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HELP IDENTIFYING ADHD Signs , symptoms and help. This powerpoint has been created to help parents understand ADHD and give them tools to help their children CLAUDIA CALONJE EMAIL:cccalonje@gmail.com. SIGNS.
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HELP IDENTIFYING ADHDSigns, symptoms and help This powerpoint has been created to help parents understand ADHD and give them tools to help their children CLAUDIA CALONJE EMAIL:cccalonje@gmail.com
SIGNS • ADHD has many expressions and can be easily confused with average developmental behaviour and/or with other mental disorders • The best diagnosis is left to professionals but it is important to be aware of the signs • The Fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has defined a set of standardized medical criteria to diagnose ADHD • Hyperlink:http://www.ldonline.org/article/8840/
SYMPTOMS • Problems with inattention and impulsivity and hyperactivity inconsistent with the child’s developmental age • 3 types of ADHD • Symptoms for inattentive ADHD • Symptoms for hyperactive ADHD • Symptoms for combined ADHD
Symptoms for Inattentive • Makes careless mistakes in school work • Has difficulty finishing one task before starting another • Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities • Has difficulty carrying out sequential instructions • Often loses personal belongings, schoolwork, tools needed for tasks
Inattentive • Seems to not be listening when spoken to • Difficulty with tasks that demand sustained mental effort • Easily distracted
Symptoms for Hyperactive • Fidgets and squirms during listening sessions • Is constantly on the move and talks incessantly • Has difficulty taking turns • Frequently blurts out answers • Has difficulty playing quietly • Runs about or climbs in inappropiate situations
MIS/UN DIAGNOSED • Too often difficult children are labeled as having ADHD • Too often children with other disorders are misdiagnosed • Over diagnosis and under diagnosis is a problem • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
AAP Recommendations (symptoms in link) • 6 symptoms from either the inattentive or hyperactive should be present in more than 1 setting • Before the age of 7, seen in more than 1 setting and not caused by another problem • Symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties at home, at school or in relationships with peers
Diagnostic Requirements • A multifaceted evaluation including • A medical/psychiatric evaluation • An educational evaluation • A psychological evaluation
MEDICAL/PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION • A comprehensive interview with parents • To determine the child’s specific behavior characteristics • When the behavior began • How long has s/he had the symptoms • Whether the child displays the behavior in various settings • Investigate to exclude coexisting conditions
EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION • Aims to determine the academic impairment caused by the symptoms • Parent and teacher questionnaire • Direct classroom observations • Often a minimum of 3 observations across several days and at different times of the school day • Review of academic history
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION • Evaluation of child AND family • Child IQ Testing • Helpful tests but not specific to ADHD • WISC-R (IQ Test) • Wide Range Achievement Test • Bender – Gestalt Test (Visual motor integration)
Tests specific for ADHD • Test of variables of Attention (TOVA) • Revised Conners –teacher rating scale (RCTRS) • ADD-H Comprehensive teacher’s rating scale ACTeRS • ADHD –specific rating scales • Connors and Burkes
TREATMENT OPTIONS • Most important aspect of treatment is education of patient and family about the disorder and the way it can be treated • Medication treatments • Behavioural treatment • A combined treatment seems to be the most effective • YET it is important to keep in mind the age of the participants
Behavioural treatments are more effective with young children with combined ADHD • Limited effectiveness with older children, adolescents and those who have predominantly inattentive type ADHD • Cognitive Behavioural treatment seems to be more effective with older children and adolescents
THIS IS ONLY A GUIDE NOT A DIAGNOSIS MANUAL!!! • ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and it manifests itself in as many different ways as there are individuals and families. • This presentation is only a short guide to help navigate the complexity of identifying ADHD what to do to help the child and his/her family