ADD/ADHD

What is ADD/ADHD?

"Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood. You may know it by the name attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADD / ADHD makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech and attentiveness" (Helpguide.org).

How can we determine whether a child has ADD/ADHD?

May appear before the age of 7, and is often difficult to distinguish from "normal kid behavior." Therefore, it is important to have the child visit a mental health proffesional so that they can diagnose whether or not the child has ADD/ADHD, or if the child is possibly being affected by: major life events, learning disabilities, psychological problems, behavioral disorders, or medical conditions.

Which are the three primary characteristics?

• Inattentiveness
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity

It depends on which of these characteristics are predominant within the child in order to associate the degree level of ADD/ADHD in a child. For instance, a child may be:Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive, Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention, or Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD).

Symptoms of Inattentiveness:

• Doesn’t pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
• Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

Symptoms of hyperactivity:

• Constantly fidgets and squirms
• Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
• Moves around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately
• Talks excessively, has difficulty playing quietly
• Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor

Symptoms of Impulsivity:

• Blurts out answers without waiting to be called on hear the whole question
• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Often interrupts others
• Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games
• Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums

The Positive Affects of ADD/ADHD

Creativity- Child may day dream, and have ten different thoughts all at once can become a problem-solver, can have a flow of ideas, or can be an artist.

Flexibility- Don't conform to one option, and are open to alternatives, because they are always thinking about multiple things at once, which allow them to be more open to ideas.

Enthusiasm and Sponraneity- Rarely ever boring, have many interests, and lively personalities.

Energy and Drive- When motivated children are hard workers, and strive for success. May be difficult to distract them from tasks that they are interested in, especially if it is a hands on activity.

How do you diagnose ADD/ADHD?

Here is a criteria that may be followed to attempt a diagnosis:

Early onset – Symptoms must have been present before age 7.

Duration – A combination of symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months.

Settings – The symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as home, school, and other social settings.

Impact – The symptoms must have a negative impact on the individual’s school, family, and/or social life.

Developmental level - The symptoms are not due to the child’s normal developmental level.

Alternative explanation - The symptoms are not caused by another physical, mental or emotional disorder.

How can you help a child with ADD/ADHD?

If a child's symptoms are not treated this can lead to many problems. They may experience many frustrations due to their possible struggle focusing in school, inability to make friends, or often getting into trouble. Here are some parental tips that will help your child: "Children with ADHD need structure, consistency, clear communication, and rewards and consequences for their behavior. They also need lots of love, support, and encouragement" (Helpguide.org). 

 

Belmonte, J. (n.d.). ADD & ADHD in Children. Retrieved April 23, 2009, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm.