By: Rachel Tschudy

Background Types of ADHD Causes Signs and Symptoms Suspecting ADHD Diagnosis Tests Positive Effects Treatment Rights of Students in Schools How to Cope with ADHD Further Information Works Cited

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a family of chronic neurobiological disorders. These disorders interfere with individuals’ ability to accomplish tasks, regulate their activity, and slow down their behaviors in ways that are appropriate to their circumstances and age.

Three Types of ADHD: 1. Combined Type – Individual displays both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. 2. Predominantly Inattentive Type - Symptoms are primarily related to inattention. Individual does not display significant hyperactive/impulsive behaviors. 3. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Symptoms are primarily related to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Individual does not display significant attention problems.

For the most part, ADHD is caused by one or more of the following: Genetic Factors Biological Factors Environmental Factors

Signs and Symptoms Always on the go Talks excessively Often has difficulty waiting their turn Frequently fidgeting or squirming around Habitually leaves his or her seat when remaining seated is expected May blurt out the answer to a question before it is finished being asked Often runs/climbs when not necessarily appropriate Interrupts a lot or intrudes on others’ conversations May feel restless, especially if an adolescent

Continued Often forgetful Avoids tasks that require a lot of mental effort (like homework) Has trouble following through on instructions Frequently makes careless mistakes or fails to pay close attention to details in schoolwork Seems to not listen even when spoken to directly Regularly has problems organizing tasks Often loses needed items (like books or tools) Can be easily distracted Often has difficulty paying attention during tasks or play

You may want to contact a doctor if you notice your child’s behavior is consistently hyperactive, impulsive and: Occurs in more than 1 setting (typically home and school) Causes problems in relationships with others Lasts longer than 6 months Disrupts daily activities on a regular basis (such as school or play)

There is no set test for ADHD but the doctor may do these things to test for the disorder: Physical examination Get patient and family history Review of patient’s social, academic, and emotional functioning and developmental level Assessment of learning disabilities, if applicable

Even though there are several challenges faced by people with ADHD, there are also many positive effects associated with the disorder: Creativity – Children with ADHD can be extremely creative and imaginative. They can become fantastic problem solvers and artists. Flexibility – Children become more flexible to multiple ideas due to the fact that they are able to consider many options at once. Enthusiasm and spontaneity – Children with ADHD are interested in a variety of things and have lively personalities. Energy and drive – When kids with ADHD are motivated to do something, it can be difficult to get them off task, especially when the activity is hands on or interactive.

Treatment Medications Behavioral Treatment Stimulant Medications Nonstimulant Medications Lifestyle Changes

Rights In School Reduced length of homework assignments Allowed extra time on tests Use of tape recorders Computer-aided instructions Providing specific assistance with planning skills Using behavioral management techniques in the classroom Simplifying instructions on assignments

Encourage acceptable outlets for hyperactivity Provide a place of work with reduced distraction Use background stimulation such as faint music Avoid overstimulating or boring situations Supply aids for organization such as “to do lists” Find a “quiet place” to study and do work Write things down! Take notes.

Further Information For further information on ADHD and your child, please visit rights/ and enter your in the “parents” block. rights/ This will allow you to be sent information and research done on ADHD.

Works Cited /RxfocusADHD /RxfocusADHD ION=symptoms ION=symptoms oms.htm oms.htm treatment-care treatment-care making-assessment making-assessment