Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circum...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.
Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood.
Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.
The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.
People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.
Getting help
Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.
But you should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP if you think their behaviour may be different from most children their age.
It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.
What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families.
Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.
Other factors suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include:
being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
having a low birthweight
smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy
ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it's more common in people with learning difficulties.
How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is treated
For children with ADHD, although there's no cure, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.
For adults with ADHD, medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.
Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Parents of children with ADHD
Looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it's important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.
Some day-to-day activities might be more difficult for you and your child, including:
getting your child to sleep at night
getting ready for school on time
listening to and carrying out instructions
being organised
social occasions
shopping
Adults with ADHD
Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with:
organisation and time management
following instructions
focusing and completing tasks
coping with stress
feeling restless or impatient
impulsiveness and risk
DEFINITION ADHD refers to a pattern of behavior that encompasses inattention, over activity, and impulsive behavior that occurs across a variety of situations and lead to functional impairment.
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive Difficulty controlling behavior ,with an increase risk for serious aggressive or oppositional behavior and anti-social conduct. Fidget and excessively restless. Blurt out comments that are inappropriate and often do not think before they act. Diagnosed if six or more symptoms of hyperactivity persisted for more than six months. https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/adhd-hyperactive-impulsive-symptoms
Predominantly Inattentive Difficulty paying attention. Struggles to concentrate and complete tasks forget full and easily distracted. Poor organization skills , lethargic ,sluggish ,shy ,anxious or constantly daydreaming. Most often diagnosed in adolescent girls, and is diagnosed if six or more symptoms of inattention have persisted for more than six months . https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd-infographics/adhd-inattentive-type
Combined type Combine symptoms of either two forms of ADHD. The most common form. Diagnosed in boys of elementary-school age. Diagnosed when six or more symptoms associated with each of the two major forms of ADHD are present. https://southcountychildandfamily.com/resources/attention-deficit-disorders/adhd-hyperactive-2/
Interventions Evidence based treatment include two categories ; Pharmacological intervention Behaviorally based psychosocial intervention. Physical exercise https://courses.drflett.com/understanding-the-link-between-adhd-and-developmental-coordination-disorder-a-guide-for-parents/
Pharmacological intervention Pharmacological interventions include : Stimulants Non-stimulants Stimulants are best studied medicine for ADHD. These medicines improve attention span, self-control, behavior, fine motor control and social functioning. Medication is a tool, not a cure. And it is most effective when combined with other treatments that address emotional and behavioral issues. https://www.drchadtodhunter.com.au/pharmacological.html
Behavioral based psychosocial intervention Behavioral therapy, also known as behavior modification. Behavior therapy involves reinforcing desired behaviors through : rewards and praise and decreasing problem behaviors by setting limits and consequences. https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/resource-guide-for-mental-health-professionals For example, one intervention might be that a teacher rewards a child who has ADHD for taking small steps toward raising a hand before talking in class, even if the child still blurts out a comment. The theory is that rewarding the struggle toward change encourages the full new behavior It includes Parent’s management School based contingency management.
School based contingency Be informed about ADHD and how it affects your child. Be upfront about your child's ADHD Don't overestimate the "power" of medications. Learn methods of effective discipline. Work with your child's teacher(s). Help provide structure at home for your child. Create an effective rewards system at home. Seek out good, professional help. Do connect with other parents. Remember to take good care of yourself. https://www.learningsuccessblog.com/adhd-tips-parents-infograph
Many school-based interventions have been developed for students with AD/HD to help them improve their academic and social skills. Among the most researched interventions are: Contingency management—This approach combines positive reinforcement for desired behaviors with punishment to reduce unwanted behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral—This approach develops student-centered self-control skills and reflective problem-solving strategies that help the student monitor his or her own behavior. Academic interventions—This approach focuses on the ways in which subject matter is introduced or taught and on the instructional materials that are used. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=dVXX-6O5NMY
Set specific goals . Set clear goals for your child such as staying focused on homework for a certain time or sharing toys with friends. Provide rewards and consequences. Give your child a specified reward (positive reinforcement) when he or she shows the desired behavior. Give your child a consequence (unwanted result or punishment) when he or she fails to meet a goal. Keep using the rewards and consequences . Using the rewards and consequences consistently for a long time will shape your child's behavior in a positive way. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are three basic principles to any behavior therapy approach:
Social Skills Training Because kids with attention deficit disorder often have difficulty with simple social interactions and struggle with low self-esteem, another type of treatment that can help is social skills training. Normally conducted in a group setting, social skills training is led by a therapist who demonstrates appropriate behaviors and then has the children practice repeating them. A social skills group teaches children how to “read” others’ reactions and how to behave more acceptably. The social skills group should also work on transferring these new skills to the real world. https://www.learningsuccessblog.com/adhd-tips-parents-infograph
ADHD and Exercise
Simple physical exercises Relaxation i.e. positive imagery exercises Running Swimming Walking Rowing Jumping Rope Dancing Aerobic exercises help to boost neurotransmitter production, help increase new cell growth the brain and can improve executive function. Some examples of aerobic exercises are: https://www.parents.com/exercises-for-kids-8642585
Brain exercises Mind-body integration Cross-word puzzles and picture puzzles Memory and concentration games Computer games meditations https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/755971487468644748/
Complex physical and mental exercise Complex exercises that use both physical activity and require a skill help to improve the formation of synaptic networks in the brain. These types of activities include Rock climbing Martial arts https://tenor.com/search/kids-karate-gif-gifs
Strategies for exercise Make strategies for exercise ; Mode Intensity Frequency Duration Make short term goals Long term goals (depending upon the severity) Make your goals measurable and realistic cause every child is different https://wyattthewonderdog.com/tag/children-and-goal-setting/
Tips for supporting your Childs treatment Consistency is key In order to encourage positive change in all settings, children with ADD / ADHD need consistency. It is important that parents of children with ADD / ADHD learn how to apply behavioral therapy techniques at home. Children with ADD/ADHD are more likely to succeed in completing tasks when the tasks occur in predictable patterns and in predictable places, so that they know what to expect and what they are supposed to do. Follow a routine. It is important to set a time and a place for everything to help a child with ADD/ADHD understand and meet expectations. Establish simple and predictable rituals for meals, homework, play, and bed.
Tips for supporting your Childs treatment Cont …. Use clocks and timers. Consider placing clocks throughout the house, with a big one in your child’s bedroom. Allow plenty of time for what your child needs to do, such as homework or getting ready in the morning. Simplify your child’s schedule . Avoiding idle time is a good idea, but a child with ADD/ADHD may become even more distracted and “wound up” if there are too many after-school activities. Create a quiet place. Make sure your child has a quiet, private space of his or her own. A porch or bedroom can work well too—as long as it’s not the same place as the child goes for a time-out. Set an example for good organization. Set up your home in an organized way. Make sure your child knows that everything has its place. Role model neatness and organization as much as possible.