Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) By: Tabitha Covington

Overview Definition (including three subtypes) Signs & Symptoms (separated by subtype) Causes Diagnosis Treatment Steps to take Child’s rights in schools Helping your child deal with ADHD

Definition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly referred to as ADHD. ADHD is one of the leading childhood disorders, as well as an issue for adults. There are three subtypes of ADHD: Predominately hyperactive-impulsive Predominately inattentive Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

Signs and Symptoms There are three general behaviors related to ADHD: Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity

Signs and Symptoms: Inattention Lose things frequently (pencils, homework, toys, etc.) Not listen when someone speaks to them Daydream Become easily confused Move slowly Have trouble processing information as accurately and quickly as other children Struggle following directions A child may…. Be easily distracted Miss details Forget things Frequently switch from one ask to another Have difficulty focusing on one specific thing Become bored with an activity very quickly, unless it is something they strongly enjoy Have difficulty paying attention to organization Have trouble learning something new Have trouble finishing homework

Signs and Symptoms: Hyperactivity A child may…. Fidget and squirm around in their seats Talk continuously Run around while touching or playing with everything possible in sight Have trouble sitting still (during school & at home) Be constantly moving Have trouble participating in any quiet activities

Signs and Symptoms: Impulsivity A child may…. Be extremely impatient Shout out inappropriate comments Show their emotions without control Act without considering possible consequences Have difficulty waiting (especially in taking turns) Interrupt conversations and activities of others quite frequently

The Three Subtypes of ADHD Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive The majority of symptoms (6 +) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories. There are less than 6 symptoms of inattention; however, inattention can still be existent to a certain extent. Predominantly inattentive Most of symptoms (6 +) are part of the inattention category and there are usually less than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity; however, hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be persistent to a certain extent. Children with this subtype are not as likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may also sit quietly; but, they are usually not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, it is common with this subtype for the child to be unnoticed; because the teacher and parents don’t recognize it. Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive There are 6 or more symptoms and signs of inattention and hyperactivity- impulsivity present. This is the most common subtype for children.

Causes Scientists are not completely sure what causes ADHD. Possible causes and factors include: Genes Environmental exposure Social environment Brain injuries Nutrition Premature birth and/or low birth weight Smoking or using alcohol during pregnancy

Causes—In detail Scientists are not completely sure what causes ADHD. Many studies propose that genes play a large role in ADHD. Study results show that ADHD tends to run in the family. Children diagnosed with ADHD carry a particular type of a certain gene which causes thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention. They are also researching other causes such as: environmental factors, social environment, brain injuries, and nutrition. Studies show a potential connection between smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol during pregnancy and ADHD found in children. Children who suffer from a brain injury sometimes show behaviors similar to those of ADHD; however, only a small fraction of kids who have ADHD have actually suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Other research shows that the consumption of certain food additives, such as artificial colors or preservatives, results in an increase in activity.

Diagnosis--Facts ADHD symptoms usually appear early in childhood when the child is about 3-6 years old. This disorder is very hard to diagnose due to a variety of possible symptoms; as well as the fact that a “n0rmal” child may show symptoms, but not actually have ADHD. Parents usually observe their child and say they are out-of-control. Surprisingly teachers usually notice the child's symptoms first.

Diagnosis--Steps A qualified health professional usually collects information about the child and his/her behavior and environment. Pediatricians can evaluate the child; but, most of them refer children to a mental health specialist who has had experience with childhood mental disorders, such as ADHD. Either way, the first step for the doctor is to try to rule out other possibilities for the symptoms. This assures that the behavior of the child is not caused by a certain occurrence that previously happened or a health condition, which could appear to be symptoms of ADHD.

Diagnosis—Steps (cont’d.) The child's pediatrician and specialist will determine if a child: Is having unnoticed seizures, which could be associated with other medical conditions Has an ear infection, which could cause hearing problems Has any hearing or vision problems that were not known Has any health problems that influence thinking/behavior Has any learning disabilities Has anxiety or depression, or other psychiatric problems that might cause ADHD-like symptoms Has been affected by a significant and sudden change, such as the death of a family member, a divorce, or parent's job loss.

Diagnosis—Steps (cont’d.) The specialist will also look at behaviors and environment in order to find out what the possible causes are. In most cases, the child will go through several testing procedures after they have a basic overview. The testing will include placing the child in a variety of situations to check for symptoms. Based on the input from various people who interact with the child (teachers, coaches, parents, etc.), testing, and observations, the specialist will then make the diagnosis if necessary.

Treatment There is NO cure for ADHD. The only treatments existing simply reduce symptoms for many people. Treatments include: Medication Stimulants Non-stimulants Many types of psychotherapy Education and/or training

Treatment--Medications Trade Name Generic Name Approved Age Adderall amphetamine 3 and older Adderall XR amphetamine (extended release) 6 and older Concerta methylphenidate (long acting) Daytrana methylphenidate patch Desoxyn methamphetamine hydrochloride Dexedrine dextroamphetamine Dextrostat Focalin dexmethylphenidate Focalin XR dexmethylphenidate (extended release) Metadate ER methylphenidate (extended release) Metadate CD Methylin methylphenidate (oral solution and chewable tablets) Ritalin methylphenidate Ritalin SR Ritalin LA Strattera atomoxetine Vyvanse lisdexamfetamine dimesylate To the right are the most common medications used to treat symptoms of ADHD.

Steps to take Seek help!  Talk to your child’s pediatrician and discuss further options. Be informed as a parent. Understanding the disorder and having patience with your child is key. To help children with organization and following directions: Have a regular schedule Change in a child’s day can really intensify their ADHD. Follow the same routine every day Take into account time to do homework, play, and other activities. Hang the schedule on your refrigerator, door, or in the child's room. Whenever a change is needed, post is as soon as possible. Organize, organize, organize. Have a special place for everything and keep it there! Use organizers for school. Organizers for homework and notebooks can significantly help children. Encourage your child to always right down their homework; and, bring home the necessary materials. Be clear and consistent as a parent. Just like with schedules, children with ADHD need a consistent rules. Praise and reward your child. Children with ADHD are often criticized more than praised. Always reward and commend your child when they are on their best behavior.

A child’s rights in schools Schools can often perform an evaluation on your child to see if they have a special need or disorder. Every state has a “Parent Training and Information Center and a Protection and Advocacy Agency.” Disabilities Education Act: requires public schools to provide all eligible children who have disabilities with a free, suitable public education in the least restrictive atmosphere that suits their individual needs. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: allows children a “free appropriate education” which is available to all children with special needs.

Helping your child deal with ADHD Be patient and understanding. Seek as much help as possible. Communicate with teacher and guidance counselors at your child’s school. Accept your child and their disability of ADHD. Take every step you can to help your child stay on track, organized, focused, and responsible.

My Personal Opinion I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 12 years old. I currently take Adderall XR every day. This really helps me to concentrate and stay on task. My parents and family have also been very supportive with my disorder. ADHD is curable today, but someday there will be a cure of more treatment!!

Works Cited http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor65310 Pictures http://www.free-press-release.com/members/members_pic/200811/img/1227544921.jpg http://www.naset.org/uploads/RTEmagicC_distracted_girl.jpg.jpg http://blogs.families.com/media/hyperactive1.jpg http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/difficult-child.jpg http://blog.teenmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/why-treat-adhd.jpg http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/mom-son-homework.jpg http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/Visitors/indoor/followbill/images/bill_english.jpg http://rlv.zcache.com/hard_worker_reward_stickers_ladybugs-p217070157987580885qjcl_400.jpg