Psychosocial factors such as family conflict, economic pressures, poverty and parental absence.Medical history of the child and family.The relationship with the parents and other family members.The nature of the child’s behaviour in different situations.Initially a history of the child’s medical, social, behavioural, psychological and educational development will be taken. Specialists able to undertake this diagnostic process include paediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists and child psychologists. If ADHD is suspected a referral to a paediatric specialist skilled in ADHD diagnosis is necessary before a formal diagnosis of ADHD can be made. An accurate diagnosis will rely on a thorough diagnostic process and must rule out other factors that could be producing the symptoms eg: learning or language problems, brain injury, or underlying medical conditions such as overactive thyroid, vision or hearing problems, anxiety disorders, depression and sleep disorders. There is no single medical or psychological test that can provide a conclusive diagnosis of ADHD. The most common time for a formal diagnosis of ADHD to be made is when a child begins school. Symptoms are generally noticeable at 4-5 years and some research has indicated that ADHD may be recognisable as early as the age of three. The onset of symptoms is likely to be early in childhood, before seven years of age. In many cases of ADHD, symptoms continue to be displayed into adolescence and adulthood, though hyperactivity may decrease with age.ĭespite the array of symptoms that can be displayed with ADHD, it should be highlighted that people with ADHD are often creative, sensitive, energetic, intuitive and highly intelligent. Difficulty following rules or regulations.Feel angry or appalled if misunderstood.Talking excessively and appearing not to listen.Into the teen years and adulthood symptoms may include: Physical symptoms such as digestive upsets, excessive thirst and perspiration, headaches, and food and drink cravings may also be present. They may also be prone to ear infections and asthma and may have food intolerances or allergies.Ĭommon behaviours in young children with ADHD include:Īs children with ADHD grow, they may have trouble sitting still, concentrating on one topic or task, waiting in turn for a toy or other object and remaining quiet. Toddlers with ADHD may also display unusual strength and a desire to climb. The baby or toddler may also cry a lot, be difficult to hold or cuddle, have fussy eating habits, and toddlers may have a tendency to run away. Getting easily frustrated and having tantrums.Demanding constant attention and entertainment.However, in a child with ADHD these behaviours are exaggerated.Įarly signs that may occur in babies and toddlers include: Many of the behaviours that occur in children with ADHD occur as part of normal childhood development. Each person’s symptoms vary in type, number, frequency and severity. The way ADHD presents in individuals varies considerably. It is always important to check whether the behaviour might be caused by other problems such as learning or hearing difficulties, and underlying medical conditions. Exposure to toxins during pregnancy or infancy eg: medications, alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants such as lead.Complications that occur around the time of birth eg: oxygen deprivation.The following may also play a role in the development of ADHD: It is thought the underlying causes are neurological in nature rather than behavioural, and genetics may be a causal factor. The causes of ADHD continue to be investigated. ADHD in childhood often continues into adulthood. It is estimated that 2-5% of school aged children may be affected by the condition in New Zealand. The onset of symptoms generally occurs before seven years of age, and are most commonly noticeable at four to five years of age. ADHD – Predominantly hyperactive or impulsive.It is generally agreed that ADHD can be broken down into three main subcategories: Treatment is likely to involve a combination of different approaches. These behaviours are common in children but it is the extent and the impact they have on a child's day-to-day functioning that may point to ADHD. Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relate to three main behaviours: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
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