What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) in Children?
ADHD in Children and Young People
This article explains more about what is ADHD and what differences you might see if your child if you are considering an ADHD diagnosis.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
It is defined as persistent difficulties in inattention, concentration and/or hyperactivity that is present across different settings and has a considerable impact on your child's ability to function day to day.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The primary differences associated with ADHD include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and in some children, they're noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms may continue into adulthood, though how these manifest can change as your child develops.
ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviours can be different in boys and girls. For example, boys may be more hyperactive and girls may tend to be more inattentive.
Are there different types of ADHD?
There are three subtypes of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive. The majority of symptoms fall under inattention.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive. The majority of symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.
- Combined. This is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Strengths of ADHD
Strengths of ADHD: Creative
Many ADHDers have creative and 'outside of the box' thinking when it comes to problem solving and coming up with new ideas.
Strengths of ADHD: Energetic
Many ADHDers are energetic and enthusiastic, particularly for the things that they are interested in. Bounds of energy can be so refreshing and helpful to those around them when challenges arise.
Strengths of ADHD: Focussed
A common myth of ADHD is that children and young people are 'deficient' in attention. This is not the case! People with ADHD can have enormous focus for the things that are most interesting to them. They can focus on these exclusively, to the point that they miss important body clues likes having a drink, eating or going to the toilet.
Strength of ADHD: Hard working
Far too many children with an ADHD diagnosis repeatedly get into trouble at school, are cast as the 'naughty' child and are believed as others to not be interested in learning or school.
This is absolutely not the case; children and young people with ADHD can be extremely hard working and keen to do well but many aspects of school can be challenging for them, so much so that paying attention and maintaining focus on the lesson can be challenging for them. Children with ADHD have incredible attention - but for everything in the class, including small sounds, pictures on the wall or whatever is going on outside! They have a desire to do well but can't, and this can be difficult and impact on self esteem and mental health.
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