Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is probably the most common cause of behavioural disorder found in children. Poor concentration, hyperactivity and learning difficulties are some signs that a child might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Some research shows that ADHD affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it’s not yet understood why. The disorder shouldn’t be confused with normal, boisterous childhood behaviour.

The condition can run in families. ADHD may be first noticed around the age of 18 months, but might not be diagnosed until later.

Children with ADHD usually have a reduced ability to maintain attention without being distracted, to control what they’re doing or saying and to control the amount of physical activity appropriate to the situation. This is because they are impulsive and restless. If these symptoms are present over a long period of time and occur in various settings then the child may have ADHD.

While children with ADHD have an intellect hat may be normal or advanced, more than half of children with ADHD have specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Living with ADHD can result in underachievement and poor self-esteem.

An ADHD child may;

  • find sitting still difficult
  • be constantly fidgeting or squirming
  • interrupt others
  • be easily distracted
  • find it hard to take turns
  • find following instructions difficult
  • play noisily
  • lack the focus to finish a task before starting another
  • not consider the consequences in physically dangerous activities
  • have apparent listening difficulties
  • lack personal organisation
  • lack attention to detail and make careless mistakes
  • constantly lose things
  • talk excessively
  • call out the answers before hearing the full question
  • avoids tasks like homework that require sustained mental effort.


Children with ADHD are also more likely to be depressed, anxious and obsessive and may have problems with speech, language and coordination. This will impair a child’s ability to function socially, academically, at school and at home. Not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms or is affected by each to the same degree.

The cause of ADHD has not yet been fully explained but it may be caused by an inherited imbalance of neurotransmitters which are chemicals that transmit nerves signals in the brain. One of the main problems with ADHD is that the brain has difficulty in filtering the vast quantity of stimulation that we receive every minute of every day.

Although there’s no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate help at home and in the school setting can make a big difference. Diagnosis should be made by formal testing by someone with experience of the condition, such as an educational psychologist. The good news is that with proper treatment, children with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms. Diet can play a part in hyperactive behaviour and it may be worth exploring dietary factors alongside other causes.

The first steps in treatment include help with behaviour and stress management, and educational support. Parents of children with mild to moderate ADHD should be offered training sessions to teach them how to cope with and manage their child’s behaviour. The children themselves may be offered support or social skills training.

The next step is medication to help children concentrate and be less disruptive but ideally drugs should only be prescribed if behaviour management strategies alone don’t work. However in children with more severe ADHD, which may disrupt many aspects of their life, medication can be used as a first line treatment.The most effective are stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (trade name Ritalin), which improve a child’s ability to focus. However, the response to these drugs is variable – some children are helped more than others. A number of different medications have become available and different drugs work well with different children. With the correct help, many people with ADHD manage to channel their energies with great success.

These strategies may help a child with ADHD:

  • Ensure there is a routine
  • Try to follow the same timetable every day, from wake-up time to bedtime.
  • Visual timetables help the child see what is happening throughout the day.
  • Help your child to be organised. Put school bags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them.
  • Try to avoid distractions. Turn off the TV, radio, and computer games, especially when your child is doing homework.
  • Limit choices. Offer a choice between two things so that your child isn’t overwhelmed and has a simple choice to make.
  • Make instructions clear. Instead of long-winded explanations and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind your child of their responsibilities.
  • Use goals and rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviours, then reward your child’s efforts. Be sure the goals are realistic.
  • Help your child discover a talent. Ensure you help boost their social skills and self-esteem. Find out what your child does well and focus on praise to boost their confidence.
  • Explore physical activities. Find out what your child enjoys. Active sports will help burn off excess energy which in turn helps them cope with the rest of their lives.