Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Early Childhood Education Georgia CTAE Resource Network Instructional Resources Office July 2009

Common Behaviors Being inattentive (for example, not seeming to listen when spoken to) Being overly active (hyperactive) or having weak impulse control (impulsive) Some people with ADHD may be mainly inattentive or mainly hyperactive. Most people with ADHD show a combination of behaviors.

Conduct Disorder Bullying or threatening others Starting fights Purposely setting fires or destroying property in other ways Telling lies in order to get things or get out of doing things Stealing valuable items or stealing directly from a person

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Loss of temper Refusing to follow rules of adults Purposely doing things to annoy others Negative, defiant, disobedient and hostile toward authority figures

Other Conditions Anxiety disorders Mood disorders, such as depression Learning or communication disorders (trouble with language or other skills, such as math)

What causes ADHD? Researchers don’t know the exact cause(s) yet… Differences in the brain Genetics Other possible causes: Problems during pregnancy or childbirth Problems in the child’s environment, such as high lead levels

Diagnosing takes a complete evaluation… A medical exam A physical exam Lab tests Mental health screening tests (for conditions such as depression) A personal and family medical history Rule out – or diagnose – other conditions that may be causing symptoms Find out if any other family members may have ADHD Interviews and observations Rating scales

ADHD brings many challenges At home Relationships with family Cause stress and low self-esteem At school Low test scores and grades Trouble staying seated quietly, taking tests, writing or studying Disorganization Trouble starting or finishing work Lose books and assignments Become bored easily In other settings Difficult to make or keep friends In later years, success at work may be affected