Primary Schoolers ADD Or ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• ADHD is generally considered to be a neurochemical disorder with behavioural manifestations
• It's now understood children have two main problems
  • inattention - not paying attention
  • impulsiveness - doing things without thinking.
• It affects about one in 20 children and boys are more likely to have it than girls.
• We all have times when we don't 'hear' people around us or don't pay attention. We might be reading a great book, watching an exciting game on TV or thinking about a problem.
• Children might not hear because they are distracted by lights, sounds and things around them. They are curious. They want to investigate. Other children may be worried about something, depressed or sad.
• Some children have more of a problem. They do silly, dangerous things, can't sit still or concentrate on anything for more than a minute. Their brains actually work in a different way.
• They may not be able to filter sounds or sights or smells and but are aware of everything around them.
• Children like this can have a lot of trouble at preschool, school and at home. They may become anxious, frustrated, feel bad about themselves and cause problems. Doctors who specialise in treating childhood disorders may prescribe the use of medication. In some cases, this can correct the chemical balance in the child's brain.
• There are also many things you can do:
  • Talk to your doctor about your child's behaviour.
  • Find out what children of your child's age do.
  • Find out as much as you can about Attention Deficit Disorder.
  • Work closely with the school so the same methods of managing the child are used at home as well.
  • Rather than calling the child from another room, go to the child, say their name and then talk to them.
  • Help the child learn about doing things step by step. For example they might help you set the table.
  • Build on strengths rather than looking at weaknesses - praise good behaviour.
  • Set clear limits.
  • Find a way to reward acceptable behaviour
  • Refer to recommended books - ask the coordinator of this Parenting Information Centre for a list..
• Remember not all very active, easily distracted children have ADHD, but if you are at all worried see your doctor.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

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