ADHD
ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
This is a treatable condition, however, it is not curable.
It is the neuro-developmental disorder which means that there was a problem related to brain development.
ADHD is the inability to control their behaviour in an age appropriate way. ADHD causes a person to be impulsive, hyperactive and has attention difficulties.
ADHD statistics show that it affects approximately 1 in 20 children.
Only about ¼ of children who have been diagnosed take specific medication.
This can be largely due to better analysis and treatment methods available today.
Statistically young boys are almost 3 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls but this is because generally girls are diagnosed with ADD (the type without the hyperactivity) which is the more inattentive type such as the daydreaming type.
Early signs of ADHD
- Being disorganised
- Always losing or misplacing things
- Constant fidgeting
- Rarely sitting still
- Racing from one activity to another
- Being easily distracted
- Regularly interrupting other kids play
- Talking incessantly
- Constant hyperactivity
- Constant interrupting
- Being impulsive
- Not listening
- Making the same mistakes repeatedly
- Not understanding consequences
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD is not as easy as it may seem.
It is often difficult to determine if they need to be assessed as it may be dismissed as simply boisterous and energetic. It may meet the diagnostic criteria just for being a boy for example but a critical element of the diagnosis is that the symptoms are far beyond the normal spectrum of behaviour.
Another factor that makes diagnosis difficult is that the same symptoms can be mistaken for a variety of other disorders such as defiant behaviour disorders or autism spectrum disorders to name a few.
If you have concerns that your child may have ADHD then you would see a child psychologist or pediatrician. These professionals are the only ones who can definitively diagnose ADHD.
A good tip is to have a diary where you can record your child’s behaviour and it can show trigger times or certain behaviour patterns. It also can help jog your memory as you are trying to recall everything you want to say and/or ask.
Strategies that may be recommended
- Specialized help with reading, writing, spelling and comprehension in school
- Occupational therapy
- Medication
- Behavioural support services
- Respite services
