文档介绍：Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
‘I always worry when I go to pick John up from school; it seems
every day some problem has arisen. I feel people think I am just
a bad parent.’
‘To try and get Manjeet to do her homework and hand it in in a
presentable form can take all night. We often ments from
the school on how messy her work is – but she does try so hard.’
‘Ben is so unpredictable; one minute he will be in a good mood, and
the next he will be shouting at his sister. When we have other
children around, he will act very silly, and then boss them about.’
‘I don't care what you call the problem – my child needs help.’
The ments are typical of the experiences of parents whose children have
been diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The term
ADHD is increasingly being used to describe a variety of behaviours, including
hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsive behaviour, in children and adolescents.
There are disagreements over the definition, diagnosis and treatment
of ADHD; this guide aims to give an accessible overview of the various theories
about ADHD, and to provide suggestions for practical help for parents and also
teachers and other carers. It is important to remember that if you are worried about
your child then you are entitled to help, whether or not your child may have a
w diagnosis of ADHD.
hat is ADHD?
The term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder originated in the United States,
and was first officially used in 1980. ADHD-diagnosed children are defined as:
• inattentive (short attention span),
• impulsive (act before they think), and
• hyperactive (fidgety, disruptive)
to a degree which is damaging to their lives both at school and at home.
Problems generally arise in the first few years of school. Specifically, the
ADHD-diagnosed child will have some or all of the following problems:
• difficulty in concentrating, flitting from one task to the ne