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ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
DEFINITION
ADD is characterised by a child displaying failures of attention and pervasive kind of impulsiveness. Currently this is believed to be the result of excessive motor activity. Generally, hyperactivity diminishes after puberty, although attention difficulties and impulsiveness may persist.
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD), a Doctor will need to find out if the child has experienced for at least 6 months, most of the symptoms. The Doctor needs to eliminate other possible causes of similar behaviour, such as hearing or visual impairments, and other medical conditions, learning disabilities, neurological and psychiatric disorders.
SYMPTOMS of ADHD
1 difficulty sustaining attention during play and learning activities.
2 continually fidgets and restless when sitting.
3 difficulty remaining seated for any length of time.
4 unable to complete tasks or activities.
5 unable to play quietly.
6 disruptive when learning or playing with others.
7 talks continually.
8 ignores or wont listen to what they are being told.
9 answer questions before they need to.
10 difficulty following instruction from others.
11 easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
12 difficulty awaiting his or her turn in games or group activities
13 lose things necessary for tasks or activities at school or at home
14 engage in physically dangerous activities without considering the possible consequences.
THE CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL
Children with ADD respond to positive effective behaviour management
Special physical education classes may be of benefit to children with co-ordination problems.
ADD does not necessarily mean a learning disability, a learning disability may be present
Most children with ADD take Ritalin. The policy on children receiving medication should be checked.
Children with ADD can be easily distracted. An environment with little distraction is needed.
Children may be inconsistent. They may concentrate in an art class, but show no interest in other lessons.
ADD children need constant motivation.
ADD children may have low self esteem and need more encouragement than other children.
Getting to school on time can also be a problem.
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