ADHD ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER ADD ATTENTION DEFICIT

ADHD ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

ADD • ATTENTION • DEFICIT • DISORDER

WHAT IS ADHD? • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder of the neurodevelopmental type. • It is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behaviour. • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children from as little as age 3 can continue into adulthood.

Causes of ADHD • Researchers say several things may lead to it, including: • • Heredity. ADHD tends to run in families, might be inherited from the parents. • • Neurobiological disorder. Chemical imbalances inside the brain. • • Brain changes. Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD. • • Pregnancy. Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse during pregnancy. These things can affect a baby’s brain development.

Key behaviours of ADHD • Inattention • Child loses concentration, lacks persistence, have difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized. • Hyperactivity • move about constantly, fidgets, taps, or talks excessively. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity. • Impulsivity • interrupting others, or blurting out answers • makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about it. •

• • • More Known Symptoms Highly Impatient High mental sensitivity Chronic forgetfulness Anxiety Low self esteem/Lack confidence Anger management issue: screams/tantrums Relationship problems/Anti-Social Procrastination Mood swings Depression/

Positive Qualities of a child with ADHD Great empathy and sensitivity Active imagination/Fantasy play Energetic/Cannot stand boredom They are very creative/Inventive Ask too many questions(curious) Spontaneous: Some people with ADHD can turn impulsivity into spontaneity • They thrive in chaos and are very observant. • Some people with ADHD may become hyperfocused. This makes them so intently focused on a task that they may not even notice the world around them. • • •

Who are to be blamed? • • • NO ONE…. Not result of poor parenting Should not feel ashamed Not Too much sugar Not Too much TV • It’s a “Common brain disorder”

Cure? No cure for ADHD Cannot be outgrown The symptoms can be controlled by Medication Therapy: focus on changing behaviour, assist in social skills training • Special education: a school which can support the need of your child • A special diet • •

What steps to take • Visit paediatrician/Clinic • Refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist • Clinical Psychologist - Evaluation • Visit the school teacher – school records • Get help and advice from Dept of Education

How parents can improve behaviour of the child • Focus on your child’s positive qualities • Reward and praise good behaviour • Positive reinforcement each time the child makes a good behaviour choice. • Tolerate your child’s behaviour no matter how frustrating • Be consistent and have a routine every day • Learn to anticipate potentially explosive situations

Influence to change Behaviour • • Be a good role model. Set the example Be who you want your child to become Be your child's mentor, she needs you Understand be a good listener Have a good relationship of trust(friend) Be loyal and committed to support her Accept who she is, God will do the rest. .

Successful Outcomes • Many people with ADHD have turned their unique behavioural challenges into well-known success. Examples of Celebrities who have reached the pinnacles of their fields with ADHD • Adam Levine • Albert Einstein • Channing Tatum • Glenn Beck • James Carville • Justin Timberlake • Karina Smirnoff • Richard Branson • Salvador Dali • Solange Knowles • Ty Pennington • Whoopi Goldberg

Success Stories • A diagnosis of ADHD does not have to put a person at a disadvantage in life. Instead, ADHD can and has contributed to the success of many movie stars, athletes, and businesspeople. From Albert Einstein to Michael Jordan to President George W. Bush, there are many people who have reached the pinnacles of their fields with ADHD.