Inclusive Childhood Disorders: Expert Tips for Parenting and Living with Special Needs

Society often struggles to understand, accept, or even acknowledge certain topics, such as inclusive disorders related to children’s development. To shed light on this subject and learn how to support affected children, we’ve gathered insights from mothers and specialists in the field.

Diagnosis: Hyperactivity

Olga, mother of Kirill, 8 years old

The most challenging aspect of the diagnosis “hyperactivity” is the term itself. We frequently visited a neurologist, and when Kirill was one year old, the doctor suggested he might be hyperactive. As he grew older, medications like Tenoten and Glycine were prescribed, but I refrained from giving them to him, opting instead for chamomile tea.

Kirill is an extremely energetic child; most developmental games didn’t suit him. I constantly tried to engage him in activities like puzzles, building houses, and bridges. The process usually went like this: I would start building, Kirill would approach, watch, gradually join in, but quickly lose focus, get distracted, and then re-engage.

We also found that playing with semolina and kinetic sand was genuinely helpful. Kirill has been constantly on the move since he took his first steps at 11 months. He never walked; he always ran. Now, as a second-grader, he remains very active in school. In the first grade, he couldn’t sit through a 35-minute class. The physical education teacher complained that Kirill disrupted discipline, and other teachers wrote remarks in his diary. I’ve talked to Kirill about this, and he understands but can’t help being restless, especially towards the end of the week, saying, “I can’t take it anymore!”

We’ve tried various activities like karate, drawing, and other clubs. I wanted to enroll him in singing lessons, but they refused, saying he would disrupt the class.

I believe it’s essential to accept your child for who they are. Parents may have different temperaments, but it’s crucial to consider your child’s interests and share your own.

Irina Kaplich, Child Neurologist, Therapeutic Massage, and Physical Education Instructor

The term “hyperactive child” is frequently used nowadays. There’s a medical diagnosis called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is a persistent behavioral disorder accompanied by difficulties in communication and learning at school.

Fortunately, this diagnosis is rarely given to children. It’s important to understand that children have different temperaments: some are calmer, while others are more active and less attentive. To address hyperactivity, we should first eliminate external factors that contribute to a child’s overexcitement, such as chronic sleep deprivation, lack of a consistent daily routine, uncontrolled use of gadgets, and an unfavorable emotional environment at home.

A cause for concern is when a child’s “hyperactivity” persists regardless of external circumstances, meaning they behave the same way at home, during walks, and in social settings. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention. A child should undergo an examination as prescribed by a neurologist or psychoneurologist. An ADHD diagnosis is made after prolonged observation and the presence of multiple symptoms.

Such children require not so much medication as a tailored set of physical exercises, sessions with a speech therapist, optimized learning at school (such as integrated classes), and a supportive family environment.

Signs of ADHD

Children with ADHD constantly move aimlessly, struggle to sit still, exhibit restless hand and foot movements, fail to listen to instructions, frequently interrupt others, and often make mistakes in age-appropriate tasks. Typically, the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is given to children when they start attending kindergarten or school, as that’s when difficulties in social interaction and learning become apparent. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the aforementioned criteria.

Diagnosis: Speech Development Delay

Nadezhda, mother of Sasha, 4.5 years old

Our child doesn’t speak and has difficulty understanding ordinary speech. When Sasha was 2.5 years old, a neurologist diagnosed him with “childhood autism” without any examination, but with a significant question mark. Naturally, we began searching for competent neurologists and psychiatrists in both public and private clinics. However, it turned out to be a waste of money, as all neurologists, referring to the initial report, repeated the same diagnosis: childhood autism. Many of them didn’t even examine the child, asking us only three questions: “Does the child make eye contact? Does he respond to his name? Does he follow instructions?” Then they would prescribe the same nootropics, or simply say, “There are no pills for autism.”

Later, the “autism” diagnosis was changed to “Speech Development Delay with peculiarities.” We were given hope that if we actively worked with Sasha, he would outgrow it. We went through many educators, but none could handle him. Eventually, we found a specialist in another city. Now things are easier; we don’t use medication, only vitamins. We work with a psychologist and a speech therapist. The sessions are challenging, as Sasha often ignores requests, throws tantrums, and is hard to keep seated at the table. At home, his younger sister helps him; he repeats after her and learns new games.

We attend a kindergarten with a speech therapy group. Sasha has no issues with socialization, but the teachers complain about his vocalizations—he doesn’t sleep and disturbs others. Therefore, we pick him up before nap time.

Our society doesn’t know how to react to “different” children. Parents often scold their kids on playgrounds instead of explaining why a particular child behaves differently. Such situations are morally painful because society limits the child’s right to be themselves.

I fully accept my son! It’s challenging and takes time. You need to let go of the previously imagined ideal image of your child and learn to love them anew—with all their peculiarities. Once you realize that the quirks that once frightened or irritated you now bring you joy, it will mark the beginning of a new life with your child!

Diagnosis: High Hip Dislocation, Right Leg Shortening by 10 Centimeters

Marina, mother of Polina, 11 years old

The diagnosis was given at birth. The first ultrasound at three months of pregnancy showed an excess of chromosomes, but other indicators suggested that all organs were healthy. The dislocation and shortening were not visible on the ultrasound. After birth, an MRI of the head was done on the second day—everything was normal. However, the child exhibits autistic traits to about 20%, let’s say, her own peculiarities. She speaks, studies, reads, solves problems, loves the English language, and has a developed musical ear. The only problem is socialization, but she improves every year!

I work as a teacher, so I managed to handle many of my daughter’s problems myself. I always say that my child is lucky in life because her mother is a teacher. There weren’t many difficulties; everything went smoothly. No medications were prescribed. I did physical therapy with my daughter myself, as in our small town, there are no physical therapy specialists or massage therapists who work with our specific condition.

My advice: the main thing is to accept your child as they are, without embarrassment or hiding the illness, so it will be easier for them to integrate into society. And, of course, seek treatment if possible.

For more information on inclusive disorders and support, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.