Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
What are the signs of ADHD in children?
ADHD is a neurodivergence that can result in a range of school-based problems that can affect a child’s ability to learn and study. Children may have trouble maintaining attention in the classroom, particularly for long teaching periods, and may find themselves easily distracted by others. They often seem unable to sit still, start or finish tasks, or even notice what is going on around them. They may seem fine one day, while the next they are whirling round in frenzied activity, or they may be daydreamers.
Children who have ADHD may be of any cognitive level, but it is more common among children with learning difficulties. However, many are highly creative, intuitive and physically able. A number of well-known and successful people have reportedly experienced ADHD, such as John F Kennedy, Bill Gates and Simone Biles. Unfortunately, because children with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate, they frequently do not fulfil their true potential. This underachievement, and persistent criticism of their behaviour, can lead to low self-esteem and depression. They are often the class clown and may be school avoidant.
The exact cause is unknown, but it may have a genetic component. Other factors include prematurity and low birth weight, and exposure to smoking and alcohol during pregnancy. Most diagnoses in children occur before age 12, but an increasing number of adults are now seeking a diagnosis.
Common signs of ADHD in children
Difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention
Impulsive behaviour
Excessive movement or restlessness
Difficulty finishing tasks
Poor organisation and forgetfulness
ADHD in Girls
In every class of 30 children it is likely that there will be between one and two pupils with ADHD, with four times more boys than girls. Girls with ADHD are often picked up later than boys, and research reveals how differently it can present. For example, girls may not demonstrate hyperactivity, but may seem unusually distracted or untidy, or be late with assignments. A girl with ADHD may have difficulty sustaining attention for a single task, so she may declare it is boring and try to change activity quickly. Girls with ADHD have been shown to have relatively high rates of verbal aggression towards other children in a classroom situation, whereas boys may engage more in rule-breaking and externalising behaviours. This goes some way to explain why fewer girls are referred to professional help at a young age.
Some studies dispute that there is a difference in ADHD between the genders and claim the symptoms are the same for both, but the combination of inattention and hyperactivity changes over time, as the child matures, with younger children being more noticeably active, while older children and adults struggle with inattentiveness
How ADHD is diagnosed?
If you suspect that ADHD is affecting your child you may want to speak to your GP or the SENCo at your child’s school. As well as telling you what support may be available to your child in the community and at school, they will be able to refer you for an ADHD assessment. A child is most likely to be assessed for ADHD by a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or an educational psychologist. As part of the assessment, information will be requested from school, and you and your child will be asked questions.
An early diagnosis and treatment from a specialist can save a child the pain of inappropriate social skills and deflated confidence. Treatments involve management through medication and psychological therapies, and can be effective if identified early on.
ADHD changes over time, as the child makes gains in concentration, however, relative to their peers they continue to struggle with inattention and impulsivity, particularly when the increased organisational demands of secondary school become too much. They may become tired and disheartened by poor school performance.
Social problems and ADHD
Anxiety and depression commonly co-occur with ADHD, causing the child to be worried and nervous, or even have physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat. ADHD can co-exist with other behavioural conditions such as autism or dyspraxia.
How parents and schools can help
Identification is the first step in providing the support that is required, so act on your instincts if your child’s functioning is being affected by their attention difficulties, by contacting your GP or SENCO
Work collaboratively, so the child is not getting mixed messages from home and school
Continue to monitor and review their progress with concentration
Try to work out the times in the day when they work most productively, and ensure that a task begins and ends with an activity that they enjoy
Support, and do not penalise, organisational weaknesses both at school and at home in aspects such as homework due dates, having PE kit and planning for tests and exams
Be prepared to support homework
Bolster and maintain your child’s self-esteem, to help the ‘whole child’ develop
Consider measures that offer options for socialising across a range of ages, eg after-school clubs
Monitor internet use, gaming and electronic communication sensitively
Consider counselling if issues of negative moods or anxiety occur, as in some cases they may not want to talk to teachers or parents
Don’t rule out the option of medication to support attention and concentration skills
For more information, visit ADHD Foundation