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Attention-Deficit
/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
Definition of ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder describes children who display
persistent age-inappropriate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and
impulsivity that are sufficient to cause impairment in major life
activities.
(American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000)
DSM-IV Criteria for Diagnosis
• Six or more inattention symptoms or six or more hyperactivity-impulsivity
symptoms
• Symptoms must be inconsistent with the child’s current developmental level
• Must persist to a degree that is considered maladaptive for at least six months
Additional DSM Criteria
• Some symptoms present before age 7
• Impairment from symptoms must be present in at least two types of settings
• Clinically significant impairment in school, social or occupational functioning
• Symptoms do not occur solely during a pervasive developmental disorder or
psychotic disorder
• Symptoms are not accounted for better by another mental disorder
Inattention
1.
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in
schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
3.Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4.Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork,
chores, or duties in the workplace Often has trouble organizing
activities.
5.Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a
lot of mental effort for a long period of time
6.Often loses things needed for tasks and activities
7.Is often easily distracted
8.Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity
1.
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2.Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
3.Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not
appropriate
4.Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities
quietly.
5.Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
6.Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
1.Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
2.Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
3.Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into
conversations or games).
Subtypes
Predominantly Inattentive Type
• children who only meet the criteria for inattention
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
• children who only meet the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity
Combined Type
• children who meet the criteria for both inattention and hyperactivityimpulsivity
Facts
• In every classroom of 30 students, up
to 3 children may have ADHD
• ADHD children tend to show
emotional development that is 30%
slower than children without the disorder
• Up to 65% of children with ADHD
show problems with
defiance, noncompliance, problems with authority
figures, show verbal hostility, and have
temper tantrums
• 40% of children with ADHD have at
least one parent with the disorder
Facts
• 50% of children with ADHD
display sleeping problems as well
• Parents of ADHD children are 3
times more likely to divorce than
parents of non-ADHD children
• Teenagers with ADHD on average
have 4 times as many traffic tickets
as non-ADHD teenagers
• 75% of boys display the
hyperactive-impulsive type of
ADHD, while only 60% of girls are
hyperactive
Positive Effects of ADHD
Often positive qualities are overlooked
• A high level of energy
• Oriented towards an active lifestyle
• Outgoing and personable
• Creative thinkers, tend to ‘think outside the box’
Many of these qualities prepare ADHD students for successful
professional lives
Teaching Students with ADHD
The Process of Ongoing Learning and Developing
• It is crucial for teachers, parents,
and students to be fully aware of
the child’s disorders and the
effective management strategies
available
• Enhance home-school
communications
• Implementation of I.E.P.s
and Behaviour Plans
Developing Positive Attitudes in Students with ADHD
• Don’t Let Your Students Get Burnt Out!
• Students with ADHD will often face self-esteem issues as they cannot
control their behaviour and have trouble completing tasks. So it is important
to help these children gain confidence in themselves by providing ways to
show their accomplishments and abilities
• Sport Teams/Activity Groups
• Reading Buddies
• Volunteering in the
school/community
• Display completed work and
artwork