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“I have repeated my instructions FOUR times but you are not listening at all!”
“Your child is not paying attention in class. She keeps drawing or looking out the window.”
If you hear consistent comments such as these from the class teacher about your child, there is a possibility that they may have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is a neurobiological and developmental condition characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Most of the symptoms tend to be present in children starting from a young age but they become more obvious when they enter formal schooling. Symptoms interfere with the child’s functioning at social, academic and occupational levels. Many of these children are referred to as energetic, disruptive or day dreamers.
Children with ADHD often experience other co-morbid difficulties such as anxiety, low self-esteem, social difficulties or learning problems. There is a small group of children with ADHD who do very well academically but display a lot of behavioural and emotional symptoms. Research has shown that some of the core deficits tend to be in working memory, processing speed and/or selective, sustained attention.
Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
There are three presentations of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Some of the more common signs and symptoms of ADHD are listed below.
Inattention
- Difficulty focusing on tasks or play activities, jumping from topic to topic
- Difficulty following through with instructions, particularly multiple instructions at a time
- Difficulty organising their tasks and activities
- Frequently forgetful (e.g. losing wallets, pencils, books)
- Very easily distracted by their environment
Hyperactivity
- Difficulty engaging in activities quietly, very talkative and interruptive
- Difficulty staying still, frequently moving around, and often leaving their seat
- Very fidgety when seated (e.g. squirming, tapping hands, flinging pencil)
- Difficulty waiting their turn in games or queues
- Coming across as very restless and “on the go”
Seeking Help
One of the first steps in getting help for the child is to get a Psychological Assessment
to understand if they do have ADHD and if so, the type of ADHD. ADHD Psychological Assessments are very comprehensive and involve the child, parents and school personnel. The assessment aims to identify the ADHD as well as any other co-morbid difficulties that the child may be experiencing.
After a diagnosis is given, the recommended intervention can include a referral to paediatrician or psychiatrist to explore medication, if required. Other interventions consist of behaviour therapy, ADHD coaching, psychoeducation for families and schools, parent training, social skills training, accessing accommodations for major examinations, and working with school personnel to help with the child’s behaviours in the classroom.
Many children with ADHD go unnoticed or get labelled as “naughty” or “defiant/misbehaving” children. Assessing for ADHD is the first step in paving the way of success for these children in the long run.
Kavitha Manokaran is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at International Medical Clinic (IMC). She specialises in therapy/counselling and psychological assessments for children and adolescents. Kavitha Manokaran provides ADHD Assessments for children between 7– 17 years old.
Online booking www.imc-healthcare.com or call 6733 4440
For updates, useful tips and engaging content, follow @international_medical_clinic
Kavitha is available for booking at IMC Camden, IMC Children and IMC Katong
