ADHD – What It Is & How To Recognize It From Your Child’s Behavior
If a child is diagnosed as having ADD or ADHD it means they have Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. These disorders are relatively common and affect more boy than girls. Diagnosis occurs when the child displays acute behavioural problems that make them difficult to manage.
Some children are rather more ADHD than ADD. Their behaviour is characterised by extreme hyperactivity. They are often described as a ‘handful’. They are physically very energetic and move from one situation to the other quickly. These children do not seem to respond to reprimands for very long and they have a limited sense of danger. Whenever these children are out in public places it is often necessary to keep a firm grasp on them as they are liable to get into accidents.
Some children are not necessarily hyper and can exhibit symptoms seem rather lethargic. They may seem somewhat dreamy and unresponsive. Children may have a short attention span and will not sit for long doing one thing. Rather than jump about however, they may just slip into a world of their own or appear aimless in their movements. Children who behave like this may be ADD but it is quite common for ADD/ADHD children to display a combination of both kinds of behaviour.
It is very common for ADD/ADHD children to have associated problems with social skills. Their hyperactive or withdrawn behaviour makes it difficult for them to interact normally with other children. Some ADHD children are prone to extreme loudness and aggressiveness. Others might disrespect concepts of ownership and can be destructive of toys etc. These traits further alienate other children and without positive interaction with a peer group and ADD/ADHD child might miss out on valuable social lessons. Parents should try to be on hand to help their child play properly.
Constant naughtiness means that ADD/ADHD children are forever being reprimanded by adults. Their difficult behaviour becomes reinforced by being constantly reminded how bad they are. Parents need to be firm and provide a structured environment but they should avoid this negative cycle. The child could end up missing out on crucial socialisation elements that take place at a young age and are learned from adults around them.
There is no established scientific cause for ADD/ADHD in children. There is a selection of plausible possibilities that could be at the root of the problem. For example, origins could be during the child’s gestational development. If mothers smoked or were taking street drugs during their pregnancies, they tend to give birth to more children with the condition. The problem could also be hereditary since it has been noted that children with the condition tend to have relatives with it also. There could also be problems in the brain that affect the child’s ability to concentrate or take control of their actions.
It can be difficult to specifically identify ADD/ADHD in children because of the problems in distinguishing between the condition and relatively normal misbehaviour in children. All children will at sometime be hyperactive, disobedient or unable to concentrate. Parents should seek help if behaviour is extreme and persistent.
ADD and ADHD are treated by a combination of medications and behavioural therapy. Early diagnosis is very important because with proper management, children are able to conduct a relatively normal life at school. If left untreated ADD/ADHD tends to worsen as the child grows older. If you are concerned that your child might be affected by ADD/ADHD do not be afraid to go for help.
