We know that young children have lots of energy and like to be active. Young children also tend to have a short attention span - they soon get tired of an activity and want to move on to something new. So how can you tell whether your child has ADHD or is simply restless or bored? To a certain extent it may be a matter of degree - children with ADHD are not just very active but have a wide range of problem behaviours which can make them very difficult to care for and control.
Because they are overactive and impulsive, children with ADHD often find it difficult to fit in at school. They may also have problems getting on with other children. These difficulties can continue as they grow up, particularly if children and families do not get the help they need.
Some children have significant problems in concentration and attention, but are not necessarily overactive or impulsive. These children are sometimes described as having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) rather than ADHD. ADD can easily be missed because the child is quiet and dreamy rather than disruptive. ADHD is not related to intelligence. Children with all levels of ability can have ADHD.
Back to the top
Some children do appear to grow out of ADHD although others have problems that continue into adolescence and beyond. Approximately two out of five children with ADHD continue to have difficulties at age 18. The main symptoms of ADHD, such as attention difficulties, may improve as children got older, but behavioural problems such as disobedience or aggression may become worse if children do not receive help. In particular, research has found that boys who are hyperactive and aggressive tend to become unpopular with other children. It is therefore very important for children to receive help as early as possible, to prevent them from developing other behaviour problems.
Back to the top
Research studies have demonstrated clearly that stimulant medication can produce short-term benefits for many children with ADHD. Many parents have commented on the dramatic improvements which can occur. As children calm down they are able to mix better with others, and they can respond more effectively to teachers and parents. Children may become less aggressive as well as less hyperactive, and their performance at school may improve significantly.
One of the main concerns about using stimulant medication is that these drugs may be used too readily to deal with behaviour problems which are not due to ADHD at all. It is therefore important to understand what the drugs can achieve and what their limitations are. They should only be prescribed to children who are carefully assessed and who have received a professional diagnosis. Medication does not cure ADHD - but it can provide a ‘window of opportunity’ in which we can help children learn to manage their own behaviour.
Back to the top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
