ADHD

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is a disorder that occurs across the lifespan, but is most commonly recognised in children and adolescents.  This disorder typically presents in early childhood, and commonly makes it difficult for a child to pay attention, behave appropriately and to inhibit (or hold back) their responses to the world around them. There are three different types of ADHD: ADHD (Inattentive Type), ADHD (Hyperactive-Impulsive Type) and ADHD (Combined Type).

 

Difficulties common in those with ADHD can include:

 

• Difficulty Concentrating

• Difficulty sitting still

• Fidgeting

• Problems following/remembering instructions

• Daydreaming

• Interrupting/Blurting out Comments

• Lack of attention to detail/Careless mistakes

• Forgetful

• Disorganised

• Constantly on-the-go, running, climbing etc

• Talks excessively

• Short fuse/quick temper

 

However, not all children exhibit all symptoms. And, in fact, children with Inattentive Type and children with Hyperactive/Impulsive type actually appear very different. Although both children may have difficulty maintaining attention, children with H/I type can appear overly animated and energetic (hyperactive), whereas, children with Inattentive type do not appear hyperactive at all, and will be more commonly seen sitting still and daydreaming or staring blankly.

 

The Assessment of ADHD involves interviews and information-collecting from parents, teachers and any other important people in the child’s life, in addition to observation of the child in-session completing a variety of tasks.