Understanding ADHD

Information for Parents About Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Some facts:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a

persistent pattern of inattention and/or
● 1 in 11 children are
diagnosed with ADHD hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with
● ADHD is one of the most functioning or development.
common
neurodevelopmental ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in
disorders. social relationships.
● ADHD is more common in
boys than girls. WHAT is the criteria for a diagnostic on ADHD ?
DSM- 5 Criteria How a child with these symptoms may behave :
Types of ADHD for ADHD
Presentations:
1. Predominantly 1. Inattentive ● Often fails to give close attention to details or makes
Six or more careless mistakes in schoolwork/ at work
Inattentive (ADD) symptoms of ● Often has trouble holding attention on tasks/play
2. Predominantly inattention for activities
Hyperactive-Impulsive children up age ● Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
16 or 5 or more ● Often does not follow through on instructions/ fails to
3. Combined for finish schoolwork
adolescents/adu ● Often has trouble organizing tasks
lts age 17 and ● Often avoids/dislikes tasks that require mental effort
older over a long period of time (such as homework.school
TEN TIPS FOR PARENTS: Must have been work)
present for at ● Often loses tools necessary for tasks( e.g. school
least 6 months materials, books,)
1. Create a routine for your ● Is often easily distracted
child and stick to it ● Is often forgetful in daily activities
2. Break tasks into
2. ● Often fidgets with or taps hands/feet or squirms in seat
manageable pieces Hyperactivity ● Often leaves seat, when remaining seated is expected
3. Use praise and positive and Impulsivity ● Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not
feedback as much as SIx or more appropriate
symptoms of ● Often unable to take part in leisure activities quietly
possible hyperactivity-im ● Often “driven by a motor,” constantly “on the go“
4. Simplify and organize pulsivity for ● Often talks excessively
your child’s life children up to ● Often blurts out an answer before a question has been
age 16 completed
5. Encourage out-loud
present for at ● Often has trouble waiting their turn
thinking least 6 months ● Often interrupts or intrudes on other
6. Regulate sleep patterns
7. Promote exercise In addition, the ● Several symptoms were present before age 12
. following ● Several symptoms are present in 2 or more settings
8. Limit distractions conditions must ● There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with,
9. Take breaks be met: or reduce the quality of social, school or work functioning
10. Find individual counseling
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.
Arlington, VA., American Psychiatric Association, 2013
 TREATING ADHD
MEDICATION BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Stimulants are the most widely used Promotes positive behaviors and
ADHD medication discourages unwanted or problem
(Adderall, RItalin) *Talk to your behaviors
doctor about potential medications.
School-Based Interventions At-Home Interventions
● Build a strong ● Parent training classes
teacher-student bond
● Keep your child on a daily
● Provide positive feedback schedule
and attention
● Cut down on distractions
● Teach self-monitoring
● Organize your home
● Organize your classroom
● Allow extra time for tests ● Reward positive behavior

● Provide extra tutoring ● Help your child stay on-task

● Make a daily report card ● Provide positive attention
● Use effective commands ● Use consistent consequences
● Integrate more “hands-on” ● Educate child and other
activities into curriculum
family members about ADHD
● IEP or 504 Plan
● Use a collaborative problem-
solving approach
RESOURCES
The following is a list of support groups and
additional resources for further information on
ADHD.

Children and Adults with

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
http://www.chadd.org

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association

REFERENCES
https://add.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Learn about ADHD. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. (2019). About ADHD.
National Institute of Mental Health
Retrieved from https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview/ www.nimh.nih.gov
National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-Deficit t/Hyperactivity Disorder.
(2017). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-
deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/