You think my child has ADHD.
In working with teachers and parents, the topic of ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) comes up often, revolving around the belief that a student has ADD due to a child’s inability to focus in school. Some parents become worried because in their experience these conversations immediately turn to medicating their child. First, it’s important to understand that a doctor needs to complete a diagnosis and would be responsible for any suggestion of medication. Anyone can recognize or observe some of the symptoms or tendencies of ADHD but cannot and should not diagnose. Secondly, the term ADD is outdated and has been replaced with three specific “types” of ADHD disorder.
Inattentive ADHD
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
Combined Type ADHD
Now, what does this all mean?
Typically, people with inattentive ADHD lose focus easily, are forgetful, and have difficulty listening. The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) states that a person would need to have 6 of the following symptoms present and causing a severe impact at school (or work). These symptoms can also lead to low self-esteem or shame. People can feel as though there is something wrong with them and they may feel stupid.
Lacks ability to give attention to details or makes careless mistakes
Frequently has difficulty sustaining attention
Appears to not listen when spoken to
Struggles to follow through on instructions and fails to complete projects
Struggles to organize tasks and activities
Frequently avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimulant
Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is often what most people think of when discussing ADHD. This is the most stereotypical of the three. It is far more common to also diagnose boys vs girls with this disorder. It is common for young boys who appear to be bouncing off the walls and interrupting others to be thought of as having hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Again to be diagnosed with this disorder a person would need at least 6 or more of the following symptoms:
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in their seats.
Leaves seat or designated area
Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Appears “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor.”
Talks excessively.
Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.
Has difficulty awaiting turn.
Interrupts or intrudes on others
So what would combined type ADHD be then? A person would need to have 6 or more of the symptoms from both of the categories of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Now how can we help these students? First, please don’t just go through the list of symptoms and diagnose your child. If you are concerned and believe your child constantly has these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor. Medication can be one strategy for treating the symptoms of ADHD.
Some other strategies include:
Parent training in behavior management
Behavioral interventions and support in the classroom
Adjusting diet and exercise
Peer interventions that focus on behavior and reinforcement of skills
Schedule breaks
Organizational skills training.
I strongly encourage parents to seek out a medical professional and ask questions. Track the behaviors you are seeing and ask for your child’s teacher to do the same. For the example scenario, a child returns from recess at 1:30 in the afternoon and is struggling to re-engage in learning and focus causing teacher frustration. It’s easy to try and categorize as ADHD, but implementing strategies to re-engage this student may be more helpful.
Check out: Tips for parents
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