Developmental Concerns

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- FAQs and treatment.

Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 describes ADHD as –

Having 6 out of 9 criteria in the inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity domain.
It has to be present for more than 6 months, in 2 settings (school, home).
Should be present before 12 years age.
Should affect functioning -social, academic and occupational.
It should be caused by any other medical conditions -which has will be checked by your doctor (which we will discuss in in the next section).

Inattention

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g- leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate. (Note: In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless).
Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.Is often "on the go"acting as if "driven by a motor"
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes people's sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation).
Often has trouble waiting his/her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people's things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years in two or more settings.

Six (or more) of the following symptoms-

Have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree.
that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities.
The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at getchildgoing@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

All inattention and hyperactivity is not ADHD?

To name a few

Inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity can be due to eye problem or child is not understanding (learning problem ) or could be first time English learners.

Your doctor will look for all these treatable causes and come to a diagnosis.

How is it diagnosed?

History, clinical examination.

Parents /teacher questionnaire.

Psychological tests may be asked.

What causes ADHD?

Genetics, structure in the brain is still not mature (frontal brain), reduced chemical subset in the brain (dopamine ) , executive function deficit (difficulty to plan , organise and stay on task , delay gratification, time management and maintain attention).

Is it treatable?

Yes. For younger kids – behaviour management is mainstay. For older kids in addition to this, medications may be suggested. ADHD is one of the most treatable conditions .

What is behaviour management?

ADHD children have difficulty in organising, planning and doing things. Behaviour management involves parents, school and friends helping them to plan, stay organised and finish the task (environment modification).

Are medications safe?

Yes. They help to correct the low dopamine levels and ensure better functioning of the frontal brain.

There are certain side effects which happen like poor appetite , sleep -to name a few.These side effects will be monitored and usually settle with time.

Depending on the medication used, doctors will explain about the side effects in detail.

How long are medications given?

Depending upon the improvement and condition- medications may be tapered and stopped. Not a one size fits all approach.

What are the other conditions associated with ADHD?

They can have learning problems. Others being- oppositional, low mood, fearful, poor co ordination- appears clumsy. Will be checked by your doctor and appropriate measures will be suggested.

What can we do as parents?

1. Maintaining a daily schedule, keeping a structure and having consistency helps. Example- regular sleep time.

2. Use charts and checklists (to describe sequence, visual timers, sticky notes) to help the child stay focused. Example- start chart to motivate, after certain amount of stars are received exchange for a reward.

3. Minimise distractions. Example- turn off tv/ background noise.

4. Limit choices- Have the place organised for the task. Example- keep the school books, stationary organised before home work.

6. Setting small goals. When these small goals are achieved it motivates them to do better. Example- break the task you want to teach, have small end points and reward them -praise, hug, encourage.

7. Rewarding positive behavior is so important. All of us like to be praised, isn’t it? same for the child. Appreciate proportionally to the task performed.

8. Do not reinforce of negative behaviours. Example- give attention to them screaming, hitting or complying to something when they show bad behaviour. Instead teach the expected behaviour (model the correct behaviour for them).

9. Encourage sports/extracurricular activities they like. Channelise the extra energy towards things outdoor games, yoga, music or dance etc.

At school too liaise with the teachers. Classroom has to be modified and accommodations done-

1. Written instructions on the board.

2. Seated near the teacher.

3. Extra time to complete tasks.

4. Minimise distraction when attention /focusing on a task is needed.

5. Cue from the teacher/friend to stay focused when child is distracted.

What is ADHD?

Inattention

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Video

Related topics

Autism

Learning Disorder

Preterm Concerns

Behaviour Concerns