Disorder). Now three different types of ADHD have been identified and classified under one category, much the way we have a broad classification for cancer and many sub-categories under that, i.e., breast cancer, colon cancer, etc..
The three types of ADHS are
An inattentive type in which children may be sluggish, unorganized, unable to focus for any long period of time, unable to self-discipline to complete tasks. A hyper-active or impulsive type in which a child may be unable to control physical activity, is always "on the go", may interrupt or talk excessively and may not be able to control impulses to fit into a social situation. A combination of these two which is the most common disorder
The family doctor diagnoses most ADHD, and since there are no tests that can diagnose this disorder it takes a complete evaluation by doctors, teachers, parents, neurologists and psychologists to determine the presence of ADHD. Children experiencing stress in the home may exhibit some of these symptoms, but are not suffering from ADHD, and the symptoms disappear when the stress is reduced.
ADHD is biological in nature, not caused by poor parenting, diet or vaccines. It is thought that it might be genetic in origin or there could be environmental sources for the cause. It is not unusual for more than one family member to have this disorder. Though statistics are unclear, about 7 % of children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD, two to three time more boys than girls. While it seems to be on the increase, it is felt that we are simply getting better at identifying the syndrome, so that is why numbers are rising.
Other Terminology
Anxiety/Depression: Two emotional feelings which may result as a child copes with ADHD creating feelings of sadness or concern about performance
Behavioural Therapy: A way of teaching a child to cope with or think about his challenges so that he will find better ways to manage
Counselling/Support Groups: Personal or group help for families or caregivers managing a child with special needs
Social Skills Training: A therapist models or teaches ways in which a child can adapt his behavior, within the limits of his ADHD, to enable him to make and maintain friendships
What you might expect to see and experience
Depending on the type of ADHD your child has you might see some of these symptoms:
Difficulty keeping attention or listening
Unorganized
Makes careless mistakes
Forgets
Avoids situations which call for sustained focus
Interrupts without noticing
Talks too much
Avoids quiet activities
Can't take turns with others
Physically active to the extreme
Your Role
Focus on the child's strengths not weaknesses
Be reasonable in what you expect by teaming with the parents to set rules of behaviour
Be consistent in discipline
Be a good model for actions and behaviors
Help the child learn to play
Questions you might ask
Is there a plan for helping this child, and will you share that with me? Is there any medication for which I might be responsible Will my focus be on this child; if not, how will I manage the different needs of the children in the family? Will you expect me to transfer information from the school to the family? WEBSITES TO EXPLORE: http://www.ldonline.org/adhdbasics http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/adhd.html http://www.adhd.com/parents/parents_facts_adhd_facts.jsp