Attention Deficit Disorder Presented By: Amy Doerner

What is ADD/ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder appears early in childhood; generally between the ages of 3-5. Although many speculate that ADD/ADHD may be caused from: alcohol/tobacco use during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, etc., researches still do NOT know the cause of the disorder.

* Primary Characteristics of ADD/ADHD There are three primary characteristics of ADD/ADHD Inattentive Hyperactive Impulsivity

* Inattentive Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD Fails to pay close attention to details Often makes careless mistakes on schoolwork Struggles to listen when spoken to directly Fails to finish schoolwork, chores, and finds it difficult to follow instructions Difficulty organizing tasks Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort Easily distracted Often loses items, and forgetful in daily activities

* Hyperactive Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD Appears “Fidgety” Squirms in seat Often out of seat Running/climbing at inappropriate times Often “on the go” m4cxJocsI

* Impulsive Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD Acts without thinking Blurts out answers in class Cannot wait for his or her turn in games or activities Often interrupts Emotions often get in the way causing angry outbursts or temper tantrums

Myths about Attention Deficit Behavior All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive Kids with ADD/ADHD can NEVER pay attention Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult Children with ADD/ADHD could behave if they wanted to Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD Medication is the best treatment option Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many are not. Children with ADD/ADHD can pay attention when involved in a task or activity they enjoy, but have trouble focusing if the tasks seems tedious Children with ADD/ADHD are not acting out on purpose ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood Medication may not always be the right option; behavior therapy, school support and proper nutrition can also be effective

What do Statistics Say? Median age of onset for ADHD: 7 Number of children 3-17 years of age ever diagnosed with ADHD: 5.2 Million Boys are more than twice as likely to have ADD/ADHD Source: Center for Disease Control, Vital and Health Statistics Date Verified: For more statistics on ADD/ADHD visit: m/attention-deficit- disorder-adhd- statistics m/attention-deficit- disorder-adhd- statistics

Is it Really ADD/ADHD? A child with hyperactivity, impulsiveness, or inattentiveness does not necessarily have ADD/ADHD Similar characteristics may be a result of a learning disability, stress, major life changes, behavioral disorders, psychological disorders, or medical conditions ( Help guide to ADD/ADHD in Children, 2012).

Treatment…Helping a child with ADD/ADHD With ADD/ADHD left untreated it may be difficult for children to focus and control themselves They may often struggle in school, get into trouble, and may find it difficult to get along with others If you feel your child may suffer from ADD/ADHD seek professional help

* Positive effects of ADD/ADHD Children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD can be very creative and imaginative Children with ADD/ADHD are also often flexible, enthusiastic and motivated to succeed in tasks that interest them

* Effective School Tips… Remember that each child is different; start by evaluating the child’s strengths and weaknesses Together with the parents develop creative strategies to help the child focus and remain on task Offer frequent breaks when you sense the student may benefit from a quick “breather”

* Video Resources * Living with ADD ( A mother diagnosed with ADD, and her child also diagnosed with the disorder * What it is like to be a child living with ADD * ADHD Children: For parents of children with ADHD +living+with+ADD%2FADHD&oq=children+living+with+ ADD%2FADHD&gs_l=youtube j1j5j ac.kyygrT6ZV54 +living+with+ADD%2FADHD&oq=children+living+with+ ADD%2FADHD&gs_l=youtube j1j5j ac.kyygrT6ZV54 * Treating Complex pediatric cases of ADHD * Teaching the ADD/ADHD student

References tion-deficit-disorder-adhd-statistics/ tion-deficit-disorder-adhd-statistics/ nonstimulantadhdmed.com nonstimulantadhdmed.com 1. dd_signs_symptoms.htm dd_signs_symptoms.htm 2. h/PMH / h/PMH / 3. adhd/symptoms adhd/symptoms 4. hlibrary hlibrary This is the book I used for reference when my son was recently diagnosed with ADD