What is ADHD/ADD?

All of us know children who cannot stay still, who never listen, who do not follow directions no matter how precisely you introduce them, or who spit out unsuitable statements at inappropriate periods. At times, these kids can be labeled as troublemakers, or judged for being undisciplined or lazy. But, they might have ADHD/ADD.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition which appears within early childhood. You might be familiar with it by the name ADD or attention deficit disorder. ADHD/ADD makes it hard for individuals to hold back their spontaneous responses—the responses which could include all things from speech to attentiveness to movement.

Is it common childhood behaviour or is it Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

The symptoms and signs of ADHD/ADD usually appear prior to age seven. But, it could be hard to differentiate between normal child behaviour and attention deficit disorder. If you see just a couple of signals, or the symptoms arise just in a few situations, it is possibly not ADHD/ADD.

However, if your youngster displays numerous ADHD/ADD symptoms and signs present around all situations—at play, at school and at home—it is time you take a closer glance. As you comprehend the problems your youngster is having trouble with, like a hard time paying attention within school or forgetfulness, you could work together to discover creative resolutions as well as capitalise upon strengths.

Kids who have ADHD/ADD might be:

  • Inattentive, yet not impulsive or hyperactive
  • Impulsive and hyperactive, yet capable of paying attention
  • Impulsive, hyperactive and inattentive

Inattentive symptoms and signs of ADHD/ADD

Symptoms of inattention within kids:

  • Does not pay attention to detail
  • Performs careless errors
  • Struggles with remaining focused; is distracted easily
  • Looks not to be listening as spoken to
  • Experiences a hard time recalling things as well as following directions
  • Struggles with remaining organised, preparing ahead, and completing projects
  • Becomes bored with tasks prior to completing them
  • Consistently misplaces or loses toys, books, homework, and so on

Hyperactive symptoms and signs of ADHD/ADD

Symptoms of hyperactivity within kids:

  •      Frequently squirms and fidgets
  •      Oftentimes leaves her or his chair in situations in which quietly sitting is expected
  •      Moves constantly around, oftentimes inappropriately climbs or runs
  •      Excessively talks
  •      Experiences a hard time relaxing or playing quietly
  •      Is forever “on the go”
  •      Might possess a “short fuse” or quick temper

Assisting a kid who has ADHD/ADD

If your youngster has trouble with symptoms which appear similar to Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, do not hesitate to seek expert assistance. You could treat the youngster’s symptoms of impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity without possessing a diagnosis of ADD.

Choices to begin with involve getting the child within therapy, incorporating an improved exercise and diet plan, and transforming the home atmosphere to minimise any distractions.

If you obtain a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD, you then could work with the youngster’s therapist, school and doctor to make an individualised treatment program which meets her or his unique needs.

Efficient treatment for childhood ADHD/ADD includes assistance at school, social support, parent training and education, and behavioural therapy. Medicine also may be utilised, but should never be the only ADD treatment.

If you’re concerned that your child, adolescent or teenager may have ADD or ADHD,  you may wish to speak with a professional adolescent counsellor or psychologist. Australia Counselling has counsellors and psychologists in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. Visit our adolscent counselling page or family issues page to search for a counsellor in your local area.

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