Resources for Parents
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
ADHD is one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders. Recent data indicates that up to 8 - 10% of school age children meet the necessary criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD ( Academy of Pediatrics, 2011).
Inattentive
Child exhibits significant inattention across multiple domains with no significant hyperactivity or impulsivity. This is what used to be considered ADD.
Hyperactivity
Child exhibits adequate attentional control; but has Hyperactivity and Impulsivity.
Combined
The most common form of ADHD in which the child is inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive.
Population that has ADHD
ADHD is more common in males than in females. According to community and pediatrician surveys, the rate between males and females is 2:1.
Inattention
- Often makes mistakes in schoolwork.
- Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to.
- Often does not follow through instructions and fails to finish schoolwork.
- Often has trouble organizing activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental efforts for a long period of time.
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools.)
- Is easily distracted.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity
- Fidgets and squirms when sitting still is expected.
- Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
- Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless)
- Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
- Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
- Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
- Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
- Often unable to keep powerful emotions on check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums.
How symptoms affect a child
at Home
- Difficulty following morning routines.
- Increase in frequency of arguments with parents/siblings.
- Difficulty completing homework and daily chores.
- Messy/disorganized room.
School
- Difficulty remaining seated in class.
- Difficulty completing work in a timely fashion.
- Difficulty organizing materials
Social
- Difficulty regulating behavior on the playground.
- Trouble interacting with peers.
- Difficulty waiting turns during games or in social conversations.
Treatment
Speech Therapy
- Assess child's speech, language and communication skills.
- Analyze the child's learning style and provide best support for facilitating learning.
- Design an individualized treatment plan tailored to child's specific language needs.
- Implement best strategies to support the child's listening, organizing, planning, social communication and study skills.
Occupational Therapy
- Focuses on improving sitting tolerance, focus, attention and concentration
- Aids in Self regulation
- Helps in task completion without distraction
- Enhances handwriting skills
- Activities for channelling out anger & aggression
Pharmacological
- Research indicates that pharmacological treatment is the treatment of choice for ADHD.
- Focus is on improving attention and behavioral regulation.
Behavioral Therapy
- Behavioral regulation strategies to improve the frequency and duration of positive, on-task behaviors.
- Establish a reinforcement schedule.
- Modify the environment to focus on the child's strengths and areas of concern.
Parent/Teacher
- Work with parents to establish realistic expectations regarding behavioural management and task completion.
- Help identify that the child struggles with attentional regulation and executive functioning in clinical terms.
- Simplify the schedules and establish a structure at home and stick to it.
- Teach the child on how to make friends and improve social skills.
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