Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by excessive inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that impacts daily life.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning the brain is wired differently compared with other children due to impaired or immature neural development, which typically appears in infancy or early childhood.
Many children, particularly young children, have trouble paying attention and sitting still. However, for children diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms are more severe and can cause difficulties at school, home, and with friends. ADHD is one of the most common disorders in children, affecting about five percent of children.
There are three types of ADHD:
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ADHD Inattentive
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ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive
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ADHD Combined
Symptoms of ADHD in children
Symptoms of ADHD in children falls into two main categories:
ADHD Inattentive:
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Difficulty paying attention for long periods
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Easily distracted
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Forgetful
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Disorganised
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Mind appears elsewhere
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Appears not to be listening
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Makes careless mistakes
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Loses things needed for tasks
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Fails to finish schoolwork or chores
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Not follow through on instructions
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Difficulty organising tasks
ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive:
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Difficulty sitting still for long periods
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Restless
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Fidgety
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High energy, often ‘on the go’
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Moves or squirms about in seat
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Talks too much
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Talks too loudly
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Impulsive
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Acts without thinking
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Interrupts others
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Difficulty waiting their turn
ADHD Combined:
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Displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Some children may display mild symptoms, while others might experience moderate to severe symptoms that significantly and negatively impact on their day-to-day functioning.
Causes of ADHD
There is no single cause of ADHD, rather it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Factors that can increase the risk of a child having ADHD include:
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Genetics: Family history of ADHD.
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Pregnancy and birth: Maternal substance use during pregnancy (smoking, drinking alcohol, recreational drugs), premature birth, low birth weight.
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Toxins or infection: Exposure to environmental toxins (e.g. lead), early childhood infection.
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Brain injury: Severe brain injury (e.g. concussion).
Research does not support popularly held views that ADHD is ‘caused’ by bad parenting, eating too much sugar, or watching too much television. However, these things can make the symptoms worse.
Diagnosing ADHD in Children
For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, an assessment needs to be conducted by a psychologist, paediatrician, or child psychiatrist. The assessment involves multiple methods of gathering information needed to form a diagnosis. This can include psychological tests, direct observation of the child, and information from parents/carers, teachers, and others about the child’s behaviour in various situations. The child may also need to be assessed by a GP or paediatrician to ensure there are no underlying medical condition/s impacting the child and their emotional and behavioural responses.
If you would like enquire about an assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), please call 0475 585 073.
Contact
0475 585 073