Child & Adolescent ADHD
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) ?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children and teens and can continue into adulthood. In fact, as the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in youths, Child & Adolescent ADHD affects about 7% of all children.
In particular, children with ADHD may be hyperactive, for example, and unable control their impulses. Additionally, they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviours often interfere with school and home life.
Furthermore, Childhood & Adolescent ADHD is more common in boys than in girls. It is usually noticeable during the early school years when a child begins to have problems focusing or completing tasks.
Symptoms in Children
Symptoms are grouped into three categories:
Inattention: A child with ADHD:
- Is easily distracted
- Doesn’t follow directions or finish tasks
- Doesn’t appear to be listening
- Has difficulty paying attention and makes careless mistakes
- Forgets about daily activities
- Has problems organizing daily tasks
- Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
- Often loses things
- Tends to daydream
Hyperactivity: A child with ADHD:
- Often squirms fidgets, or bounces when sitting
- Doesn’t stay seated
- Has trouble playing quietly
- Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as restlessness.)
- Talks excessively
- Is always “on the go” as if “driven by a motor”
Impulsivity: A child with ADHD:
- Has trouble waiting for his or her turn
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts others
How Can Therapy Help?
- Having structure and a routine can help children and adolescents function more successfully on a daily basis.
- Behaviour modification teaches ways to replace unwanted behaviours with more appropriate ones.
- Psychotherapy (counselling) can help someone with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration. In addition, it can also help improve their self-esteem.
- Counselling may also help family members better understand the child or adolescent and their disorder.
- Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Therapy is also helpful in managing stress and in relaxation.
- Social skills training can teach behaviours, such as taking turns, sharing, and relationship development at home, school and work.
For more information, or to see if therapy might be a good fit, please contact us.
