Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Jeanette Loftus

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that can affect anyone of any age. It is divided into three categories. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Inattentiveness is the most common symptom, and includes difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted and forgetting things.

Hyperactivity is characterized by excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty sitting still.

Impulsivity manifests as hasty decision-making, interrupting or blurting out answers, and difficulty waiting for one's turn.

ADHD symptoms can be different for everyone in severity. Symptoms can be mild to severe.

There are three types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and a combined type.

The predominantly inattentive type is often referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and is characterized by primarily inattentive symptoms.

The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type is characterized by primarily hyperactive and impulsive symptoms.

The combined type is the most common and is diagnosed when an individual displays symptoms from both categories.

- Regularly get up and get moving with your child

- Establish structure and consistent daily routines at home

- Learn how your child’s diet can affect Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms

- Ensure your child gets enough restful sleep

- Talk to your child’s teachers about managing symptoms at school

- Seek support from family and friends

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- fidgets and squirming while seated
- difficulty focusing in class
- excessive talking
- runs, jumps and climbs when not permitted
- easily distracted
- difficulty paying attention
- often loses or misplaces personal items
- interrupts others while talking
- struggles to wait their turn
- low impulse control
- easily frustrated
- difficulty calming down when angry
- inpatient with others
- constant movement and restlessness
- difficulty completing tasks
- emotional outbursts
- easily bored
- difficulty following instructions
- struggles to take turns
- often disorganized

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be:

- Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.

- Hyperactive and impulsive

- Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive

Symptoms of inattention in children:

- Struggles to stay focused

- Does not listen when spoken to

- Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions

- Has trouble staying organized and finishing projects

- Often losing and misplacing their items

Symptoms of hyperactivity in children:

- Constantly fidgets and squirms

- Has difficulty sitting still or playing quietly

- Moves around a lot, always running and climbing

- Talks excessively

- May have a temper or gets frustrated often

Symptoms of impulsivity in children:

- Acts without thinking

- Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problem or blurts out answers in class without

- Intrudes on other people’s conversations

- Often interrupts others

- Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, angry outbursts or temper tantrums

It is important for parents to provide consistency, structure and positive reinforcement. This can include creating a routine, setting clear expectations and consequences and praising and rewarding good behavior.

Children may also benefit from support at school like a 504 plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) for classroom and school accommodations.