1. How does Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affect Physical, cognitive, and Social Development
Elizabeth McMullen

2. Questions… 1. At what age do children show signs of having ADD/ADHD?
2. What are the short and long term effects of having ADD/ADHD?
3. Why do children with ADD/ADHD have more issues with social interactions?
4. How do these social “issues” relate to Vygotsky’s social development theory?

3. What is it? Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 3 types:
Inattentive (ADD) – means that a person shows enough symptoms of inattention (easy distractibility) but is not hyperactive or impulsive
Hyperactive-Impulsive – occurs when a person has symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not inattention
Combined – when a person has symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
Causes:
Neurobiologically-based developmental disability
Imbalance or deficiency in certain neurotransmitters which help to regulate behavior
Genetically transmitted

4. Cognitive
ADHD can cause cognitive developmental delays, and can cause long term developmental issues if not addressed
Some cognitive symptoms include:
Lacking attention to detail
Short attention span
Forgetfulness
Unable to concentrate on tasks
Little or no sense of danger
Unable to keep emotions in check
Random outbursts of anger

5. Physical
While the physical effects may not seem as severe, they still can cause serious issues
Some physical symptoms include:
Fidgeting and squirming
Leg shaking, foot tapping, fingers drumming
Excessive running, climbing, and other physical activities
Unable to sit still/get up frequently
Constantly changing tasks and activities
Unorganized

6. Social Some social symptoms include: Speaking without thinking
Impatience
Interrupting conversations/not waiting to talk or act
Excessive talking
Little or no sense of danger

7. When to Diagnose? Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and…
These symptoms are often seen as typical behavior with children, seeing as how children are naturally energetic and always wanting to play
They will also exhibit the symptoms in more than one setting, like school, at home, with friends, and in other activities
Children with ADHD will experience an excess of these symptoms
Clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with their functioning at school/work or impact ability to socialize with others
No other possible explanations (anxiety, mood swings, etc.)
By the age of 12, a child will display symptoms of ADHD

8. Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory states that cognitive development proceeds as a result of social interactions
The symptoms are displayed before the age of 12 – social skills developed by then
ADHD is known to impair ones ability to socially interact with others
Children with ADHD have a lack in cognitive development, because their disability limits them on how much and how well they can socially interact with others
They do not receive the knowledge that comes from these social interactions

9. Resources
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Symptoms. (2016, April 25). Retrieved April 02, 2017, from
Kinman, T. (2015, May 14). ADHD and ADD: Differences, Types, Symptoms, and Severity (S. Kim MD, Ed.). Retrieved April 02, 2017, from
What is Attention-Deficit Disorder? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? AD/HD? ADD/ADHD? ADHD? (2017). Retrieved April 02, 2017, from