ADHD in Children: Background for EducatorsADHD in children affects around 8% of our students. What is ADHD? Is there a difference between ADD and ADHD? Here is what teachers need to know about ADHD in children.
What is ADHD/ADD?ADHD is an acronym that stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. ADD is an acronym that stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. References to ADHD symptoms have been around in medical literature for more than 100 years. ADHD in children is one of the most widely researched of all childhood and adult disorders. ADHD symptoms vary amongst people, but primary features of ADHD in children are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most often seen type of ADHD in children is Combined. These students will show symptoms of all three characteristics in the classroom. Definition of ADHDADHD in the classroom is often referred to as ADD with the hyperactivity component. It is a developmental disorder of both children and adults that is comprised of deficits in sustained attention, impulse control and the relation of activity level to situational demands.What Causes ADHDAD/HD is a neurologically based disorder that affects around 8% of our students (latest CDC research on ADHD statistics). It is likely related to differences in the function of some areas of the brain that regulate activity and attention. The exact cause is not known, but genetics does play a role. If I have a conference with a parent and it is shared that he or she has ADHD, that is a good indicator as to what might be going on.Cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk for ADD/ADHD in children as well. Students who were "crack babies," exposed to marijuana prenatally or were diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome will likely show some degree of it. Parents and teachers do not cause ADD/ADHD. Regardless of how boring a parent says your class is (and if it is, then you most likely have other issues!), teachers are not the cause of a child's inattention and impulsivity. However, there are many things that can be done to help a child manage impulse-control and behavioral issues. Often parents will ask me if I have ever observed a noticeable change in behaviors with ADHD and diet. At times, yes, if it is adhered to correctly. The U.S. National Institutes of Health have found that this type of diet modification actually helps only about 5% of children already diagnosed with AD/HD, and they are usually ones who have pre-existing food allergies. There are also available some natural treatments for ADHD that could support children with AD/HD.  Diagnosing ADHD in ChildrenThe chemistry of the human brain undergoes constant change, and people with ADD/ADHD will express different degrees of intensity of their symptoms. This could be from day to day or even at different times of the day.Teachers notice signs of ADHD in the classroom and will take note of how it effects a student's social, behavioral and emotional interactions along with how it may impact academics. Teachers notice adhd signs sometimes before parents do, as the structure of school tends to demand excellence in the particular areas where students with add characteristics do poorly. These children may require a behavior intervention plan. AD/HD is a difficult diagnosis for doctors to make. Often a teacher will make observations about negative behaviors at school. Parents and educators will fill out a BASC (Behavior Assessment for Children) or a similar form. Next, the school psychologist will come in for a behavioral observation, then all of that information is taken by the parents to the doctor if they choose to. A careful developmental history will also be used by the doctor. General patterns of behaviors must be established, and the clinician will have to rule out other possible causes for these behavior patterns, such as social and environmental stressor or other medical problems. Teachers cannot make a diagnosis, and you could get into real trouble if you tell a parent you think their child has ADD/ADHD - in some cases that one statement may make your district liable for paying for medication if it is found that you made a diagnosis instead of an observation. We do have a responsibility though, to bring observations about our students to the table, as we know that ADD statistics show that these kids are definitely at risk. The expression of ADD or ADHD depends on the match between the child and the school environment. Signs and symptoms of ADHD in children often show up in school because demands are made for persistent effort. At home, behaviors may not seem to be expressed as much because fewer task demands are being made. Important Note: From time to time, all children will be inattentive, impulsive and exhibit high energy levels. That is normal, particularly with younger students (it seems my entire class of second graders runs on caffeine overload at times!). Difference Between ADD and ADHDADD has one dimension: inattention, distractibility, disorganization, not listening, daydreaming, lethargic…these are the students teachers will say never pay attention, make careless mistakes and aren't always "there." ADHD has two dimensions: Everything above PLUS impulsivity/hyperactivity. These are the students who just cannot seem to settle down. Yes, they are exhausting and have to be managed (not disciplined!) moment by moment. The main behavioral difference that teachers will see is that ADHD children are "driven by a motor" whereas the ADD child will seem to be very lethargic and "spacey." It is good to note that children with both types of ADD have an attentional bias towards novelty. Since most academic problems come from repetitive tasks, it would be good to keep in mind how to add something new to the end of tasks instead of a lot of repetition. There are also many tools for struggling students that are useful to help children with AD/HD.
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