2. ADHD – Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
- Common behavioral disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity.
- Estimated that 8% to 10% of children are affected by this disorder.
3. ADHD
- Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be
diagnosed with ADHD, it is not yet understood why.
- Girls with ADHD may be more likely to be inattentive than
hyperactive or impulsive. That may mean they are more
likely to be under diagnosed with the disorder.
- If you suspect that a child may have ADHD, it's important
to understand the different forms it may take.
4. Three Categories of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Type
- Person finds it very difficult to organize or finish a task.
- They find it hard to pay attention to details
- Find it difficult to follow instructions or conversations
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Person finds it hard to keep still.
- They fidget and talk a lot.
- A smaller child may be continually jumping, running or climbing.
- They are restless and impulsive - interrupting
others, grabbing things and speaking at inappropriate times.
- They have difficulty waiting their turn and find it hard to listen to
directions.
- A person with this type of ADHD will have more injuries and/or
accidents than others
Combined Type
- A person whose symptoms include all those of the first two
5. Signs of ADHD in Preschool Aged Children
Signs of ADHD are noticeable as early as 2 or 3 years of age.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GIx-
JYdLZs&feature=related
Signs/Symptoms of Inattention Include:
Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in
schoolwork or other activities
Often has trouble sustaining attention during tasks or play
Seems not to listen even when spoken to directly
Has difficulty following through on instructions and often fails to finish
schoolwork, chores or other tasks
Often has problems organizing tasks or activities
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or
homework
Frequently loses needed items, such as books, pencils, toys or tools
Can be easily distracted
Often forgetful
6. Signs/Symptoms of Hyperactivity Include:
Fidgets or squirms frequently
Often leaves his or her seat in the classroom or in other situations when remaining
seated is expected
Often runs or climbs excessively when it's not appropriate or, if an adolescent,
might constantly feel restless
Frequently has difficulty playing quietly
Always seems on the go
Talks excessively
Blurts out the answers before questions have been completely asked
Frequently has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
Often interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games
If you identify any signs or symptoms of ADHD in a child make sure to bring them
to a pediatrician so they can rule out any other causes before diagnosing the
child with ADHD.
7. Treatment of ADHD
- Currently there is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatment
options available to help reduce the symptoms caused by ADHD.
- ADHD can be treated using medication or therapy, but it is widely
agreed a combination of both is the best way to treat it.
8. Medications used to treat ADHD include:
Dexamfetamine
Atomoxetine
Methylphenidate
Medications help someone who has ADHD to:
Concentrate better
Be less impulsive
Feel calmer
Learn and practise new skills
9. Alternative Treatment Options:
Behavior Therapy for ADHD
Behavior therapy can include:
- Behavioral interventions,
- Social skills training,
- Parenting skills training.
In addition you can help improve your child's behavior by:
- Setting and enforcing rules,
- Maintaining a consistent schedule
- Organizing everyday items such as clothing and school supplies
Physical exercise can significantly improve ADHD symptoms
20-Minute exercise sessions can significantly improve focus in children with
ADHD, according to researchers from Michigan State University reported in the Journal of
Pediatrics, October 2012 issue.
