD brains often forget important tasks, dates or information &#8211; not because they don\u2019t care, not because they are irresponsible, but because they may struggle to remember current information. They may still remember highly-emotional conversations from years ago though &#8211; that\u2019s a different kind of memory!<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emotional regulation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0this is an important skill, the ability to calm yourself when you are angry, for example. ADHD brains often struggle with this, so people can seem to be \u201chot-tempered\u201d or \u201ceasily upset\u201d or a \u201ccrybaby\u201d &#8211; this is not because they are immature, but because their ability to self-regulate is impaired.<\/span><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>RSD or \u201cRejection Sensitive Dysphoria\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a fairly newly-recognised condition that many ADHD people also have &#8211; it causes people to react very strongly to negative criticism, and to worry a lot about how other people view them. Someone with RSD might get very upset if they think that someone is judging them, and might react by getting very sad or even very angry.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Planning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: ADHD brains tend to live in the present moment, and many are not really able to look ahead to the future. This makes it difficult to find enough motivation to spend time on planning in advance. Unfortunately, the lack of planning can often cause further complex problems later on.<\/span><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty planning also makes it difficult to <\/span><b>prioritise <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; ADHD brains tend to focus on the immediate problems, possibly ignoring long-term goals. Projects or tasks with deadlines tend to be worked on in a hurry right before the deadline, when they become urgent enough to trigger action.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Task Initiation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The hardest part of a task is often the \u201cgetting started\u201d! ADHD brains can feel overwhelmed when a task or project is big and vaguely defined, and there is no clear starting point or process. On the other hand, if there is clarity but also a long to-do list, that can also trigger overwhelm, especially if the to-do list is full of tasks that don\u2019t excite or inspire the ADHD brain. This means that tasks or projects are often procrastinated, leading to problems such as running out of petrol, missing deadlines (even for nice things like buying performance tickets), and getting fined for filing taxes too late.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Time Awareness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: ADHD brains often are not aware of time passing, and an hour can feel like a few minutes. This is one of the reasons why ADHD people are often late &#8211; it\u2019s because they underestimate how long it will actually take them to get ready, leave the house, and arrive at their destination. Or else they just\u2026 lose track of time!<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impulse Control\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ineffective Delegation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reluctance to delegate due to perfectionism or an inability to organize the steps necessary for others to take over, which increases the executive&#8217;s own administrative burden.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Impulsive Decision-Making:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Moving quickly on new ideas without fully considering long-term consequences, or interrupting colleagues during high-stakes meetings.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disorganized Workspaces:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maintaining a chaotic physical or digital environment\u2014such as a cluttered office or a buried inbox\u2014making it difficult to locate essential documents or track follow-ups.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Difficulty with Task Switching:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Struggling to transition from &#8220;big-picture&#8221; strategic thinking to granular operational details, or vice versa, causing significant mental fatigue.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, many people think that these behaviours are choices, and they blame ADHDers for \u201cchoosing\u201d to behave like this &#8211; but that is not what is actually happening.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapy and training to improve these issues may not work well if it only focuses on trying to change the behaviour. It is always important to understand what is causing the difficulties and then try to support that underlying need.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb2dff6 e-flex e-con-boxed cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bb2dff6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9baa44 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a9baa44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"parent\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">I am a parent or caregiver of an ADHD child and I am seeking advice on:<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5310263 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5310263\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;cmsmasters-fade-in-up&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:200}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><a name=\"#one\"><\/a>1. Parenting issues<\/h4>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parenting a child with ADHD can feel lonely and confusing at times. People around (including family) may leave you feeling that you should be \u2018more disciplined\u2019, that you\u2019re \u2018spoiling them\u2019, that \u2018they are old enough to be independent\u2019 and \u2018you\u2019re doing too much for them\u2019&#8230; You may find that what people around you are saying does not feel quite right for your child, however you wonder if you are doing the right thing.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain parts of daily life, such as getting your child out of bed, washed, dressed, out of the house and to school on time may feel unduly hard, however when you discuss this with friends, they say they have these problems too. However, somehow, you feel that your struggles are more, different\u2026 or else that for some reason you seem to not be succeeding as well.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact research shows that stress levels can be higher in families with ADHD. So, after a child is diagnosed, what should a parent do?