ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)- is characterized by difficulties that interfere with effective task-oriented behavior in children—particularly impulsivity, excessive or exaggerated motor activity such as aimless or haphazard running or fidgeting, and difficulties in sustaining attention. They are highly distractible and often fail to follow instructions or respond to demands placed on them. Children with ADHD seem to have particular difficulty controlling their activity in situations that call for sitting still, such as in the classroom or at mealtimes. When told to be quiet, they appear unable to stop moving or talking. Their activities and movements seem haphazard. They may quickly wear out their shoes and clothing, smash their toys, and exhaust their families and teachers. They also tend to talk incessantly and to be socially intrusive and immature. Children with ADHD generally have many social problems because of their impulsivity and overactivity. Their behavior problems also result in their being viewed negatively by their peers. Many children with ADHD have inordinate difficulty getting along with peers and establishing friendships perhaps because their behavior is often aggressive and intrusive. In general, however, hyperactive children are not anxious, even though their overactivity, restlessness, and distractibility are frequently interpreted as indications of anxiety. They usually do poorly in school and often show specific learning disabilities such as difficulties in reading or in learning other basic school subjects.

Worried that your child might have ADD

1. Does your child often make careless mistakes?
2. Does your child rarely complete an activity before moving to the next activity?
3. Does your child try to avoid activities that require sustained concentration and a lot of mental effort?
4. Does your child frequently forget to do things, even when constantly reminded and/or frequently lose things like homework and personal belongings?
5. Do even the smallest distractions often throw your child off task?
6. Does your child act as if she/he is driven by a motor and/ or have a problem remaining seated even when she/he is supposed to?
7. Does your child have difficulty in waiting patiently to take turns, and/or blurts out answers before questions are completed?

If you have said yes to most of the above, we might be able to help you.

Services, we provide that can help your child and you:

• Attention Skills Training
• Psychoeducation
• Psychometric assessment
• Family therapy
• Behaviour Therapy
• Medication (if needed)

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER(ADD)-Some children find it really hard to concentrate on one thing for a long time. They get easily distracted while performing a task as a result of which tasks may be left unfinished. Such children may get attracted by what is happening around them, sudden sights and sounds and quickly change from one activity to another. As a result of poor concentration they may make many careless mistakes and have difficulties while doing school work and homework. Attention deficit can lead to poor memory, organization and planning.