Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) refer to a range of behaviour problems associated with poor attention span. These may include impulsiveness, restlessness and hyperactivity, as well as inattentiveness, and often prevent children from learning and socialising well. ADHD is sometimes referred to as Hyperkinetic Disorder. Approximately 2% of the population suffer from ADHD.


Symptoms

The relevant symptoms can be very widespread and we have attempted to list the key symptoms below. Remember that it is important to realise that these symptoms must occur regularly over a period of time and be considered unusual in your child in order for ADHD to be considered.


Attention Difficulties

A child must exhibit six or more of the following symptoms;

- Seems not to listen to what is said directly to them.
- Fails to pay close attention to detail.
- Forgetful over the course of a day.
- Easily Distracted.
- Disorganised about tasks and activities.
- Unable to sustain attention during play activities.
- Avoids any tasks that require a sustained level of concentration.
- Makes careless errors repeatedly.
- Fails to follow through to the end on activities.
- Often loses personal items.


Hyperactivity

A child must exhibit three or more of the following symptoms; 

- Runs around or excessively climbs over things. 
- Finds it almost impossible to take part in quieter activities such as drawing or colouring.
- Fidgets constantly.
- Makes unexpected moves. ie. If expected to sit down in Assembly, the child will stand up and
  move around.
- Makes unnecessary noise when playing.


Impulsivity

A child must exhibit one or more of the following symptoms;

- Interrupts other children's' games and conversations.
- Fails to wait patiently for their turn in a game or queue.
- Shouts out answers to questions before the question is finished.
- Talks excessively almost without control.

To consider ADHD as a serious diagnosis, your child must demonstrate the behavioural problems listed above in more than one setting. ie. At home and at school.


What to Do

There is a range of treatments available for ADHD. Obviously your doctor is the first step for you and they should be able to recommend a specialist.

In addition you can also help by using certain methods to focus your child's energies;

- Create a daily routine for the child from breakfast to bed time and try and ensure they follow it.
- Remove distractions away from the child in question.
- Use rewards to encourage your child to follow instructions and behave better.
- Communicate with the child one on one wherever possible.
- Plan exercise that will extend the child's concentration span over a period of time.
- Be more specific in your instructions. ie. Don't ask them to behave in their room, ask them to play with their Action Man in their room.
- Set up some rules with sanctions if they are broken. eg. no TV, etc..
- You should discuss any programme of this nature with any relevant parties at school.