ADHD, ADD and Autism Supported by

ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age. Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old. The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who are diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families. Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD compared to those who don't have the condition. For more information, visit http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity- disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Inattentiveness symptoms The main signs of inattentiveness are: having a short attention span and being easily distracted making careless mistakes: for example, in schoolwork appearing forgetful or losing things being unable to stick at tasks that are tedious or time- consuming appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions constantly changing activity or task having difficulty organising tasks

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are: being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings constantly fidgeting being unable to concentrate on tasks excessive physical movement excessive talking being unable to wait their turn acting without thinking interrupting conversations little or no sense of danger

ADHD These symptoms can cause significant problems in a child's life, such as underachievement at school, poor social interaction with other children and adults, and problems with discipline. Watch video: ADHD Thought Triggers https://youtu.be/SVwxb6gcpqo

Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder (or ADD) means a person shows enough symptoms of inattention but isn't hyperactive or impulsive. ADD occurs when a person has symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity but not inattention. This is what is typically referred to when someone uses the term ADD rather than ADHD. ADD is now used less frequently in terms of diagnosis.

Autism

What we understand by the term ‘autism’ Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how people make sense of the world around them. No one knows exactly what causes autism, but the core idea is that the brain of someone with autism functions differently, receiving and processing information in a different way. (Forrester-Jones, 2014) Autism is a spectrum condition which means there are lots of different ways can affect an individual.

What we understand by the term autism The level of support individuals may require can vary from constant to occasional. Autism is a lifelong, developmental condition that affects the brain and its functions. Autism not only affects the person but the people around them like their family, friends and carers.

Characteristics of autism People with autism generally experience three main areas of difficulty: social communication social interaction social imagination

1. Social communication Social communication is where people with autism have difficulties understanding: facial expressions tone of voice common gestures eye contact body language giving and receiving verbal and non-verbal communication

2. Social interaction Social interaction is where people with autism struggle with: understanding their own and other people’s feelings and emotions forming relationships and making friends People can appear aloof, indifferent and withdrawn.

3. Social imagination Social imagination is where people with autism have difficulties comprehending: abstract concepts and ideas people’s actions, emotions, behaviours and consequences solutions to life outside of their routines

What it feels like to have autism Watch video: https://youtu.be/1qPFAT4p8Lc

National Autistic Society Watch videos: https://youtu.be/cOjiPd72NGY?list=PLB4E683920E887180

Using public transport Watch video: https://youtu.be/Q6G-OpGgo3c

Activity How did it feel to be person 1? How did it feel have so much commotion going on? Did it make you want to scream or get away? Were you able to concentrate on the paragraph being read? What might have helped? More information: http://www.dvusd.org/cms/lib011/AZ01901092/Centricity/Domain/1318/Disability%20Awareness%20Packet%202.pdf