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

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth

* 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”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLm4cxJocsI

* 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: 1.16.2012

For more statistics on ADD/ADHD visit:

www.statisticbrain.com/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 disorderhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHTE8A7nNXw

* What it is like to be a child living with ADDhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaEyuicY_nM

* ADHD Children: For parents of children with ADHD http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=children+living+with+ADD%2FADHD&oq=children+living+with+ADD%2FADHD&gs_l=youtube.12...406.5344.0.6625.20.14.0.2.2.0.672.2032.0j1j5j5-1.7.0...0.0...1ac.kyygrT6ZV54

* Treating Complex pediatric cases of ADHDhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va0S89Ge5Aw

* Teaching the ADD/ADHD studenthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntu7DCmh-5s

References http://www.statisticbrain.com/attent

ion-deficit-disorder-adhd-statistics/ www.Chadd.org www.help4adhd.org nonstimulantadhdmed.com1. www.helpguide.org/mental/

adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm2. www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/

pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/3. http://www.daytrana.com/about-

adhd/symptoms4. http://www.childrensdmc.org/

healthlibrary

This is the book I used for reference when my son was

recently diagnosed with ADD