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

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna

Child exhibits significant inattention across multiple domains with no significant hyperactivity or impulsivity. This is what used to be considered ADD.

Hyperactivity

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna

Child exhibits adequate attentional control; but has Hyperactivity and Impulsivity.

Combined

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna

The most common form of ADHD in which the child is inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive.

Population that has ADHD

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna

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

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • 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

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • 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

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • Difficulty following morning routines.
  • Increase in frequency of arguments with parents/siblings.
  • Difficulty completing homework and daily chores.
  • Messy/disorganized room.

School

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • Difficulty remaining seated in class.
  • Difficulty completing work in a timely fashion.
  • Difficulty organizing materials

Social

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • 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

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • Research indicates that pharmacological treatment is the treatment of choice for ADHD.
  • Focus is on improving attention and behavioral regulation.

Behavioral Therapy

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • 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

ADHD Inattentive - prayatna
  • 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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