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ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

WHAT IS ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER?
Better known as ADHD, this disorder can cause young people to be overactive, impulsive, unable to pay attention, and accident-prone. They may also do poorly in school or fail despite normal or above-normal intelligence.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ADHD?
There are three types of ADHD, each with different signs, including:

I. Inattentive

• Short attention span, easily distracted
• Does not pay attention to details
• Makes lots of mistakes
• Fails to finish 'things
• Forgetful
• Doesn't listen
• Lacks organization

2. Hyperaactive/Impulsive

• Fidgets and squirms
• Unable to stay seated or play quietly
• Runs or climbs too much or when they should not
• Talks too much or when they should not
• Blurts out answers before questions are completed
• Trouble taking turns, often interrupts others

3. Combined Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This is the most common type. A child must have a number of the above symptoms beginning before the age of 7 and lasting for more than 6 months. Syrnptoms should be seen in at least two settings (home and school) before a diagnosis can be made.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
If your child can't complete the usual tasks for his/her age and abilities, fie may haw ADHD. Teachers will be the first to notice this problem in your child and their advice should be taken seriously. If you think that your child or adolescent may have ADHD, you should do the following:

• Make an appointment to have your child examined by a mental health professional.
• Be patient If your child has ADHD, it may take a long time to improve.
• Build confidence, strengths, talents and feelings of self worth in your child,
• Get accurate information from libraries and other sources,
• Ask questions about Treatment/services
• Talk with other families in the community
• Find family network organizations.