ADHD in Children

ADHD in children

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is relatively common and widely researched of all childhood disorders.

Experts have long appreciated that ADHD is a disability that can, and does cause serious lifelong problems particularly if it remains untreated.

This is why it is so important to ensure that a child with ADHD gets all the help and treatment as soon as possible. ADHD often becomes apparent when children are in pre-school or when they are in their early school years.

An estimated 3-5% of children have ADHD. Boys are four times more likely to have the condition than girls.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD can take different forms in different children but there are three common characteristics which include: Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity (learn more by clicking on the tabs).

Additional features and co-existing conditions

Children with ADHD can have other problems such as Learning Difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Anxiety and Depression.

Other common issues associated with ADHD include temper outbursts, academic underachievement, and social conflicts, being oppositional and defiant and poor self-esteem.

Inattention

Fails to give close attention to detail or makes careless mistakes
Has difficulty sustaining attention during activities
Finds it difficult to follow through instructions and fails to complete tasks
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
Finds it difficult to organize tasks and activities
Loses important items
Is easily distracted
Is forgetful in daily activities
Does not appear to be listening when spoken to directly

Hyperactivity

Cannot remain seated
Often squirms and fidgets
Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations
Often ‘on the go’ or acts as if ‘driven by a motor’
Talks excessively
Cannot perform leisure activities quietly

Impulsivity

Blurting out answers before questions completed
Having difficulty awaiting turn
Interrupting or intrudes on others
Lack patience

What Causes ADHD?

Neurobiological

The cause of ADHD remains unknown, but most research suggests that the cause is attributed by neurobiological, genetic and environmental factors.

Many experts believe that children with ADHD have an imbalance or deficiency in naturally-occurring chemicals (chemical messengers) in the parts of the brain responsible for behavioural control (concentration and activity).

Those with ADHD are thought to have particularly low brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters known to be involved in the control of behaviour).

Genetics

Research suggests that ADHD tends to run in families. However, this does not mean that all children in a family will have the disorder.

There are certain external factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD in a child. These include smoking during pregnancy and complications during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy.

Although socio-environmental factors (like child rearing style) can influence the severity of the disorder, they do not cause the disorder.

How can ADHD be managed?

There is a wide range of available options to support you on your journey.

The severity of the individuals ADHD determines what treatment is most appropriate.

In more severe cases medication may be recommended and used in combination with other approaches such as psychological and educational therapies.

We will work with you to make sure we use the right approach for you at every step.

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ADHD In Children