Understanding ADHD in Children
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. More than nine percent of children aged 2-17 receive an ADHD diagnosis at some point in their childhood. Symptoms typically first appear between the ages of three and six years old, with children on average being seven years old when they are diagnosed.
What are the ADHD symptoms in children?
Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. Dr. Cliff James uses the following illustration: “Having ADHD gives a child the propulsion of a jet engine with the brakes of a bicycle.”
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized in three ways: Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
A child with ADHD might:
- daydream a lot
- forget or lose things a lot
- squirm or fidget
- talk too much
- make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
- have a hard time resisting temptation
- have trouble taking turns
- have difficulty getting along with others
- act and speak without thinking
- not be able to play quietly
How is ADHD diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation or screening is necessary to establish a diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of co-existing conditions. Such an evaluation requires time and effort and should include a careful history and a clinical assessment of the individual’s academic, social, and emotional functioning and developmental level.
The first step of having your child diagnosed with ADHD is to visit with your pediatrician. He or she will discuss the Vanderbilt system of testing, an assessment used by healthcare professionals to help diagnose ADHD in children between the ages of 6- and 12-years.
How is ADHD treated?
Treating ADHD often requires medical, educational, behavioral and psychological intervention.
This comprehensive approach to treatment, depending on the age of the individual with ADHD, may include:
- parent training
- medication
- skills training
- counseling
- behavioral therapy
- educational supports
- education regarding ADHD
Working closely with the child’s pediatrician and other professionals, treatment should be tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family to help the patient control symptoms, cope with the disorder, improve overall psychological well-being and manage social relationships.
Sources –
American Academy of Pediatrics
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
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