<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn as much about ADHD as you can &#8211; understanding what ADHD is helps<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attend an ADHD-savvy parenting course (this is recommended as first line treatment by the NICE guidelines, especially when the child is young) \/\/Add link to courses page here please<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach out to other families who have a child with ADHD &#8211; community helps! (Join ADHD Malta &#8211; family group) \/\/Add link to the family group here please <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/fadhdmt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/fadhdmt\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware that ADHD is genetic &#8211; if you feel you may have ADHD, get assessed and get treatment &#8211; treating our ADHD as parents helps us be more regulated and parent better<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child is struggling and it is recommended, do try giving prescribed ADHD medication and see if it helps<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember first and foremost that the most important thing is building a relationship with your child. It is important to choose your battles and do not go head-to-head with your child\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<\/span><a name=\"#two\"><\/a>2. Child&#8217;s Behaviour<\/h4>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raising a child with ADHD can be both rewarding and demanding. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects attention, impulse control, activity levels, and executive functioning (skills such as planning, organising, and regulating emotions).<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children with ADHD often find it harder to pause, think ahead, and regulate their behaviour, especially in stimulating environments. As a result, they may appear impulsive, highly energetic, talkative, or easily distracted. These behaviours are not intentional misbehaviour; rather, they reflect differences in how the brain manages attention, motivation, and self-regulation.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents may notice that their child:<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">moves quickly between activities<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">struggles to follow instructions consistently<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has difficulty managing strong emotions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speaks frequently or interrupts conversations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acts before thinking about possible consequences<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In early childhood, this may mean more mess, more broken toys, or more conflicts between siblings. These challenges can be tiring for parents and carers.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADHD is not caused by parenting style, however, parenting approaches can make a significant difference in helping children develop regulation skills.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children with ADHD usually require more structure, guidance, and support than many of their peers and benefit from consistent, predictable responses from all caregivers. When parents work together and share strategies, children experience clearer expectations and greater emotional security.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research also suggests that positive engagement with multiple caregivers can help children develop stronger self-regulation skills and confidence. It is really important that all caregivers are involved, supported, and informed about the child\u2019s needs.<\/span>\n<h4><a name=\"#three\"><\/a>3. School Issues<\/h4>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors linked to ADHD may affect school life too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some pupils find learning challenging both academically and socially because of difficulties with attention, emotional regulation and behaviour. These difficulties can affect their ability to concentrate, follow instructions, organise their work and interact successfully with others. At times, these behaviours may also affect the learning environment for other pupils and can place additional demands on teachers and school staff.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The behaviours associated with <\/span><b>ADHD<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are often considered within the broader category of emotional and behavioural difficulties. However, ADHD is widely understood as a <\/span><b>neurodevelopmental condition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning that differences in brain development and functioning play an important role in the difficulties experienced. It is important that schools (and parents) understand behaviour within the context of a child\u2019s learning and developmental needs, rather than viewing it simply as misbehaviour.<\/span>\n<h5>&#8211; Applying to get extra support &#8211; an LSE<\/h5>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At times extra support may be needed in school to support the child with ADHD\u2019s learning to help them reach their full potential.\u00a0 (<a href=\"\/mt\/suspecting-adhd-and-seeking-diagnosis\/\">For assessment, and statementing procedures press here<\/a>).<\/span>\n<h5>&#8211;\u00a0 IEP (Individualised Educational Programme) and Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)<\/h5>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents of children who have an LSE will be invited to an <\/span><b>IEP <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meeting. During this meeting, a year\u2019s goals for the child\u2019s education will be discussed. It is important that parents (and older children) participate in the meeting and that decisions are understood and agreed upon &#8211; if you do not agree with something, this is the time to speak up and discuss.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether a child has an LSE or a diagnosis only, they may benefit from <\/span><b>access arrangements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Exam access arrangements are designed to remove barriers so that a student can show their true ability.<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Malta access arrangements are given to students who have:<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical or sensory disabilities (e.g. visual\/hearing impairment)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical conditions<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional or mental health needs<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speech, language, or communication difficulties<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The recommendations are found in the psychologist\u2019s report and the supports depend on the student\u2019s needs and official approval.