ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder bY: NATALIE CLINGENSMITH, EMILY CLARK, SHELBie ALLEN, SARAH FEUGE

What is ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder. Typically children with ADHD have developmentally inappropriate behavior, including poor attention skills, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These characteristics arise in early childhood, typically before age 7, are chronic, and last at least 6 months. Children with ADHD may also experience problems in the areas of social skills and self esteem.

Video On ADHD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaCE5RT54c&feature=youtu.be

Diagnostic Characteristics ADHD is diagnosed according to certain characteristics described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as DSM-IV. A child with ADHD is often described as having a short attention span and as being distractible. The child will have difficulty with one or all parts of the attention process: focusing (picking something on which to pay attention), sustaining focus (paying attention for as long as is needed), and shifting focus (moving attention from one thing to another).

Symptoms of ADHD Symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups: Not being able to focus (inattentiveness) Being extremely active (hyperactivity) Not being able to control behavior (impulsivity)

Symptoms of Inattention Often fails to give close attention to details, making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. Often appears to not be listening when spoken to directly. Often has difficult following through on instructions; may fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (schoolwork and homework) Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (example: toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seating is expected. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which this is inappropriate. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly. Often is “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor” Often talks excessively.

Symptoms of Impulsivity Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed. Often has difficulty awaiting turn. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (during conversations or games).

Causes of ADHD ADHD usually begins in childhood but may continue into the adult years. Most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. As many as 5 out of every 100 children in school may have ADHD, boys are three times more likely than girls to have ADHD. It is NOT CLEAR what causes ADHD. A combination of genes and environmental factors likely plays a role in the development of the condition. Studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of children without ADHD

How Do You Know If a Child has ADHD? When a child shows signs of ADHD, he or she needs to be evaluated by a trained professional. This person may work for the school system or may be a professional in private practice. A complete evaluation is the only way to know for sure if the child has ADHD. It is also important to: Rule out other reasons for the child’s behavior Find out if the child has other disabilities along with ADHD

How ADHD Diagnosed By child’s doctor with input from family and other professionals such as nurses, teachers, psychologists, special therapist, etc. Assessments to tell if a child has ADHD is by observing interactions with peers in classroom, work setting and during formal testing. Interviewing parents about speech and language develop: Does a child stutter? Good Pronunciation? Evaluating the ability to explain or re tell a story Assessing social communication skills.

What is ADHD categorized under? ADHD is categorized under section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 , which is a Civil Rights Law it protects against discrimination it does not attempt to define the specific criteria necessary for eligibly, nor does it provide guidelines for creating IEP. 504 is not nearly as expensive as IDEA. ADHD is also categorized under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) does both, but 504 covers more children with ADHD with less severe symptoms. ADHD branches off of OHI (Other Health Impairments). OHI is when you have limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment.

Treatment There is no quick treatment for ADHD, however the symptoms of ADHD can be managed. It’s important that the child’s family and teachers: -Find out more about ADHD -Learn how to help the child manage his or her behavior -Create an Educational program that fits the child’s individual needs -Provide medication, if parents and the doctor feel that this would help the child. -Set specific, appropriate goals -Start medicine and or talk to therapy -Follow up regularly with the doctor to check on goals, results, and any side effects of medicines.

Medicines Medicine combined with behavioral treatment often works the best. There are several different ADHD medicines that may be used alone or in combination. Psychostimulants (also known as stimulants) are the most commonly used ADHD medicines. They actually have a calming effect in people with ADHD. Types of Medicines -Adderall and Adderall XR -Dexedrine -Concerta -Focalin and Focalin XR -Metadate CD and Metadate ER -Methylin and Methylin ER -Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA -Quilivant XR -Vyvanse -Daytrana -Strattera

Therapy for ADHD Therapy for both the patient and family is very helpful and can gain control of the stressful feelings related to ADHD. A common type of ADHD therapy is called behavioral therapy. It teaches children and parents healthy behaviors and how to manage disruptive behaviors. For mild cases of ADHD, behavioral therapy alone (without medicine) can sometimes be effective.

Tips to help Children with ADHD Include Talk regularly with the child’s teacher. Keep a consistent daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and outdoor activities. Make changes to the schedule in advance and not at the last moment. Limit distractions in the child’s environment. Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients. Make sure the child gets enough sleep. Praise and reward good behavior. Provide clear and consistent rules for the child.

Tips for Teachers Learn more about ADHD. Figure out what specific things are hard for the student, for example one student with ADHD may have trouble starting a task, while another may have trouble ending one task and starting the next. Each student needs different help. Post rules, schedules, and assignments. Clear rules and routines will help a student with ADHD Have set times for specific tasks Call attention to changes in schedule. Show the student how to use an assignment books and a daily schedule. Also teach study skills and learning strategies and reinforce these regularly. Help the student channel his or her physical activity. Make sure directions are given step by step and that the student is following the directions. Let the student do work on a computer Work together with the student’s parents to create and implement an educational plan to meet the students needs. Have high expectations for the student, but be willing to try new ways of doing things.

An Outlook on ADHD ADHD is a long-term chronic condition If not treated correctly, ADHD may lead to: -Drug and alcohol abuse -Not doing well in school -Problems keeping a job -Trouble with the law One third to one half of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity- impulsivity as adults. Adults with ADHD are often able to control behavior and mask difficulties.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Call the doctor if you or your child’s school staff suspect ADHD. Also tell the doctor about: -Problems at home, school, and with peer relationships -Side effects of ADHD medicine -Signs of depression

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Resources http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001551.htm http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/adhd#what http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/schools/feds.html Webmd.com