Are you always getting called in for your child’s behavior in school? Is he or she failing or having really low grades? What about at home? Does your child seem like he or she is mostly inattentive to what you are saying? Sometimes, does it seem like or she just can’t sit still in one place?
Then realizing to the answers to all these questions, you wonder, does your child have ADHD? What is ADHD anyway? Here we tell you.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a development disorder that can affect a child’s success in school and with interpersonal relationships. The symptoms of ADHD vary and are sometimes difficult to recognize. ADHD can lead to difficulties in school, work and home life.
What causes it? Studies show that there is a link between a family history of and influences from the environment. ADHD is inherited in about 3 out of 4 cases diagnosed. Some other studies see low birth weight, maternal smoking during pregnancy, as well as lead and pesticides exposure after birth.
A diagnosis of ADHD is made by evaluating the child under several criteria. Try consulting with a Pediatrician or a Child Psychologist. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children by the time they’re teens but the average age of diagnosis is 7. Pure recognition alone, based on observation, and reports by parents, teachers, and guidance counselors may raise the suspicion or strengthen the diagnosis of ADHD.
The most common symptom and the most easily recognizable one is hyperactivity. Children with ADHD are very and excessively active in play. Sometimes they even get hurt in doing so, but they won’t seem to mind. Boys are commonly more hyperactive than girls.
However, anyone who has parented a child will tell you that high levels of activity are part of a normal childhood. In children with ADHD though, these behaviors are excessive, not appropriate based on the their age, and cause distress in both school and home settings.
Some other symptoms are also used as criteria. Another common sign of ADHD is an inability to recognize other people’s needs and desires. A child with ADHD may interrupt other people when they’re talking or may have trouble waiting in line for food or games.
A child with ADHD may show interest in lots of different things, but may have problems seeing them through to the end. He or she may start working on a puzzle, for example, but only finish it halfway. Or another familiar scenario is unfinished homework which may lead to poor school performance.
A child with ADHD may have trouble paying attention too, even when being spoken to directly. He or she may seem to be listening but if you let them repeat what you have just said, they’d be clueless. Or he or she might be excessively daydreaming during lectures, as reported by teachers. Girls are commonly more inattentive than boys though.
How do you manage ADHD then? Medications such as stimulants, coupled with behavioral therapy, can be very effective in the control of ADHD. Remember thought that all children are going to exhibit some of these behaviors some of the time. Kids will be kids, right? Also, ADHD is a very treatable condition so do spend some time reviewing all of your treatment options before choosing one.
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