Preschool Aged Children at Risk of ADHD Kelly Gutierrez

Definitions Neurodevelopmental disorder: Neurodevelopmental disorders are impairments of the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system affecting emotion, learning ability and memory. ADHD: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distractibility, impulsivity and restlessness or hyperactivity. Why do we call At Risk? Because it is too early to diagnose preschool children with ADHD between the ages of 3-5. This age group is considered at risk because they demonstrate symptoms of ADHD, but cannot yet be diagnosed.

Symptoms For This Age Group - Careless mistakes and lack of attention to details. -Difficulty paying attention. -Failure to follow through on instructions. -Difficulty organizing tasks and activities. -Forgetfulness in daily activities. -Difficulty staying seated. -Excessive talking.

Some Effective Treatments -Therapeutic groups: Social training programs that help to improve the day-to- day skills of children -Parenting programs: Uses “Behavioral Psychosocial Treatment (BPT)” as an initial treatment that could reach at-risk preschoolers prior to secondary risk factors, such as academic failure, antisocial tendencies, and peer rejection. -Child Centered Play Therapy: focuses on the child and not on his or her problems (such as traditional sand play therapy, family therapy, and play therapy with the use of toys. -Psychoeducational Groups: Arranged to educate families of children with ADHD. -Filial Therapy: Will train parents and involve them in their child’s play therapy.

Educational Models Schools have different educational models when it comes to children at risk of ADHD. *Segregation: Separate special school, or separate unit within school or separate segregated courses within mainstream education settings. *Integration: The child is required to "fit in" to what already exists in the school. *Inclusion: Education for ALL

Minor Side effects of ADHD Medication Feeling restless or Irritable mood swings Difficulty sleeping Racing heartbeat Loss of appetite Upset stomach Headaches Depression Dizziness Tics Video Clip:

Use for Counselors I think this slideshow would be beneficial for counselors to view because it would help them to better understand pre-school aged children that are at risk of ADHD, and therefore improve the care they can provide to them. It would show them the symptoms that may be apparent for this age group. It will also show effective treatments that they could implement with these clients. And lastly it could show them the side effects of some of the medications prescribed for ADHD.