• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    The American Psychiatric Association defines Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD as a disorder that can include a list of nine specific symptoms of inattention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Attention deficit Disorder, ADD is missing the component of hyperactivity.

     
     
    Inattentive: an individual has to be experiencing at least six of the following characteristics:
     
     
  • Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
  • Difficulty sustaining attention
  • Does not appear to listen
  • Struggles to follow through on instructions
  • Difficulty with organization
  • Avoids or dislikes requiring sustained mental effort
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks
  • Easily distracted
  • Forgetful in daily activities 

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    Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:  an individual has to be experiencing at least six of the following characteristics: 
     
     
     
  • Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  • Difficulty remaining seated
  • Runs about or climbs excessively (in adults may be limited to subjective  feelings of restlessness)
  • Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
  • Acts as if driven by a motor
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out answers before questions have been completed 
  • Difficulty waiting in turn taking situations
  • Interrupts or intrudes upon others 
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    Treatments that have been effective for ADHD are medications and behavior modification techniques.  Classroom success for children with ADHD often requires a range of interventions. Most children with ADHD can be taught in the regular classroom with adaptations and modifications in the general education setting,  Severely affected children with ADHD often experience a number of occurring problems and require special education settings.
     
     
    Medication that is used most frequently: 
     
  • Ritalin (methylphenidate)
  • Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
  • Cylert (pemoline)
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    The specific dose of medicine will be determined by a child's doctor.  To ensure proper dosage, regular monitoring at different levels of medication is necessary.
     
     
    Behavior management that is affective:
     
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Consistency
  • Parent training
  • Special education/Support
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