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By: Marian Woerner, Collaborative Teacher Julia Ansley, School Counselor ADHD & Children

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ADHD: What is it? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that robs children of their ability to focus and pay attention. ADHD impacts each child differently, but typically kids with ADHD are fidgety and easily distracted. This makes it difficult to stay "on task," whether it's listening to a teacher or finishing a chore.

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Which one of these children may have ADHD? A. The hyperactive boy who talks nonstop and cant sit still. B. The quiet dreamer who sits at her desk and stares off into space. C. Both A and B

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Statistics: The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 3% to 5% of kids have ADHD, but some experts believe that figure could be as high as 10%. On average, there are 1 to 3 children who have ADHD in every classroom of 30 students. Three to six more boys are diagnosed than girls. The rate of emotional development for children with ADHD is 30% slower than their non-ADD peers. For example, a 10-year-old with ADHD operates at the maturity level of about a 7-year-old; a 16-year-old beginning driver is using the decision making skills of an 11-year-old. 65% of children with ADHD have problems with defiance, non- compliance and other problems with authority figures, including verbal hostility and temper tantrums. 25% of students with ADHD have other serious learning problems in one or more of these areas: oral expression, listening skills, reading comprehension, and math. Half of all ADHD students have listening comprehension problems.

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Types of ADHD: Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive. trouble focusing Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention. fidgety and can't control their impulses Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADD/ADHD).

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Causes of ADHD: Less activity in areas of the brain that control attention. Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Typically ADHD runs in families, therefore, genetics might play a role.

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Diagnosis of ADHD: Patient's response to questions Family's description of behavior problems School assessment A child must display some combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with his or her age. Onset of the symptoms needs to have appeared no later than age 7.

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The Cycle of ADHD Dependency: Children with ADHD are typically inconsistent or unreliable in dealing with home and school responsibilities. Keeping track of Time Instructions Assignments Possessions This under functioning is often countered by one or both parents that over functions to make sure things get done. This creates a cyclical pattern that eventually leads to a resentful parent who is carrying the load and an angry child who feels nagged.

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Strategies: ADHD may be an explanation for daily responsibilities, but its not an excuse. Promote a sense of ownership and hold them accountable. Look for patterns during the day when the dependency cycle occurs (ex: getting ready for school, homework time) Look for immediate strategies to support greater independence and less nagging: Timer Dry erase board with reminders Color coded books and folders Established routines

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Strategies: Acknowledge and praise the small steps your child takes towards ownership. Praise should far outweigh criticism. Allow your children to learn from their mistakes. If your child is truly going to drown, seek help because something else is going on. Promote healthier interactions through positive communication. This teaches students to respond resourcefully to their problems. Be patient and keep a sense of humor! And keep realistic expectations!

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References: Barkley, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/623.html http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/623.html Burka, A. (2008). The cycle of attention-deficit dependency. Retrieved from http://www.chadd.org/Portals/0/AM/Images/Understading/c ycledependency.pdf Empen, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/add- adhd/childhood-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-in-childrenhttp://www.webmd.com/add- adhd/childhood-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-in-children Smith, M., & Segal, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms. htm http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms. htm