ADHD is generally considered to be a neurobiological disorder. Researchers believe that the symptoms of ADHD are caused by chemicals in the brain not working properly. It is characterised by the inability to sustain focused attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
There are 3 types, based on the latest diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-IV :
- ADHD with the combined characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention
- ADHD with inattention as the primary characteristic
- ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity as primary characteristics
The first and third types are most often and easily identified because these children tend to have symptoms that are highly noticeable. These are the ADHD children who are loud, always on the go, take risks, engage in dangerous behavior, and talk back to adults. The second group, which is often where females are placed, are the quiet daydreamers. They lose personal belongings, can't work alone, don't finish tasks, and are often lost in their own thoughts.
ADHD/ADD is usually diagnosed when the child is at the age of 6-10 years old, although some children may be diagnosed earlier or later. About 3% of the student population have ADHD/ADD. This means that there are likely to be 1 or 2 ADHD child(ren) in each class of 40 students. Boys are 4-6 times more likely than girls to have ADHD/ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Children with ADD are like those with ADHD, except that they do not exist much of the hyperactivity symptoms.
List of problems typically faced by ADHD children :
Inattentive
- Difficulty following through on instructions and in organizing tasks
- Failing to give close attention and avoiding careless mistakes
- Difficulty in listening to others or focusing on required work without being distracted or interrupting
- Losing things necessary for tasks or activities
- Difficulty in getting work done in class and completing homework
- Avoid tasks that require substained mental effort
- Forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactive
- Cannot sit still, walk around in class, cannot stay seated to complete one meal
- Like a walking tornado - creating a mess wherever he goes
- Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in their seat
- Difficulty remaining seated when required to do so
- Has difficulty in playing quietly / talk excessively
- Disrupting the class
Impulsive
- Difficulty in waiting for turn in tasks, games or group situations; Wants things now
- Blurting out answers to questions before questions have been completed
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others
Other list of problems encountered with a ADHD/ADD child include :
- Sloppy / illegible handwriting
- Getting into fights with peers
- Low self-esteem
- Aggressive / immature
Causes of ADHD/AD :
No one is certain what the key causes of ADHD/ADD are. Possible causes include :
- Genetic disposition - e.g. strong right-brainedness or creativity but poor left-brainedness for detailed analytical skills
- Partial brain damage during gestation
- Lack of necessary chemicals in the brain for normal brain functioning
- Dietary causes / Allergy problems
- Other learning disabilities that makes the child lose interest or motivation
Parenting style is not the cause for the mis-behavior of the ADHD/ADD child although good parenting style can help ADHD/ADD child behaves better.
Strength of ADHD children :
Children with ADHD / ADD are usually creative and daring. Other strengths of the ADHD /ADD child may include :
- Good at maths
- Read well
- Artistic
- Good gross motor skill
- Good computer skills
- Good memory
- Helpful
- Kind to others
- Loves outdoor activities
- Good with animals
- Variety of interests, etc
10 tips for "surviving" your ADHD/ADD child :
- Have realistic expectations on what your can or cannot do
- Have routines that helps the child get his work done
- Simplify your life - your ADHD/ADD child needs more of your time, energy and attention than other normal child
- Accept your child's situation and focus on his strengths and interests
- Be fair, firm and consistent with your discipline
- Teach incompetent behavior and punish rebellious behavior - need to know / distingush the difference between incompetent or rebellious behavior by looking at his intention, rather than what he has done
- Avoid allowing either you or your child to become fatigued
- Only take your child to places where he has a chance to be successful (e.g. open park or carpeted floor where he can run around and fall, etc.)
- Watch less TV, not more
- Take good care of yourself too (e.g. enjoy sunsets, go for walks, etc.); Otherwise you may not have the energy or patience to properly guide and teach your ADHD/ADD child when he need you to do so
For more information and support, visit http://www.spark.org.sg/index.html.
