Are you wondering if your foster child has ADHD? Perhaps your child frequently forgets to bring homework home. Does the homework and then forgets to take it back to school. Maybe your child never takes care of anything, or acts like a scatterbrain. Do you have to repeat directions numerous times before you child finishes a task? If your child was placed in your home recently for adoption all of the changes might just be overwhelming him or her. Your foster child might have ADHD or in a few months, when things settle down, your child may act much better.

If your child has been with you for a year before you notice erratic or scattered behavior has anything changed recently? Does your child have a new daycare provider, new schoolteacher, or new friends? If so, you may want to do some investigating.

If your child has been placed with you for adoption, but your adoption hasn’t been finalized, could your child be worried? For a child, months seem like forever. The system works so slowly when adopting from foster care. Many times the children begin to wonder if you are really going to adopt them. When children have a lot on their minds, they have trouble concentrating just as adults do. Our foster daughter had been with us for nearly three years before finalizing her adoption. The last year she gave us a really hard time.

If none of these scenarios applies to your child, then your adopted child may have ADHD. You should probably schedule a complete physical for your child. Then talk to your child’s doctor about your suspicions and ask for an evaluation. If you haven’t already, search for information on the internet, or ask your doctor for information. If your child is in school or daycare, ask teachers what they have noticed.

If your child does have ADHD, you can help your child to succeed. You may want to try some natural treatments or sometimes, changes in diet can help. Simple things, like setting timers, moving a desk, or eyeglasses might make a difference for your child. If you choose prescription medication, there are many available now. You should be able to find one to help your child without many side effects.



Photo Credit: 2007 Julia Fuller.