Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is ADHD?

One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.

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Most Common

Childhood neurodevelopmental disorder

Difficulty with Attention

Trouble focusing and completing tasks

Hyperactive Behavior

Excessive movement and restlessness

Impulsive Actions

Acting without thinking about consequences

Early Recognition

Signs and Symptoms

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at times. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

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Daydreams A Lot

Frequently lost in thought and disconnected from surroundings

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Forgets or Loses Things

Regularly misplaces belongings and forgets daily tasks

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Squirms or Fidgets

Difficulty sitting still and constantly moving

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Talks Too Much

Excessive talking and difficulty staying quiet

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Makes Careless Mistakes

Takes unnecessary risks without considering consequences

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Hard to Resist Temptation

Struggles with self-control and delaying gratification

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Trouble Taking Turns

Difficulty waiting and interrupting others frequently

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Difficulty with Others

Challenges getting along with peers and social interactions

Three Presentations

Types of ADHD

ADHD presents differently depending on which symptoms are strongest. The presentation may change over time as symptoms evolve.

Predominantly Inattentive

• Hard to organize or finish tasks
• Difficulty paying attention to details
• Trouble following instructions or conversations
• Easily distracted
• Forgets details of daily routines

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive

• Fidgets and talks a lot
• Hard to sit still for long periods
• Constant running, jumping, or climbing (in children)
• Feels restless
• Interrupts others frequently
• More accidents and injuries than others

Combined Presentation

Symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types are equally present.

This is the most common type of ADHD, where individuals experience a combination of attention difficulties and hyperactive or impulsive behaviors.

Note: Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

Understanding the Origins

Causes of ADHD

Scientists are studying causes and risk factors to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The exact causes are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role.

Possible Risk Factors

• Brain injury
• Environmental exposure (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight

Common Myths (NOT causes)

✗ Eating too much sugar
✗ Watching too much television
✗ Poor parenting
✗ Poverty or family chaos

*These may worsen symptoms in some people but are not main causes

Assessment Process

Diagnosis

Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD.

The Process Includes:

1

Medical exam (including hearing and vision tests)

2

Checklist for rating ADHD symptoms

3

History from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child

Many other problems like anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and learning disabilities can have similar symptoms and must be ruled out.

Effective Management

Treatments

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication.

Treatment Approach:

✓ Ages 4-5: Behavior therapy (especially parent training) recommended first
✓ School-age: Combination of therapy and medication often works best
✓ Treatment plans should include close monitoring
✓ Regular follow-ups and adjustments as needed

Important: What works best can depend on the child and family. Treatment should be tailored to individual needs.

Need Support for ADHD?

Our team provides comprehensive support, therapy, and resources for children with ADHD and their families.

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Information sourced from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)