A.D.H.D/ A.D.DBy: Josh Ridenour

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood.

ADHD includes some combination of problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275

ADD OR ADHD?

In the past both terms, ADD and ADHD have been used to describe the conditions of the same disorder.

Today the disorder is labeled as ADHD. This covers all sub types of the attention disorder.

The prevalence rate of ADHD is 3-5%. There are three (3) recognized sub types of

ADHD Predominantly hyperactivity impulsive (overly hyper) Predominantly inattentive (trouble paying attention) Combination hyperactivity-impulsive and inattentive

(both hyper and lack of attention. Most common)

INATTENTIVE SYMPTOMS… Have difficulty focusing on one thing Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and

frequently switch from one activity to another Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless

they are doing something enjoyable Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and

completing a task or learning something new Have trouble completing or turning in homework

assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities

Not seem to listen when spoken to Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly Have difficulty processing information as quickly and

accurately as others Struggle to follow instructions.

HYPERACTIVITY- IMPULSIVE SYMPTOMS… Fidget and squirm in their seats Talk nonstop Dash around, touching or playing with anything and

everything in sight Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story

time Be constantly in motion Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities. Be very impatient Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions

without restraint, and act without regard for consequences

Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games

Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

WHAT TYPE DOES A STUDENT HAVE?

Combined hyperactivity-impulsive and inattention: Has 6 or more symptoms of both hyperactivity-

impulsive and inattention Most children have this type of ADHD

Predominantly inattention: Student has 6 or more symptoms of inattention

and less then 6 symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsive (May still have some symptoms)

Predominantly hyperactivity-impulsive: Student has 6 or more symptoms of

hyperactivity-impulsive behavior and less then 6 symptoms of inattention (May still have some symptoms)

HOW TO BE DIAGNOSED…

Symptoms normally start by age 3-6 Must show symptoms for at least 6 months at

a level that is not normal to other children of the same age

A pediatrician or mental health specialist will look at child's environment and gather information from parents and teachers

Other possible problems must be ruled out: Environmental problems Medical side effects Learning disabilities Anxiety or depression Sudden change in life style

HOW TO BE DIAGNOSED…

Doctor will look at medical and school records for clues about possible causes

Child will be observed in different environments to see any change in behavior

Finally, a doctor will make a diagnoses after all other possible problems have been ruled out

Even with all the evaluations, ADHD is still the most incorrectly diagnosed disability

Brain imaging is now being used to help diagnose, treat, and possible prevent ADHDhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-

hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml

CAUSES

There is no 100% sure cause of ADHD Many studies have showed a link between

ADHD and genetics ADHD commonly runs in families A link between a gene that causes thin brain

tissue in young children has also been liked to ADHD. The brain forms normal as the child reaches adulthood.

This thin brain tissue as a child could be a possible trigger for ADHD at a young age.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml

OTHER CAUSES Environmental factors

Link between cigarette and alcohol use during pregnancy Exposure to lead from plumbing or paints

Brain injuries Can change child behaviors to be similar to ADHD Small percent of children with ADHD have suffered brain injury

Sugar Popular idea that sugar causes ADHD or makes the symptoms

worse Study showed little to no change in students behavior when

consuming sugar in normal amount A raised amount of sugar in a diet can cause ADHD symptoms

and also increase the severity of symptoms

Food additives Possible link between artificial colors/ flavors and food

preservatives

CONDITIONS THAT CAN CO-EXIST WITH ADHD

Learning disabilities Anxiety or depression Bipolar disorder Sleep disorder Bed-wetting Substance abuse as children age Oppositional defiant disorder

Child is stubborn or rebellious Conduct disorder

May lie, steal, fight, or bully others

TREATMENT (MEDICATION)

Most common treatment is medication Stimulants are normally used to reduce

hyperactivity and impulsivity. Can improve physical coordination

No “one size fits all” treatment Many medications are normally tried in different doses

until the appropriate medication is found for each case. Medication comes in many forms: Short release (last

only a few hours), extended release (last 12+ hours), long lasting (last 24 hours)

Possible side effects Decreased appetite Sleep problems Less common- Tics, personality change, lost emotions

TREATMENT (PSYCHOTHERAPY)

Behavior therapy to help children change existing behaviors

Teach students to monitor behavior Help with organization of task and working

through emotionally difficult events

TIPS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS

Have a positive attitude about the disorder Set a schedule and stick to it Organize everyday task Use homework and notebook organizers Have clear instructions and be consistent Praise when rules are followed Allow for extra time when completing task

that need a child to focus Allow for time to move during lesson.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

Collaboration and communication with parents to help remember and complete at home task.

Have well planned and schedule task in class. Stick to a schedule to help student complete work

Multiple ways to represent and explained task so all students have a clear understanding.

Multiple ways to engage activities. Allow for movement in the classroom and breaks during activities that need a lot of focus

WEBSITES FOR TEACHERS:

Teacher Vision http://www.teachervision.fen.com/add-and-adhd/

resource/5348.html Teaching channel-Video

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/teaching-adhd-students

National Resource Center on ADHD http://www.help4adhd.org/

More Resources http://www.attentiondeficitdisorder.ws/

adhd_educator_resources.htm

SOURCES

Mayo Clinic, (2012) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275

National institute of mental health, (2008)usa.gov, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml