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[Home] [About Us] [Sensory Integration] [Dyspraxia] [ADD & ADHD] [Assessment] [FAQ] [Southpaw] [Links] |
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Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a disorder affecting the learning and the behavior of the child |
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What causes ‘ADHD’? This has not been firmly established but there are two things that are strongly held beliefs: * there is no doubt that genes play a part in the inheritance of ADHD * ADHD problems result from subtle differences in the fine tuning of the brain. There is an under functioning of those areas of the brain that control concentration, attention and that modulate and inhibit inappropriate or irrational behaviour |
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Main Features of ADHD * Inattention * Impuslivity * Hyperactivity * Overactivity * Disorganisation * Social Skills Deficit * Motor (Movement) Difficulties |
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The following are a few of the possible signs : Inattention ~ The child appears easily distracted, has difficulty concentrating, dawdles when starting tasks or has little or no ideation or initiation [this is often misinterpreted as laziness]. The child may have difficulty listening to and following instructions, often daydreams or wanders aimlessly. Impulsiveness ~ The child may act without thinking, has difficulty waiting in turn, moves from one unfinished task to another, calls out inappropriately or makes remarks that are inappropriate to the situation, rushes into a task, engages in dangerous activities without considering the consequences. Over-activity ~ The child may appear to be ‘movement’ driven’, or fidgety or restless. There may be finger drumming or feet tapping or the child may engage in non-task related activities and is often accident prone, talks excessively and may have difficulty playing quietly. Disorganisation ~ The child may lose toys, forget homework or instructions. Social Skills ~ The child appears immature, has a lack of awareness and sensitivity to those around them, demands attention, is aggressive, argumentative or over-reacts to minor problems, often interrupts or sabotages games. Movement Difficulties ~ The child may display movement difficulties; many ADHD children have terrible handwriting, poor co-ordination and movement planning which makes tasks like tying laces, throwing and catching a ball, using scissors, riding a bicycle, etc., difficult to learn. ADHD children can often appear clumsy. Is There a Test for ADHD ? There is no specific diagnostic test for ADHD and accurate diagnosis can only be made after a comprehensive series of assessments, reports and clinical / situational observations. There are many other conditions that produce similar difficulties and behaviours and it is therefore important that a thorough assessment by a ‘team’ of professionals takes place prior to diagnosis. Important Points to Remember...
What to Do Next... Although there is no ‘cure’ for ADHD as such, a great deal can be done to assist the child and family when the problem is recognised. Children with ADHD often under-achieve at school and appear to have more potential than they actually display. Unrecognised, it can cause frustrations for the family, educational professionals, and more importantly, for the child. A lack of understanding can lead to unrealistic expectations and poor self-esteem for the child. Most people are unaware that some medication can be extremely effective in the management of the child with ADHD. However, the most effective way to help the child with ADHD is with a multi-disciplinary approach with educational, psychological and medical methods being co-ordinated appropriately. How Can ‘Therapy in Praxis Limited’ Help ...? By enabling the child to operate more productively in every domain of their daily occupations; play, academic, basic living skills and develop self-confidence. [Ref : Chu, S.] FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CLICK HERE
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