ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

Diagnosing ADHD in children depends on a set of strict criteria. To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentiveness, or 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

ADULTS

In some cases, an adult may be diagnosed with ADHD if they have 5 or more of the symptoms of inattentiveness, or 5 or more of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, listed in diagnostic criteria for children with ADHD.

ADHD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity.

teachers should modify their instructional styles and curriculums as necessary.
Experiential and interactive strategies are great for students with limited attention spans and impulsivity.
Staying flexible, positive and being open to alternative teaching approaches are also important when teaching students with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Seat the child where distractions are minimized.
Use a signal to help the child stay on task.
Find ways to praise the child.
Center constructive criticism between compliments.
Find opportunities to allow hyperactive children to use their energy.
Have a child look directly at your eyes when speaking to them.
When giving directions, keep them short and simple.
Create a system to make it easy for parents and students to get homework assignments.
Find a student that can work as a "homework buddy."
Reduce homework assignments.

The symptoms of the disorder are categorised as follows: inattention-difficulty sustaining attention and mental effort, forgetfulness, and distractibility; hyperactivity-fidgeting, excessive talking, and restlessness; and impulsivity-difficulty waiting one’s turn and frequent interruption of others.

The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be responsible: Genetics, Brain function and structure and groups at risk.