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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD: ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER:
WHAT IS ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) describes children who display persistent age-inappropriate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are sufficient to cause impairment in major life activities.
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
A-INATTENTION, THE CHILD:
- Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
- Often has trouble organizing activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities
- Is often easily distracted.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
B-HYPERACTIVITY, THE CHILD:
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate
- Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
- Often talks excessively.
C- IMPULSIVITY, THE CHILD:
- Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
- Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
SUBTYPES
PREDOMINANTLY INATTENTIVE TYPE:
Children who only meet the criteria for inattention lie under this category.
PREDOMINANTLY HYPERACTIVE-IMPULSIVE TYPE:
Children who only meet the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity lie under this category.
COMBINED TYPE:
Children who meet the criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity lie under this category.
Children with ADHD usually have academic problems that can be associated with receptive language difficulties; particularly in those areas related to listening comprehension and following oral instructions.