Lizélda de Bruin-de Villiers Speech Therapy

Lizélda de Bruin-de Villiers Speech Therapy Pediatric Speech Therapy Practice

10/04/2026
We are resuming operations. Grateful for a serene Easter break. Ready steady speech therapy!
07/04/2026

We are resuming operations.
Grateful for a serene Easter break.

Ready steady speech therapy!

06/04/2026
02/04/2026
01/04/2026
24/03/2026
17/03/2026

🧠 ADHD in Children: Why Medication Can Help

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children.
Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood.

Many parents worry that medication will “change their child” or make them feel sedated.

In reality, the goal of treatment is the exact opposite, to help children be the best version of themselves.

🧠What happens in the ADHD brain?

ADHD is not a discipline problem.
It is related to how certain parts of the brain regulate attention, impulse control, and activity levels.

Children with ADHD often have differences in the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which help the brain manage focus, motivation, and self-control.

This is why children with ADHD may struggle to:

• Stay focused
• Sit still for long periods
• Control impulses
• Organise tasks
• Complete work they know they are capable of doing

💊Why medication can help

ADHD medication works by improving the communication between brain cells in areas responsible for attention and self-regulation.

When medication is working well, parents often notice that children:

• Can focus better in class
• Complete tasks more easily
• Feel less overwhelmed
• Control impulses better
• Experience fewer emotional outbursts

Importantly, medication does not give children new abilities, it helps them access the abilities they already have.

Many children describe it as:
"My brain feels quieter."

💊 What medication does NOT do

ADHD medication does not:

• Change your child’s personality
• Make children “zombies”
• Replace good parenting or structure

Medication is only one part of treatment, together with:

• School support
• Structure and routine
• Behaviour strategies
• Emotional support

💊Why early treatment matters

Untreated ADHD can affect:

• School performance
• Self-esteem
• Social relationships
• Emotional regulation

When treated properly, many children with ADHD thrive academically and socially.

In fact, many successful entrepreneurs, athletes and innovators have ADHD.

💊The goal of treatment

The goal is not to create a “perfect child”.

The goal is to reduce the daily struggles that prevent a child from reaching their potential.

🤍 Every child is different, and treatment decisions are always made together with parents.

The most important thing is understanding that ADHD is a real neurological condition — and effective help is available.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

23/02/2026
04/02/2026
My tribe! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
04/02/2026

My tribe! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

We are back! Grateful for a rejuvenating spring holiday. Had a fantastic experience with my loved ones, including my chi...
13/10/2025

We are back! Grateful for a rejuvenating spring holiday. Had a fantastic experience with my loved ones, including my children, husband, family and friends. Ready to start the 4th term.

02/10/2025

Address

26 Marloth Street
Mbombela
1200

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lizélda de Bruin-de Villiers Speech Therapy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Lizélda de Bruin-de Villiers Speech Therapy:

Share

Speech Therapist

“A career in speech, language and hearing therapy challenges you to use your intellect (the talents of your mind) in combination with your humanity (the gifts in your heart) to do meaningful work that feeds your soul…I am proud to be a member of what I consider to be the best profession on earth.”- Megan Hodge.

This quote is a summary of all my favorite things in life. I am passionate about communication. It’s by far my favorite thing to do! But what happens when your whole world changes or your communication potential is only a smile? As a speech therapist I believe that it’s my job to help every patient develop their fullest potential. That’s why I emphasize the fact that a speech therapist greatest benefit is her personality.

I am a farm girl originally from a small town, Koppies, in the Free state. I’ve studied at Stellenbosch University and received a B-Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy degree. I did my community service year at Dihlabeng hospital in Bethlehem where I had the privilege of working with children with a wide variety of disorders. In 2014 I became a lowvelder and provide my services at Flying Colours and as well as local schools. I received my Hearing Aid Acoustician diploma from University of Pretoria at the end of 2015. I’ve also registered with the PROMPT institute in 2015. I’ve completed the introduction and bridging level in 2016. Due to my love for autistic children I’ve completed the introduction level of Floortime. What an amazing tool to follow the child’s lead and to achieve therapy goals through play.

On 29 October 2016 I got married to local journalist Stefan de Villiers. At the end of 2018 we received our biggest blessing. Our little boy, Viljee, was born on 11 December 2018. We have a beautiful pug, Nina. She is the best doggy friend.