Throughout the school year, concerns regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are often raised.  If you have any concerns, raise them with your pediatrician during physicals, or call our office to determine if an assessment may be appropriate for your child. Keep in mind that most people have difficulties with attention and concentration from time to time. It is a consistent pattern of struggles that may suggest an attentional difficulty. Below you can find a brief overview of ADHD history, symptoms, and recommended treatment interventions:

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by:

• Problems paying attention
• Excessive activity
• Difficulty controlling behavior

As of 2015, it is estimated that 51.1 million people worldwide have ADHD.

ADHD is diagnosed approximately three times more often in boys than in girls.

30-50% of people diagnosed in childhood continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.

History of ADHD

• In the late 1800s-mid-1900s, difficulties with impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity were not on the public radar.
• In the 1960s-1970s, education and medical professionals in the U.S. recognized learning disabilities for the first time which would later be captured by the more contemporary ADHD diagnosis.
• During the 1980s-1990s, better understanding, treatment and support of attention issues was explored. Many mental health professionals believed and continue to believe that ADHD was and is currently being over-diagnosed.
• From 2000-present day, awareness and support has increased. Federal laws more clearly define special education services, and give parents more rights. Through the development of neurosciences, more and more knowledge has been acquired on how to best aid children with an ADHD diagnosis

ADHD Criteria

In order to meet criteria for diagnosis, symptoms:

• Begin by age 6-12
• Are present for more than 6 months
• Are present in at least two settings

Common symptoms observed in children include:

• Very talkative, often to the point that one needs to ask the child to stop speaking
• Difficulty waiting one’s turn (speaking before called on, rushing to the front of the line, frequently moves about while waiting in line)
• Difficulty sitting still; either fidgeting or consistently getting out of seat and moving around
• Fails to pay attention to detail or makes careless mistakes when completing schoolwork
• Often fails to follow through on instructions or does not finish schoolwork
• Forgets multiple-step directions. May remember the first step and then become distracted and fail to finish the task
• Frequently loses things necessary for school (books or assignments)
• May report listening to teacher and then recognizing that time has passed and realizing they do not know what the teacher is talking about
• Often appears to be daydreaming, or confused and in a fog
• Easily distracted by noises, peers, or other outside influences
• Avoids starting tasks that one knows will require much time and focus
• May be able to pay attention to tasks which are enjoyable, such as TV or video games, but experiences real difficulty focusing on reading or schoolwork

Treatment for ADHD- Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy can be beneficial in aiding children who struggle with ADHD to open up about their difficulties, thus allowing opportunities for intervention. Interventions can include, but are not limited to:

• Support groups
• Parenting skills training
• Social skills training
• Processing internal experiences

Treatment for ADHD- Medication:

Physicians and psychiatrists may prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medication as a way of helping to manage a child’s behavioral and attentional difficulties.

Treatment for ADHD- at School:

You may consider an IEP/504 Plan to support your child. These plans can adjust your child’s workload, how material is taught, and add helpful adjustments throughout their day.

Treatment for ADHD- at Home:

Support your child, family and self through:

• Understanding the diagnosis
• Help with homework completion
• Help with self-regulation routines

 

Book Recommendation:

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF LIFE WITH ADD AND ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors, 2nd ed. by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy & Alex Zeigler
“A Bird’s-Eye View was written expressly for teenagers, preteens, and young adults by teenagers and a young adult who are struggling with ADD or ADHD. This survival guide for teens, preteens, and young adults offers factual information and practical advice in words and examples that young people can easily understand and put into practice. Written with humor and compassion, A Bird’s Eye View offers down-to-earth tips for coping with a variety of issues: disorganization, forgetfulness, always being late, sleep problems, memorization, procrastination, restlessness, medication, writing essays, and algebra.”

 

Only Neuropsychologists and Clinical Psychologist are trained to administer, score, and interpret assessments in order to diagnose a condition such as ADHD. If you believe you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, please reach out to us to set-up an Intake Appointment where we can briefly evaluate your suitability for a Neuropsychological Assessment.