Health Tip: Communicate With an ADHD Child

It can be difficult to capture the attention of a child with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The University of Michigan Health System offers these suggestions:

• Avoid shouting instructions at the child.
• Put your hands on the child's shoulders, kneel down and acknowledge when the child makes eye contact, then provide clear instructions.
• Give instructions one at a time, breaking down a large task into several smaller ones.
• Make frequent eye contact with the child and repeat your instructions.
• For multiple-step instructions, make a checklist that covers everything.