<\/span>\n\n<strong>Common EAAs in Malta include:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra time during exams<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reader or scribe (someone reads\/writes for the student)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of a computer or assistive technology<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reader pens or audio support<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rest breaks during exams<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Separate room or smaller group setting<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modified papers (e.g. large print)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schools help submit applications for EAAs in secondary school.\u00a0 The MATSEC Board (University of Malta) approves arrangements.\u00a0 It is important to have an updated psychological report before students start secondary education (year 9).<\/span>\n<h4><a name=\"#four\"><\/a>4. Medication (starting, changing or adjusting)<\/h4>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After an ADHD diagnosis, the <\/span><b>psychiatrist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may recommend starting ADHD medication.<\/span>\n\n<b>What medications are there?<\/b>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Malta, the main ADHD meds are:<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Methylphenidate <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Ritalin \/ Concerta \/ generics) are usually the first ADHD medications prescribed. It is normal to start off with Ritalin (the original can be bought from pharmacies or the generics of Ritalin which are available on the Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC).\u00a0 This is the <\/span><b>short-acting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> form of the medication &#8211; and lasts a maximum of four hours (for Ritalin) and less for the generic brands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After three months of using Ritalin\/generic, a recommendation to use longer activating Concerta (can be bought) or the generic <\/span><b>long-acting medication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (POYC) can be made. Concerta lasts twelve hours whereas the generic medications last a shorter time.<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Atomoxetine (Strattera)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a non-stimulant medication. This medication lasts <\/span><b>24 hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and is also available on POYC.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Amphetamines (e.g. lisdexamfetamine)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; the use of this medication is still limited but being prescribed more when methylphenidate or atomoxetine are deemed as less ideal for the individual.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<b>Titration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Titration is a very important part of starting medication &#8211; it\u2019s the process of gradually adjusting the medication dose to find the \u201cjust right\u201d balance between effectiveness and side effects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is normal to start with a <\/span><b>low dose, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increasing it slowly over weeks and monitoring how your child responds to it. Titration should be monitored at school (getting feedback from educators including the time and behaviour observed is ideal) and at home. Observations should be discussed with the psychiatrist and dose should be regulated accordingly.<\/span>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.caddra.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/CADDRA-Patient-ADHD-Medication-Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This form may help with monitoring.<\/span><\/a>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people need higher doses whilst for others a low dose may be sufficient.\u00a0 When starting medication the child\u2019s body needs to adjust.\u00a0 (Signs the dose may be too high are increased anxiety or irritability, insomnia, appetite loss, heart palpitations.)<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When trying to find the right dose it is important to know what you feel is a struggle &#8211; why medication is being given.\u00a0 Some goals could be focus improving at school, emotional regulation, less impulsivity, executive function improvement.<\/span>\n<h5>Managing side effects<\/h5>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best ways of avoiding side-effects of medication are starting slow and increasing slowly until an ideal dose is found.\u00a0 It is important for the child to have frequent sips of water. Over-the-counter magnesium supplements may help the medication being released in a smoother way.<\/span>\n<ol>\n \t<li><b>Managing appetite loss<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; sometimes ADHD medication causes loss of appetite. It is beneficial to give your child a good breakfast (the ideal is protein-rich) and meals in between medication doses.\u00a0 Healthy snacks (which also keep blood sugar stable and help to maintain mood) help, as well as eating larger portions in the evening when medication wears off.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><b>Managing sleep problems &#8211; <\/b><span>Difficulties with sleep are part-and-parcel of ADHD. Doctors suggest not giving the final stimulant medication dose too late in order to avoid making it harder for the child to fall asleep. Reducing screentime before bed and having a bedtime routine also help.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><b>Irritability or emotional changes &#8211;\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication can make a person irritable or tired when the dose is too high or when medication is wearing off. If you are still titrating it is important to let the doctor know as he may lower the dose. Switching to a long-acting medication and topping up with a small dose may also help if the issues arise when the medication is wearing off.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My Child Has Been Diagnosed with ADHD Seeking Information or Guidance on Coping and Support It can be challenging to live with ADHD, as our society often has expectations that&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-52779","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52779"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52783,"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52779\/revisions\/52783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adhdmalta.org.mt\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}