WHAT IS A.D.H.D?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an inherited neurological condition that often continues throughout a person’s life. The disorder is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, although not all people with the disorder are hyperactive.
All of us sometimes have difficulties concentrating. ADHD, however, means severe and on-going trouble with:
- focusing attention
- ignoring distractions
- setting and working towards goals
- difficulty following instructions
And, if hyperactivity is present:
- sitting still for long periods
- being patient
- tolerating frustration
- taking turns
- getting into physical danger
Children with ADHD have a lot more trouble with these things than other children of the same age. These problems may persist into adult life. To be diagnosed as ADHD the behaviour must have shown up before the age of seven, been present for at least 6 months, occur in at least two settings, and significantly impair the person’s life.
THE GOOD NEWS
Having ADHD doesn’t mean a person can’t live a productive, fulfilling life. Many people with ADHD are highly intelligent, creative and sensitive.
FAMILIES
Partners, relatives and friends can suffer stress. Support groups where people can share their stories are a great help.
RELATED CONDITIONS
ADHD hardly ever exists by itself. Many people have associated conditions and issues:
- learning disorders
- speech problems
- encopresis and enuresis (soiling & bed-wetting)
- conduct disorders
- depression and anxiety problems
- poor self esteem
- difficulties with assertiveness
- poor social skills
PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY HELP
- Your G.P.
- School Teachers
- Paediatricians
- Paediatric Neurologists
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Natural Therapists
- Speech Pathologists
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
- State schools have ADHD information packages
- ADASA provides workshops for parents and teachers
- Centrelink may provide Health Care Cards and, in rare cases a Child Disability Allowance
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide services, but are severely limited by funding
- Each CAHMS office has a Consumer Representative
THINGS THAT WORK
A combination of strategies is usually best:
- Stimulant medication, which assists concentration and impulse control
- Behaviour and environmental change, for example, modifying teaching strategies; using memory aids
- Behaviour training and courses in social skills and self-esteem
- Family counselling and training in the management of ADHD symptoms
- Extra tutoring in academic skills, speech and physical co-ordination
- Nutritional programs have helped some children
SOME FACTS ABOUT ADHD
- People with ADHD cannot overcome their disabilities with will power alone
- All sorts of parents have children with ADHD. Parenting styles do not cause ADHD
- Stimulant medications do not ‘dope’ nor sedate the user. People using stimulants to treat ADHD do not become addicted
- People with ADHD are not “just lazy’
- ADHD is not gender specific. Girls have ADHD too, but don’t usually show hyperactivity
- The performance of someone with ADHD can vary widely from day to day
- Most parents try to avoid medication for their children if possible – the ‘Ritalin happy family’ is a myth
- The ‘controversy’ of ADHD only exists in the media -the reality of ADHD is accepted in professional circles
If you are unsure about the symptoms displayed by a member of your family, please consult a health professional. Always ask for a second (even third) opinion if you are at all doubtful about the diagnosis.
