1)
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
1)ADHD
is a persistent and pervasive disorder characterized by poor attention
span, overactivity and impulsive behavior far in excess of behavior
by other children in that age group. This behavior makes it difficult
for the child to adjust and adapt to the social environment inspite
of having normal intelligence. ADHD is usually noticed in children
below 7 years of age. The following features are usually seen in
children with ADHD: -
- The
child may make frequent mistakes at school.
- The
child may not be able to play the same game for a long time.
- The
child cannot follow instructions.
- The
child cannot organize work.
- The
child is forgetful in daily activities and tends to lose things.
- The
child is very fidgity.
- The
child may walk away from class or from situations where the
child is expected to remain seated. ( e.g. climb tables, cupboards
etc)
- They
will be continuously talking.
- They
tend to interrupt & disturb others.
2) My child aged 5 years does not sit still for more than few
minutes. She finds it hard to concentrate and disturbs the class
often. What should I do?
2)
Your child has a low attention span. However, before labeling
your child as ADHD, it is imperative to rule out physical causes
of restlessness in your child (commonest being worms). Also, consult
your doctor to rule out epilepsy (an EEG may be recommended),
psychosis, depression, anxiety etc. Many children with learning
disabilities may suffer from short attention, as they may be depressed
as they are unable to comprehend regular studies. Finally, your
child may be having too many sensory inputs and as a result may
be irritable.
3) My child tends to day dream a lot and appears to be in his
dream world. What should I do?
3)
Dreaming is a part of growing up and is considered normal. Abnormal
day dreaming is when the dreams are so intense that they interfere
with day to day activity. If your child has abnormal day dreaming,
consult your doctor for further evaluation.
4) How does one get ADHD?
4)
Though the exact cause of ADHD is still not known, it is postulated
that these children suffer from minimal brain damage either prenatal,
at time of birth or even in the neonatal age group.
Last created on 07-04-2001
Last updated on 18-11-2006
