Children with AD/HD may also have oppositional defiant disorder.
What are the signs of AD/HD? Many children have a hard time paying attention and following directions
once in awhile. Children with AD/HD have difficulty more often. Their behavior
causes regular problems. The symptoms of AD/HD are different for each subtype:
Inattentive subtype
Easily distracted.
Unable to pay attention to details, makes careless mistakes.
Difficulty following directions.
Loses or forgets things easily.
Hyperactive-impulsive subtype
Fidgeting.
Squirming.
Blurting out answers, interrupting.
Difficulty waiting.
Difficulty sitting still and being quiet when asked.
Combined subtype
Children with this subtype have symptoms from both the inattentive subtype
and the hyperactive-impulsive subtype. See two lists above.
How is AD/HD diagnosed?
A doctor diagnoses AD/HD with input from families, teachers, and others
involved with the child.
A child who has symptoms of AD/HD before the age of 7 may be considered
for a diagnosis of AD/HD.
Symptoms must be seen for at least 6 months.
The child's behavior must also have a bad effect on at least two areas of
the child's life (such as home, school, or friendships).
How is AD/HD treated? Each child is different, so treatment varies. Treatment may include:
Behavior Training
Behavior training helps the child realize what he should do in certain
situations and problems.
Behavior training also helps the child know what he can do to avoid
certain situations and problems.
This training can be very helpful when combined with other treatment.
Treating Other Problems
Your child may have other problems that contribute to the problems he
has with AD/HD.
Treating other problems (such as a learning disability) can improve
your child's AD/HD symptoms.
Medication
Not all children with AD/HD need medication.
Medications such as Ritalin and Dexedrine may be tried for a period
of time.
Your child should be watched closely to see if the medication works.
Tell your doctor about any changes in symptoms.
Sometimes, different kinds or different amounts of medication are tried
to find the combination that works best for your child.
Medications to treat behavior and attention may be more effective if
combined with behavior training.
What can parents and teachers do to help?
The child may be able to pay better attention sitting in the front of the
classroom.
Make instructions clear. Write them down instead of just saying them.
Focus on success. When the child does something good or decides not to do
something bad, he should be praised.
Teach the child how to solve problems. Practice what he can do and say when
he has a problem.
Help the child be organized. Teach him how to use checklists. Give him reminders
to keep him on the right track.
Help the child slow down. Encourage him to think before he answers a question.
Give the child feedback. Help him check his work before he has to turn it
in.
Make it clear to the child what is okay to do and say and what is not okay
to do and say. Follow through with fair consequences or praise.
Build the child's self-esteem. Avoid correcting him aloud in front of others.
Instead, use a hand signal to warn him he is not behaving well.
Help the child be an active-learner. Teach him how to take notes and underline
important ideas.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you think your child might have AD/HD, and you would
like him to be evaluated.
Quick Answers
AD/HD is a common childhood behavioral disorder.
It is not known what causes AD/HD.
Many children have a hard time paying attention and following directions
once in awhile. Children with AD/HD have difficulty more often.
A child who has symptoms of AD/HD before the age of 7 may be considered
for a diagnosis of AD/HD.
AD/HD can be treated with medication and behavior training.
Parents and teachers can do many things to help the child cope with AD/HD.
Call the doctor if you think your child might have AD/HD.
References
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Children Who
Can't Pay Attention/ADHD. 1997 (cited 2001 September 4). URL: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/noattent.html
American Medical Association. Understanding ADHD. Medem. 1999 (cited 2001
September 4). URL: http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZERA8VAC.shtml&soc=AM
Dowshen S M.D. and Robins P PhD. What is AD/HD. KidsHealth1999 December
(cited 2001 September 4). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=21612
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