ADHD
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada, affecting 5-7% of Canadian children. ADHD isn't the result of poor parenting, nor is it caused by too much sugar or too little exercise. Rather, it is a chronic, neurodevelopmental condition that can impact many aspects of an individuals life. The three main characteristics include an inability to sustain attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are three sub-types of ADHD:
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Predominantly Inattentive - here, most symptoms fall under inattention/challenges with focus
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Predominantly Hyperactive and Impulsive - here, most symptoms revolve around hyperactivity and challenges with impulse control
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Combined Type - this sub-type encompasses a mix of symptoms from the hyperactive and inattentive sub-types and is assigned to an individual who meets the criteria for both
Notably, the symptoms a person with ADHD experiences can change overtime. As an individual ages, they may find some symptoms have become more manageable or, conversely, worsened.
What are the signs of ADHD?
Inattentive Symptoms:
• Displays poor listening skills
• Loses and/or misplaces items needed to complete activities or tasks
• Sidetracked by external or unimportant stimuli
• Forgets daily activities
• Diminished attention span
• Lacks ability to complete schoolwork and other assignments or to follow instructions
• Avoids or is disinclined to begin homework or activities requiring concentration
• Fails to focus on details and/or makes thoughtless mistakes in schoolwork or assignments
Hyperactive Symptoms:
• Squirms when seated or fidgets with feet/hands
• Marked restlessness that is difficult to control
• Appears to be driven by “a motor” or is often “on the go”
• Lacks ability to play and engage in leisure activities in a quiet manner • Incapable of staying seated in class
• Overly talkative
Impulsive Symptoms:
• Difficulty waiting turn
• Interrupts or intrudes into conversations and activities of others
• Impulsively blurts out answers before questions completed
ADHD Resources
Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
CHADD's website contains a multitude of ADHD resources for parents, youth, educators, and professionals alike. As it is an American organization, the support programs are limited to the states. However, there is still a variety of valuable information available here.
