Tsarenko
Veronica
Dragomanov
National Pedagogical University
The
Institute of Corrective Pedagogy and Psychology, student
Pet’ko Lyudmila,
Scientific supervisor,
Ph.D., Associate Professor,
Dragomanov
National Pedagogical University (Ukraine,
Kyiv)
CHILDREN WITH ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most
common childhood behavioral disorders and can continue through adolescence and
adulthood that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are
about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's
not yet understood why. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying
attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity)
[8; 1].
ADHD is a common disorder kids with ADHD act without thinking, are
hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of
them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention,
or attend to details [5].
Scientists are
not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a
large role. Like many other illnesses, ADHD probably results from a combination
of factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible
environmental factors, and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the
social environment might contribute to ADHD [8; 7].
Some researches
suggest that young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are
unable to focus their attention and are often impulsive and easily distracted.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder occurs in up to five of every 100
children (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). Most children
with this disorder have great difficulty remaining still, taking turns, and
keeping quiet. Symptoms must be evident in at least two settings, such as home
and school, in order for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to be
diagnosed [2].
ADHD used to be
known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, it was
renamed ADHD and broken down into three
subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors: 1) an inattentive type, with signs that include: inability to
pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or
other activities; difficulty with
sustained attention in tasks or play activities; apparent listening problems;
difficulty following instructions; problems with organization; avoidance or
dislike of tasks that require mental effort; tendency to lose things like toys,
notebooks, or homework; distractibility; forgetfulness in daily activities; 2) a hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include: fidgeting or
squirming, difficulty remaining seated, excessive running or climbing,
difficulty playing quietly, always seeming to be "on the go",
excessive talking, blurting out answers before hearing the full question,
difficulty waiting for a turn or in line, problems with interrupting or
intruding; 3) a combined type, which involves a combination of the other
two types and is the most common.
Although it can be challenging to raise kids with ADHD, it's important
to remember they aren't "bad," "acting out," or being
difficult on purpose. And they have difficulty controlling their behavior
without medication or behavioral therapy [5, 2; 8].
ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue
through adolescence and into adulthood. The average age of onset is 7 years
old. ADHD affects about 4.1% American adults age 18 years and older in a given year.
The disorder affects 9.0% of American children age 13 to 18 years. Boys are
four times at risk than girls [8; 6].
It
is interesting to notice, that at least 35% of kids with ADHD also have
oppositional defiant disorder, which is characterized by stubbornness,
outbursts of temper, and acts of defiance and rule breaking. Conduct disorder
is similar but features more severe hostility and aggression [3].
About
18% of kids with ADHD, particularly the inattentive subtype, also experience
depression. They may feel inadequate, isolated, frustrated by school failures
and social problems, and have low self-esteem.
It
is said in the documents that Anxiety
disorders affect about 25% of kids with ADHD. Symptoms include excessive
worry, fear, or panic, which can also lead to physical symptoms such as a
racing heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea.
About
half of all kids with ADHD also have a specific learning disability. The most
common learning problems are with reading (dyslexia) and handwriting. Although ADHD isn't categorized as a learning disability, its
interference with concentration and attention can make it even more difficult
for a child to perform well in school [5, 4].
Inattention,
hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD [6]. Children who
have symptoms of inattention
may: be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch
from one activity to another, have difficulty focusing on one thing, become
bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something
enjoyable, have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a
task or learning something new, have trouble completing or turning in homework
assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to
complete tasks or activities, not seem to listen when spoken to, daydream,
become easily confused, and move slowly, have difficulty processing information
as quickly and accurately as others, struggle to follow instructions.
Children who have
symptoms of hyperactivity may: fidget and squirm in their seats,
talk nonstop, dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in
sight, have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time, be
constantly in motion, have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
Children who have
symptoms of impulsivity may:
be very impatient, blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions
without restraint, and act without regard for consequences, have difficulty
waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games, often interrupt
conversations or others' activities [8; 4].
The
scientists present this video where we will find easy ways to identify ADHD
symptoms in children. Symptoms of ADHD in children can be difficult to
identify, that's why they created this video to shed light [4].
Bibliography
2. Child Behavior Disorders [Web site]. – Access
mode: http://www.psychology.com/resources/child_behavior.php
5. Kingsley Richard S. What Is ADHD? [Web site].
– Access mode: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/adhd.html