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ADHD

adhd.jpgThe terms `Attention Deficit Disorder', `Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder', `hyperkinetic disorder' and `hyperactivity' are used by professionals to describe the problems of children who are overactive and have difficulty concentrating. It is characterised by one or more of three core symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

How many does it affect?

Various diagnostic criteria are used in different countries around the world. This makes statistics difficult to collate and analyse. However, current estimates suggest that ADHD is present throughout the world in about 1-5% of the population. (Mental Health Foundation – web site)

Symptoms (which should manifest before 7 years of age)

· Inattention. (Usually at least 6 symptoms are seen).
o Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless errors in schoolwork, work or other activities
o Has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play
o Doesn't appear to listen when being told something
o Neither follows through on instructions nor completes chores, schoolwork, or jobs (not due to failure to understand or a deliberate attempt to disobey)
o Has trouble organising activities and tasks
o Dislikes or avoids tasks that involve sustained mental effort (homework, schoolwork)
o Loses materials needed for activities (assignments, books, pencils, tools, toys)
o Easily distracted by irrelevant information
o Forgetful

· Hyperactivity-Impulsivity. (Usually at least 6 symptoms are seen).

Hyperactivity

o Squirms in seat or fidgets
o Inappropriately leaves seat
o Inappropriately runs or climbs (in adolescents or adults, there may be only a subjective feeling of restlessness)
o Has trouble quietly playing or engaging in leisure activity
o Appears driven or "on the go"
o Talks excessively

 Impulsivity

o Answers questions before they have been completely asked
o Has trouble waiting his/her turn
o Interrupts others (ADDISS – web site)

Obviously, these types of behaviour are not uncommon in most children. It becomes a problem however when these characteristics are exaggerated, compared to other children of the same age and when the behaviour affects the child's social and school life. They find it hard to concentrate and therefore hard to learn new skills, both academic and practical. Research from the USA (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) suggests that 90% of children with ADHD underachieve at school and 20% have reading difficulties.
adhd2.jpg
At school they are likely to have a record of poor compliance, shoddy or incomplete work, class clowning, missed homework, constant talking and provide distraction both to themselves and others. In some cases, their behaviour can be interpreted as confrontational or deliberately defiant and they are therefore just as likely to receive discipline as the support their condition merits.

Socially, these children are at risk of being disliked or rejected by their peer group because of their disruptive/impulsive behaviour. They often have a poor grasp of social etiquette and may not be aware of the consequences of interrupting a conversation or invading the personal space of another for example. They are also an easy target for other children to ‘wind up’ and induce an impulsive response.

This group of children may well present the most challenging behaviour during assessments and coaching sessions. Please remember a few simple rules when working with these children

· Make eye contact with the child before talking to them
· Give instructions one a time whenever possible
· Check understanding of instructions
· Give warning when an activity is about to stop or change
· If a child refuses to comply, present two options, neither of which can simply be answered with a ‘no’.
· Establish clear ground rules and limits of acceptable behaviour when exercising

Please contact us at the Sheffield centre if you would like further information about ADHD 
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