ADHD Parent Guide | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
The most practical, evidence-based ADHD parent guide you’ll read today.
1. Why This ADHD Parent Guide Is Essential
If you just heard “Your child has ADHD,” your mind is racing with questions—and maybe a little guilt. This ADHD parent guide was created to replace overwhelm with action. In the next 10 minutes you’ll know:
- What ADHD really looks like at your child’s age
- Which treatments are worth your time and money
- How to get started at Cadabam’s CDC today
Quick-start checklist for parents who just received a diagnosis
- ✔️ Book an appointment at Cadabam’s CDC (link in Section 7)
- ✔️ Download the free 20-page ADHD Parents Guide PDF (Section 3)
- ✔️ Start a “behavior log” for one week (template inside the PDF)
- ✔️ Set up a 30-minute “ADHD family meeting” to align expectations
What you’ll learn in the next 10 minutes
- Clear signs of inattentive, hyperactive, and combined ADHD
- Therapy vs. medication—side-by-side pros & cons
- Real parent stories that prove progress is possible
2. ADHD Symptoms at a Glance
ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all. Use these age-specific red flags to spot patterns early.
Inattentive, Hyperactive & Combined presentations
| Presentation | Core Signs |
|---|---|
| Inattentive | Easily distracted, loses things, forgets instructions |
| Hyperactive | Fidgets, talks nonstop, can’t sit for meals |
| Combined | A mix of both; most common in clinic referrals |
Age-specific red flags (3–6, 7–12, 13–17)
- Ages 3–6: Can’t follow two-step directions, runs/climbs in unsafe places
- Ages 7–12: Homework takes 3× longer, blurts answers in class
- Ages 13–17: Misses deadlines, risky driving, emotional outbursts over minor issues
3. Free Downloadable ADHD Parents Guide PDF
Grab your 20-page ADHD Parents Guide PDF—no email gate, just click and save.
What’s inside the 20-page handbook
- Daily routine charts (morning, school, bedtime)
- Side-effect tracker template
- Conversation starters for parent–teacher meetings
- Reward-system ideas that actually work
Step-by-step usage instructions
- Print or keep on your phone for quick reference.
- Focus on one chapter per week to avoid overload.
- Bring the tracker sheets to every Cadabam’s CDC appointment for faster progress reviews.
4. Therapy Options Compared
Choosing the right therapy can feel like alphabet soup—BPT, CBT, SST. Here’s the plain-English comparison.
Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) vs. CBT
| Therapy | Best For | Typical Length | Parent Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPT | Parents of kids 3–12 | 8–12 sessions | Learn to reinforce positive behavior at home |
| CBT | Kids 8+ with anxiety or low self-esteem | 12–16 sessions | Child learns to manage thoughts and actions |
Social-skills groups & peer coaching
- Small groups (4–6 kids) practice turn-taking, reading social cues
- Led by Cadabam’s CDC therapists with real-time feedback
- Sessions run weekly; visible improvement in 6–8 weeks
Pros & Cons chart
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| BPT | Builds lasting routines, cheaper long-term | Needs daily parent commitment |
| CBT | Teaches self-regulation, portable skills | Requires child motivation |
| Medication | Fast symptom relief | Possible appetite or sleep side-effects |
5. Medication Guide for Parents
Medication is a tool, not a verdict. Use this section to make informed choices.
Stimulants vs Non-stimulants: usage timeline
- Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate): Work within 30–60 minutes; last 4–12 hours
- Non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine): Take 2–6 weeks for full effect; smoother 24-hour coverage
Side-effect tracker template
Download the tracker inside the ADHD Parents Guide PDF. Log:
- Appetite (rate 1–5)
- Sleep onset (clock time)
- Mood swings (short note) Share the sheet with your Cadabam’s psychiatrist at each follow-up.
When to consult the psychiatrist
Call or book online if you notice:
-
10% drop in weight
- New tics or extreme mood changes
- Zero improvement after 4 weeks on current dose
6. Success Stories from Cadabam’s Families
Nothing beats proof.
Before-and-after study habits
- Arjun, age 9: Moved from 2-hour homework battles to 25-minute focused sessions using a Pomodoro timer introduced in BPT.
- Meera, age 14: Raised math grade from C to A- after adding CBT to manage test anxiety.
Parent testimonials video snippets
Watch 30-second clips in the waiting room or on our website. A common theme: “I wish I’d found Cadabam’s sooner.”
7. How to Book Your First Session Today
Three clicks is all it takes.
Online booking in 3 clicks
- Visit cadabamscdc.com → “Book Appointment”
- Select “Child ADHD Assessment”
- Choose date/time and confirm via OTP
What to bring to the consultation
- Completed intake form (auto-emailed after booking)
- School report cards or teacher notes
- Any previous medical reports