Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behaviour disorder. It has been known about for a long time. Not everyone with ADHD will have the ‘hyperactivity’ part of this disorder.

In 2010, research in The Lancet concluded that ADHD was a *neurological condition.

As with other problems mentioned on this site, there are different degrees of severity. A large proportion of children with ADHD display features of dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.

A child who can’t concentrate moves around frequently, has poor school performance (in contrast with his intelligence) and has disruptive behaviour may have ADHD. There is evidence to suggest that children with this problem could eventually be expelled from school.

At times all children may be overactive and inattentive, but hyperactive children are disruptive nearly all the time. ADHD is thought to affect between 3% and 5% of the school-age population. Some evidence exists to show that like, dyslexia and dyspraxia, some 90% of suffers are boys.

People with ADHD appear to be intensely restless and impulsive – if they think about it, they sometimes do it with disastrous results! They have a hard time focusing on things and get bored after just a few minutes. They often find it difficult paying attention for the shortest possible time, thereby causing problems with organisation and completing routine tasks.

You do not grow out of ADHD, but you do learn to modify your behaviour.

*neurological condition

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehaviour disorder. It has been known about for a long time. It has undergone several name changes, one time being known as; ‘hyperkinesias’ (Latin derivative for ‘super active’), hyperactivity, and, latterly, ADHD. Not everyone with ADHD will have the ‘hyperactivity’ part of this disorder.

As with other problems mentioned on this site, there are different degrees of severity. A large proportion of children with ADHD display features of dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.

Definition of ADHD

*Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by a combination of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. More than half the children diagnosed with ADHD continue to have symptoms during their adolescent years and into adulthood.

*Psychology Today

Indicators of ADHD in Infants
* Age Range approximately three to five years

If a child has several of these indicators, further investigations should be made. Likewise, if these issues continue beyond the time that the average child has grown out of them, they may indicate ADHD, and advice should be sought.

For ease of reading, he should be transposed for her when appropriate.

• Often distressed.
• Extreme restlessness.
• Poor sleep patterns.
• Difficult to feed.
• Excessive thirst.
• Constant thirst.
• Dry skin.

Frequent tantrums:

• Kicking.
• Screaming.
• Headbanging.
• Rocking the cot excessively.

Early Diagnosis is the key to success!

The earlier ADHD is diagnosed, the easier it is to ensure the child receives the correct support at home and school. Although there is no cure for ADHD, research has shown the problems can be alleviated with the proper support.

Please bear in mind that children vary tremendously at this age. An Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapist (OT) and some other specialists can diagnose someone with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

This is a guide only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.

If you are concerned about your child, you should seek professional advice as early as possible.

©Maria Chivers  Jan 2018
www.dyslexiaa2z.com

Indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

* Age Range approximately seven years

The signs below may indicate a child has ADHD– they do not need to have all of these problems. However, if these problems continue beyond the time that their peers have grown out of them, they may indicate ADHD, and advice should be sought.

• Fearless and impulsive.
• Does not stop to think.
• Takes undue risks.
• Dashes around.
• May run out into roads.
• Erratic behaviour.
• Accident-prone.
• Increased activity – always on the go.
• Compulsive touching everything and everyone.
• Clumsy.
• Talks incessantly.
• Allergies.
• Sleep and appetite problems continue.

Poor co-ordination:

• Tying laces.
• Dressing.
• Handwriting.
• Ball games.
• Lack of self-esteem.
• Problems with making friends.
• Impatience so they will not take turns in games.
• Demands must be met immediately.
• May hit out and grab things.

Inflexible personality:

• • Un-cooperative.
  • Defiant.
  • Disobedient.

In a more formal setting, i.e. classroom etc., teachers (as well as seeing the above-mentioned behaviour), may notice problems with:

• Poor concentration and brief attention span.
• Sitting through lessons is almost impossible.
• Fidgets constantly.
• Constantly moving feet, hands etc.
• Taps pens, pencils, books etc.
• Roams around the classroom.
• Cannot take turns.
• May blurt out answers to questions.
  Speak entirely inappropriately out of turn.
• Weak short-term memory.
• Normal or high IQ but under-performs at school.

Early Diagnosis is the key to success!

The earlier ADHD is diagnosed, the easier it is to ensure the child receives the correct support at home and school. Although there is no cure for dysgraphia, research has shown the problems can be alleviated with the proper tuition.

Please bear in mind that children vary tremendously at this age. An Educational Psychologist and some other specialists can diagnose someone with Dysgraphia.

This is a guide only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.

If you are concerned about your child, you should seek professional advice as early as possible.

©Maria Chivers Jan 2018
www.dyslexiaa2z.com

ADHD & Medication (Ritalin)

Each year, millions of children are diagnosed with ADD / ADHD, and often, as a last resort, these children are put on Ritalin.

A study reveals that Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the French maritime pine tree’s bark, reduces ADHD in children. This research shows Pycnogenol balances stress hormones, which lowers adrenaline and dopamine, resulting in a decrease in ADHD.

Hyperactivity Children’s Support Group (HACSG) 
One of the longest established support group.  Mrs Bundy, the Hyperactivity Children’s Support Group (HACSG) chairperson, has personal experience with this problem within her family. She has worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to raise awareness of ADHD/ADD. For help and advice on ADHD, contact their excellent website.
www.hacsg.org.uk

‘ADDIS’ 
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service’.
www.addiss.org.uk

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