Definition
ADD or ADHD is a condition in which a child cannot maintain attention and has poor impulse control.
They may be restless and overactive. Often these symptoms appear in some children in the preschool and early school years. It’s estimated that between three and five percent of children have ADHD/ADD.
Signs and symptoms
Hyperactivity symptoms
- Fidgety with hands and feet
- Often squirms in seat
- Can’t stay seated
- Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
- Has difficulty playing quietly
- Talks excessively
Impulsivity Symptoms
- Has difficulty waiting turns in group situations
- Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed
- Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations and games)
Inattention Symptoms
- Does not listen well, especially with complex questions
- Has trouble following instructions
- Is easily distracted
- Shifts quickly from one activity to another
- Often loses things necessary for activities at home or at school
- Engages in activities without thinking of the consequences
- Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks and play
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties
- Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
Testing the Signs
ADHD is difficult to diagnose. It takes time and careful observation. Children are often misdiagnosed with ADHD. Meanwhile, many children are left undiagnosed and mistreated.
There are specific guidelines that are followed to diagnose ADHD/ADD.
- Children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, with some symptoms present before the age of 7.
- Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, seen in two or more settings, and not caused by another problem.
- The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties in many settings, including home, school and in relationships with peers.
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