Kids With Special Needs: Identifying ADD & ADHD Behavior
Sometimes it really is tough to tell the difference between "normal" active childhood behavior and true hyperactivity and attention problems. Other times, the issues are so significant that the child really stands out in the crowd.
However, ADHD is a neurologically based disorder that really needs to be diagnosed by a specialist, or preferably a team of child specialists. Often this includes a combination of psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and various educational practitioners.
Unfortunately, in more subtle cases of ADHD, assessment isn't always a clear process. It can be time-consuming and frustrating for the child and the parents.
If your child has six symptoms of ADHD, and has had them for at least six months, he probably has ADHD. Usually you'll notice the symptoms before your child is 7 years old.
The symptoms aren't always simple, but they often break down into two types: an "inattentive" child or a more "impulsive" and "hyperactive" child.
For the inattentive type, some of the symptoms include:— Lack of awareness of detail
— Forgetfulness
— A tendency to make careless errors in school
— Difficulty with tasks that require sustained concentration and easily distracted
— Poor organizational skills
On the hyperactive side, symptoms include:
— Constantly on the move as if they are driven by a motor
— Great difficulty settling down for quiet activities
— Continually fidgety
— May talk a lot
— Has trouble taking turns
— May be intrusive and interrupt others
If you suspect that your child has ADHD, start by talking to his teacher and pediatrician. If an evaluation is warranted, they should be able to guide you in the right direction for dealing with kids with special needs.
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