Attention – Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that helps to plan, focus on, and execute tasks. It is pervasive and persistent to an extent that it interferes with every aspect of the life: home, academic, social and work.
ADHD is characterized by combination of these symptoms:
• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
“RED FLAGS”
Symptoms: Inattention.
Behaviour Exhibited :
- Difficulty in sustaining attention in tasks , play , lectures or reading.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Easily distracted from work/ play by unrelated thoughts.
- Makes careless mistakes, does not pay attention to details.
- Frequently does not follow instructions.
- Fail to finish school work or chores.
- Difficulty in organizing his things and managing time.
- Loses things necessary for tasks like pencils, books, keys, papers.
- Forgetful in daily activities such as chores, errands and keeping appointments.
Symptoms: Hyperactivity.
Behaviour Exhibited :
- Fidgety and squirming when seated.
- ‘Always on the go” – getting up and moving around frequently when expected to be seated.
- Talks non stop.
- Cannot work or play quietly.
Symptoms: Impulsivity.
Behaviour Exhibited :
- Frequently acts / speaks without thinking.
- Blurts out answers before the question is completed.
- Trouble waiting for his turns.
- Interrupting or intruding on others during activities, conversations or in games.
Even though hyperactivity tends to improve as a child becomes a teen, difficulties with inattention, disorganization and poor impulse control often continue through the teen years and into adulthood.