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What is ADHD?

Introduction to ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. Research shows strong evidence that the malfunction of Dopamine and Norepinephrine (neurotransmitters) play a large role in ADHD-type behaviours.

More about ADHD

Many people may think that ADHD is merely hyper-activeness. 
 

However...

ADHD can be categorized into 3 main categories which are:

  •   Impulsiveness

  •   Hyperactivity

  •   Inattentiveness

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There are also different levels of severity so different children with ADHD may not behave the same way.

Misconceptions
Symptoms
Managing ADHD

Understanding ADHD , Understanding Your Child

Misconceptions of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD

Managing ADHD

Facts

Facts about ADHD

1. The average age of ADHD diagnosis is 7  years old.

 

2. Symptoms of ADHD typically first appear between the ages of 3 and 6

 

3. Many People With ADHD Struggle With Short-Term Memory

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4. Many factors are thought to contribute to ADHD, including genetic and environmental factors. A family history of ADHD increases the likelihood of your child having symptoms of ADHD. Environmental factors are less well understood, but experts agree that ADHD is not caused by poor parenting.

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5. As children with ADHD grow older, they would understand that they have ADHD and thus, more aware of why they are behaving this way. Although they will still fidget frequently, they know when they have to control themselves.

Children with ADHD need to be told what to do in a clear, straightforward and non emotional way if they are to learn to control their actions. Here are some simple tips to promote effective communication with children with ADHD: 
 

Minimise ALL distractions


1. Turn off or ask the child to turn off the television or computer. If you are in a noisy setting, move to somewhere quieter.

2. Establish and maintain good eye contact.Fully engage by making good eye contact. It helps to touch a younger child’s arm or hold his hand before addressing him.

3. State the instruction/command clearly

4. State your command in a simple, non emotional statement and not as a question. Eg. “You need to stop pushing your brother now.” instead of “ Would you please stop pushing your brother?”. If behaviour does not stop, follow with a warning. Always keep a firm and neutral tone, refrain from shouting or looking angry. (Basically, be assertive)

5. Repeat the command/ instruction
If you are unsure of whether or not the child has heard the command, get him to repeat it back to you.

6. Praise the child

7. If the child has complied with the command, be sure to praise the child. 

8. Impose a Timeout

9. If the child does not cooperate according to the time limit that you set, invoke the consequences (eg. Time-out)

Symptoms of ADHD:

  • Trouble paying attention (Inattention). People with ADHD are easily distracted. They have a hard time focusing on any one task.
     

  • Trouble sitting still for even a short time (Hyperactivity). Children with ADHD may squirm, fidget, or run around at the wrong times. Teens and adults often feel restless and fidgety. They are unable to focus on reading or other quiet activities.
     

  • Acting before thinking (Impulsivity). People with ADHD may talk too loud, laugh too loud, or become angrier than the situation calls for. Children may not be able to wait for their turn or to share.
    This makes it hard for them to play with other children. Teens and adults may     make quick decisions that have a long-term impact on their lives. They may spend too much money or change jobs often.

What to do if my child has ADHD

What to do

It is best to seek medical guidance early if you discover your child has ADHD. Both children and parents will be learn more about ADHD and how to manage this condition.
 

Head over to the Contacts page at the top of the website for a list of contacts

#1: Do only boys get ADHD?


No,girls can have ADHD too.

 

#2: Children will not have ADHD when they grow up.


ADHD can continue into adulthood and this may affect them in work due to their impulsiveness.

 

 

#3: Girls have lower rates and less severe ADHD than boys.

 

Girls and women experience, equal chance of having ADHD They are at risk for many of the same coexisting conditions and impairments as males

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