In past newsletters, the counseling center has asked our readers, "What topics would be helpful to you in a counseling center newsletter?" One of the topics that surfaced was ADHD (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). In last month's newsletter, I addressed some common myths about ADHD. This month, I will discuss the signs and symptoms of ADHD.
Part II: What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).
ADHD has three subtypes:
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity category and fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree.
- Predominantly inattentive
The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree.
Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD.
- Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present. Most children have the combined type of ADHD.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.
Children who have symptoms of inattention may:
- Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
- Have difficulty focusing on one thing
- Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
- Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
- Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
- Not seem to listen when spoken to
- Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
- Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
- Struggle to follow instructions.
Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:
- Fidget and squirm in their seats
- Talk nonstop
- Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
- Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
- Be constantly in motion
- Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:
- Be very impatient
- Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
- Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
- Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.
ADHD Can Be Mistaken for Other Problems
Parents and teachers can miss the fact that children with symptoms of inattention have the disorder because they are often quiet and less likely to act out. They may sit quietly, seeming to work, but they are often not paying attention to what they are doing. They may get along well with other children, compared with those with the other subtypes, who tend to have social problems. But children with the inattentive kind of ADHD are not the only ones whose disorders can be missed. For example, adults may think that children with the hyperactive and impulsive subtypes just have emotional or disciplinary problems.
What is the Treatment for ADHD?
Treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms, but there is no cure. With treatment, most people with ADHD can be successful in school and lead productive lives. Researchers are developing more effective treatments and interventions, and using new tools such as brain imaging, to better understand ADHD and to find more effective ways to treat and prevent it.
Adapted from NIMH
In recognition of October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, CBC will be collecting old cell phones. The cell phones will be donated to local shelters to be distributed to victims of domestic violence. The phones will then be used to call 911 in cases of emergency. Please help us by bringing in your deactivated old cell phones. We will gladly collect them and donate them. Thanks for helping us make a difference for those working to escape domestic abuse!
A resource to help you or someone you know with a safety plan, visit http://www.focusministries1.org/safety_plan_pf.asp.
Beginning Wednesday, October 21, 2009, the counselors at CBC will be presenting various Parenting topics. Topics on adolescent issues, communication, ADHD, and other prevalent topics on parenting will be presented. The first class on October 21st will be a panel discussion led by CBC counselors and First Melissa pastors. Bring your questions and join the discussion.
Join us on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church in Melissa, TX. The church is located at 2600 State Highway 121. For more information, you can email us at newsletter@cbcmckinney.com. It's FREE and no reservations are required. We'd love to see you there!
When a Child is Drowning, Don’t Try to Teach Her to Swim
What would you do if your child were drowning? Would you look into the pool and try and tell your child what to do? Would you give her a crash course in how to swim? Of course not! You would jump in and save your child. You would then wait until an appropriate time to teach your child how to swim.
When your child is feeling upset or out of control, that is not the moment to teach, preach, or impart a rule. You can help your child to calm down by using some of the following ideas:
- Take 10 deep breaths. It really does work!
- Do some physical activity – walk, run, swim, play golf, or do some other sport. This can be great for releasing the stress and frustration you’ve built up!
- Use a punching bag or a pillow to physically express your anger (in a way that’s not harmful).
- Do yoga, or another relaxing form of exercise.
- Participate in a fun activity or hobby.
- Use a journal and/or art to express your feelings.
- Forgive. At some point, it helps to let go and move on with a fresh attitude.
LOVE-pathways to resolving differences
L-listen and repeat; people sometimes feel misunderstood because they are misunderstood-when that happens they often stop listening and begin to focus on how to make the other understand. Instead, begin to listen and reflect both content and feeling until the other feels understood (not necessarily agreed with, but you understand what the other is saying). Then the listening partner can ask whether the other would like to know what he/she is thinking.
O-observe your effects-be vigilant to cues that the other doesn't understand, and if this happens stop talking and ask questions like: "What did you understand me to say?" and then perhaps, "I'm sorry I came across that way. What I was trying to say was . . . "
V-value your partner-strive to value, not devalue
E-evaluate the interests of both partners-don't get locked into "my solution is the only solution"-examine any underlying interests you have in a particular outcome.
(Competent Christian Counseling, Clinton and Ohlschlager, pp. 471-2)
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