Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is one of the most common mental disorders among children.  Those who suffer from ADHD/ADD often experience the inability to sit still, plan ahead, finish tasks or be fully aware of what’s going on around them. To their family, classmates and coworkers, they may seem to exist in a whirlwind of disorganized activity.  Without appropriate prevention, intervention and support, these individuals are at risk for future adjustments including education and employment problems. 

Symptoms of ADHD/ADD
ADHD/ADD can only be identified by watching for specific behaviors that vary from person to person.  The most common behaviors fall into three categories:  inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Signs of Inattention:

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities

• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks

• Appears apathetic, unmotivated to complete tasks

• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

• Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort such as homework

• Losing or forgetting things like toys, or pencils, books, and tools needed for a task

• Easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds

• Forgetful in daily activities

• Appears “spacey,” preoccupied

Signs of Hyperactivity:

• Fidgets with hands and feet or squirms in seat

• Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

• Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate

• Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

• Often “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”

• Talks excessively

Signs of Impulsivity:

• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

• Has difficulty waiting in line or for a turn

• Interrupts or intrudes on others

Facts about ADHD/ADD

Affects 3 to 5 percent of all children

ADHD/ADD is 5 to 7 times more common in boys

Tends to run in families - has an association with a family history of alcoholism and/or depression

There is some suggestion clinically that asthma may be more prevalent in ADHD children.

ADHD/ADD children often show considerable artistic ability, but may have difficulty forming symbols (writing)

Evaluation and Treatment
Due to the complexity of ADHD/ADD and its potential effects on a child’s development, identifying and diagnosing the disorder is not simple.  Evaluators should use multiple sources of information to find out how the child functions in different areas of development including all three dimensions of ADHD/ADD (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity).  Parents, teachers and those with concerns and knowledge about the child should be involved in the assessment. Once the assessment has been completed, it is important to draw up a unique intervention plan designed especially for the child.  This may include a combination of classroom intervention, instructional strategies, environmental structuring, behavior management approaches, counseling and medication.

Helpful Tools for Parents
Parents of children with ADHD/ADD often have their patience tried due to frequent behavioral problems.  Positive behavior is sometimes taken for granted and ignored.  It is important for parents to reinforce positive behavior through the use of verbal praises, smiles and/or hugs.  It is also important for parents to set up boundaries and be consistent in working with their child’s misbehavior.  Here are some helpful tools for parents:

Enforce household rules consistently

Explain why some behaviors are acceptable and others are not

Include your child in family decision making

Have the right attitude – accept the fact that your child has ADHD

Use positive reinforcements

Use assertive communication – stand up for beliefs and express ideas to your child in a clear, direct manner

Use the time-out method

Give your child choices when possible

Use the “token” program.  Select target behaviors; make up a list of reinforcements; use proper enforcement

Not Just a Childhood Disorder
While ADHD/ADD does begin in childhood, it doesn’t always subside with age as once believed.  Persistent symptoms into adulthood are rarely tracked and therefore difficult to diagnose.  Adults with ADHD/ADD are said to be impatient, restless, moody and easily bored.  They often have difficulties setting priorities, managing their time, meeting appointments and keeping track of possessions.  They also tend to change jobs often and fail to achieve what they regard as their potential.  Many adults with ADHD/ADD symptoms are misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress or effects from drug abuse.  Proper diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD/ADD is important to the livelihood of the person.

Coping Strategies for Teens and Adults with ADHD/ADD

Seek proper treatment

When necessary, ask the teacher or supervisor to repeat instructions

Break large assignments into small, simple tasks

Keep a calendar or daily planner with a list of things you need to do that day.  Keep yourself on track

Work in a quiet area - give yourself short breaks

Create a routine - get yourself ready for school or work at the same time and in the same way everyday

Exercise, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep