2. What is ADHD?
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is
an ongoing behavior disorder typically diagnosed
at age five or six, although the symptoms have
usually been observed much earlier than this age.
The three key symptoms are:
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
3. These symptoms typically interfere with the child's functioning in
social and academic settings. To meet the diagnostic criteria, these
symptoms, exemplified must have been present for at least six
months.
5. Inattention Symptoms in ADHD
The child often fails to give attention to details, or makes careless
mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
6. Inattention Symptoms in ADHD
The child often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks
or play activities
8. Inattention Symptoms in ADHD
The child often does not follow through on instructions and fails to
finish schoolwork, chores, (not due to oppositional behavior or
failure to understand instructions).
9. Inattention Symptoms in ADHD
The child often has difficulty organizing tasks and
activities .
10. Inattention Symptoms in ADHD
The child often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage
in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as
schoolwork or homework).
11. Inattention Symptoms in ADHD
The child often loses things necessary for tasks or
activities (for example, toys, school
assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
21. Impulsivity Symptoms in ADHD
The child often blurts out answers before the questions
have been completed
22. Impulsivity Symptoms in ADHD
The child often experiences difficulty awaiting his or her
turn
23. Impulsivity Symptoms in ADHD
The child often interrupts or intrudes on others (for
example, butts into conversations or games).
24. Early recognition is key to treatment of ADHD
One can see why there is an age limitation on these
behaviors being defined as "abnormal," as the majority
of them are typical of much younger children. But in the
non-ADHD child, these behaviors are typically outgrown.
And, of course, there are a variety of other conditions in
which these symptoms occur other than ADHD. Your
doctor must carry out a very detailed evaluation before
the diagnosis of ADHD is made. But please don't delay! If
you or your child's teachers suspect ADHD, begin the
evaluation as soon as possible. Early recognition and
treatment of ADHD can improve your child's chances for
long-term social and academic success
25. While there is no proven way to prevent ADHD
itself, early identification and treatment can prevent
many of the problems associated with ADHD
26. Treatments
Limit distractions in the child’s environment
Provide one on one instruction with the teacher.
Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with
plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.