Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the diagnosis for a group of behaviors that are typically found in children who challenge our need to be in control of our environment, to be good parents, or to be competent teachers. Problems arise because youngsters with ADHD are often disorganized, late to important events, have poor time sense, and do not learn well from mistakes. They may also have poor impulse control, poor self-regulation, and lack adequate self-monitoring skills.
The diagnostic manual for mental disorders (DSM-IV:TR) lists three major subtypes of ADHD which hinge on three aspects of observable behavior: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In each case, the problem behaviors are inconsistent with the child’s age, significantly impair normal development, and are observed in two or more settings. The type of ADHD the child has depends upon the symptoms the child shows.
The first type of ADHD is called Combined Type and describes the child who has symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. This child demonstrates many physical symptoms such as constant talking, moving, fidgeting, and running/climbing in inappropriate situations. Often, this child has difficulty working in large group situations (such as the classroom) because he talks loudly, calls out, interrupts others, leaves his seat without permission, and is unable to wait for the teacher to call upon him.
The symptoms for ADHD Inattentive Type are associated with problems of inattention such as poor organizational skills, forgetfulness, distractibility, a short attention span, and reluctance to perform mentally challenging tasks. In the classroom setting, this student has difficulty starting and completing assignments, forgets homework assignments, loses materials, and is sometimes described as a daydreamer or “in a fog.”
The third category of ADHD is called Hyperactive-Impulsive type. This child does not have many symptoms of inattention but does have many of the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity such as motor restlessness, poor self-control, and acting without thinking. This child may appear to be completely inattentive, wandering about the room, touching and playing with things, talking to others, dropping objects, but is still able to correctly answer the teacher’s questions regarding the topic under discussion.
The good news is that there are numerous interventions and behavior management techniques to deal with all types of ADHD. These strategies can help parents and teachers assist the child so that he can live a more comfortable and rewarding life at home and school.
For additional information regarding ADHD or other disorders that affect learning please call Ramona Hall, MA at 661-222-7332 or visit www.compassionatesolutionsscv.com.