Introduction 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, including academic performance, work productivity, and interpersonal relationships.  This article will explore the coping strategies and support systems established for ADHD persons in Singapore. 

Understanding ADHD in Singapore 

Definition and Symptoms of ADHD 

Generally, ADHD is a first-diagnosed disorder in children that may persist or surface into adulthood. The primary symptoms include: 

  • Inattention: Loss of concentration, making careless mistakes or being sloppy when organizing activities. 
  • Hyperactivity: Continues to fidget hands/feet, stands up frequently when there is an expectation of sitting, and shows restlessness in seat settings. 
  • Impulsiveness: Acting hastily without thinking, interrupting others, and having trouble waiting for your turn. 

Prevalence of ADHD in Singapore 

The prevalence rates around the world are approximately 5%; in Singapore, the exact prevalence rates are not well documented but are believed to be similar. The increased awareness and diagnostic facilities have helped in identifying more students correctly, and hence, they are receiving the required interventions. 

child with ADHD in Singapore

Misconceptions and Stigma Around ADHD 

ADHD are very much misunderstood by most people, and this lack of understanding results in the following misconceptions: 

  • Misconception: ADHD arises due to poor parenting. 
    Reality: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs due to genetic as well as environmental factors. 
  • Misconception: ADHD only happens to children. 
    Reality: ADHD can continue to manifest in adult life, as well. 
  • Misconception: People who have ADHD are just lazy or uninterested. 
    Reality: ADHD affects executive functioning, making any task that requires sustained effort particularly challenging. 

Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Singapore 

A person typically undergoes the following process when diagnosed with ADHD: 

  • Initial Consultation: Begin by visiting a GP, pediatrician, or private specialist to discuss symptoms such as attention difficulties, hyperactivity, or behavioral challenges. The specialist will review the individual’s medical history to exclude other potential conditions like sleep disorders, learning disabilities, or emotional issues. 
  • Assessment: You may receive a recommendation for either an informal assessment, which gathers information about ADHD symptoms to guide the development of support strategies and recommendations for parents and schools, or a formal psycho-educational assessment conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist. The formal assessment involves standardized tests, interviews, and a thorough review of medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. 
     

Overview of available treatments of ADHD in Singapore 

  • Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help control symptoms. Common medications include methylphenidate and atomoxetine. 
  • Therapy: Helps individuals to process and respond to sensory information more effectively, develop skills to regulate their behaviour, improve organization skills, and increase attention. 
  • Counselling: Provided with emotional support and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. 
  • Educational Support: Many more educational facilities must offer protracted testing times, distraction free areas for testing, break from studies and even special program. 
     

Importance of Early Intervention 

Early treatment go a long way in improving the overall prognosis, especially through symptom management skills and tools primarily used by the affected person; it may also prevent or reduce symptoms of  social exclusion, or emotional distress such as feeling depressed, loss of self-esteem, etc. This can also help in preventing academic failure and social isolation or emotional problems.  

The Singapore Brain Development Centre (SBDC) provides comprehensive support in diagnosing and treating ADHD. Extensive evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support are just some of the ways they ensure perfect management of the condition.

Managing ADHD for Parents of Children with ADHD: Daily Routines and Organization Tips  

Make a Consistent Daily Routine  

Creating a daily schedule, an important strategy to help children with ADHD manage time and reduce anxiety is to establish a structured routine. Set a fixed time for waking up, eating, doing homework, and going to bed. You can even use pictures or color-coded charts for young children. 

Use Calendars and Alerts  

Help your child learn how to use a calendar, planner, or app on their device to keep track of schoolwork and activities. Choose age-appropriate tools: colorful planners for little ones and digital apps for older kids to keep it fun. 

Ways to improve focus and attention  

Divide Tasks into Small Steps Break more extensive assignments into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, rather than tell the person to “clean your room,” give them directions such as putting toys in their place or making the bed. That way, the task becomes less daunting and more doable. 

Importance of Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet 

Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD and improve their ability to concentrate. Encourage your child to participate in physical activities that he enjoys every day, such as outdoor play, or even playing sports. 

Food Diet is crucial to maintaining brain health. So, make sure your child eats the right foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and complex carbohydrates for better cognitive function and overall health. 

Use of Technology and App to Aid in Symptom Management of ADHD 

There are many apps available that assist in maintaining ADHD symptoms by improving organizational and time-management skills and enabling better focus.  

For example, Focus@Will: Provides background music created to enhance focus, which is helpful for activities such as homework or studying.  

having adhd treatments

ADHD support in Singapore 

  • Family and Friends Role: Family and friends play an essential role with the patient diagnosed with ADHD in terms of emotional support, understanding, and encouragement.  
  • Support: Attending a support group can help people feel like they are part of a community and that others can share their experiences with like-minded peers. These forums create a platform to share advice, discuss the struggles of people with ADHD in Singapore, and find emotional support. 
  • Educational Support Services: Schools in Singapore offer various support services for children with ADHD in Singapore in a bid to provide an education that is suited to their learning needs. 
  • Additional Resources for Support and Helplines: Other organizations and help lines provide resources and assistance to people with ADHD in Singapore and their families, including information, counseling, and referrals to professional services like SBDC. 
  • Support Systems Required and Resources of the SBDC: SBDC provides a universal support system that provides highly individualized treatment plans, educational support and resources to enable these individuals to thrive in their daily lives.  

How SBDC Helps With ADHD Support 

SBDC provides a variety of specialized services for persons living with ADHD, the same that include developmental training, cognitive training, and literacy training. For many individuals, there have been significant improvements in academic performance, social skills, and the general quality of life courtesy of intervention services from SBDC. Here is one of our result testimonials:  

By Diana Lee “My daughter went from C’s & D’s on her spelling tests to A’s & B’s on almost every single test. Also she reads much quicker and understands more of what she reads. Angela’s confidence level has gone up a lot. All of my daughter’s grades have gone up. Also, it does not take her as long to do her homework. I would recommend this program to anyone whose child is struggling.”  

Conclusion 

ADHD must be understood for practical support and improving the quality of life of individuals. It seems a resourceful way out for people with ADHD to lead a fulfilling life, considering the resources and support systems available in an organization like Singapore Brain Development Centre(SBDC). On the one hand, this means that dealing with ADHD in Singapore is manageable and, with the right strategies and support, can produce positive results.