Attention Deficit Disorder...what is it? 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), also known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is a diagnosis of children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviours over a period of time. The most common behaviours are:

o       distractibility (poor sustained attention to tasks)

o       impulsivity (impaired impulse control)

o       hyperactivity (excessive activity and restlessness)

In order to meet diagnostic criteria, these behaviours must be excessive, long-term, and occur in a variety of situations.  The behaviours must appear before age 7, and continue for at least 6 months. A crucial consideration is that the behaviours must create a real handicap or difficulties in at least two areas of a person's life, such as school, home, work, or social settings.  These criteria set AD/HD apart from the "normal" distractibility and impulsive behaviour of childhood, or the effects of the hectic and overstressed lifestyle prevalent in our society. 

Behaviours that comprise AD/HD have been listed in a variety of medical texts. The behaviours include: often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes; often has difficulty sustaining attention to tasks; often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; often fails to follow instructions carefully and completely; losing or forgetting important things; feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming; running or climbing excessively; often talks excessively; often blurts out answers before hearing the whole question; often has difficulty awaiting turn.  The exact nature and severity of AD/HD symptoms varies from person to person. Approximately one-third of people with AD/HD do not have hyperactive or overactive behaviour.

Because some degree of these behaviours is seen in all children at some time, it is easy to say that it is just "kid behaviour."  However, AD/HD behaviour occurs more often and with greater intensity in children with the diagnosis than in other children of a similar age.  Determination of symptoms comes down to what is typical behaviour for a child of a given age, in a given situation.  If a child acts in a way that is markedly different, then there is an issue.

Poor parenting, family problems, poor teachers or schools, too much TV, food allergies, or excess sugar does not cause AD/HD although these factors may intensify problems.

If you think your child is affected by AD/HD, then here are a few things you can do:

o   Rule out all other medical causes for inattention by visiting your doctor and making sure your child is in good health.  In other words, are there issues with hearing or vision?  Does the child have another disease that is causing these issues? 

o   If there is a sudden change in activity level, then determine if it can be attributed to another event in the child's life, such as a death of loved one, an illness in the family, or some form of abuse.

o   Stick to a routine, allow yourself time to do what is needed and allow your child even more time.  Remember it takes kids longer to do what is asked of them then it does an adult.

o   If you think that your child has struggles with attention, then talk to your child's teachers and day care providers.  Ask how long can he/she stay on task, how many instructions can they manage at one time?  Be ready to actually hear what is being said about your child, even though it may be upsetting. 

o   If it appears that there are struggles with attention and/or activity level, then have your doctor refer you to a professional who is experienced in the diagnosis of AD/HD. Typically a psychologist can provide testing to establish the diagnosis and provide behaviour management strategies and if suggested, your physician can discuss mediation options.

Estes Moustacalis, Ph.D., C.Psych.  (Dr. “M”)

www.oakvillepsychologist.com

info@oakvillepsychologist.com

905 617-8308

Providing psychoeducational assessments and consultation on behalf of children with learning difficulties.