ADHD

Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, may act without thinking, or may be overly active

Quick Guide

ADHD is one of the most neurodevelopmental conditions in kids. It occurs in 5-9% of the population.

Quick Guide

What is ADHD?

It is normal for kids to have trouble paying attention, listening, or sitting still. However, some kids may have trouble with these all of the time.

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a condition that affects attention, ability to sit still, self-control, and may make them more impatient. It is caused by differences in brain development, and it can affect people and relationships. Having ADHD can make kids more fidgety than others at their age, and have issues controlling their behavior.

Signs of ADHD

Signs of Anxiety

It is important to note that ADHD can take different forms in different people. If you believe that you are showing any signs or symptoms of ADHD, talk to your parents or guardian, then your doctor for a professional opinion.

Symptoms include being easily distracted, trouble concentrating, easily forgetful, restlessness, rushing through tasks, disrupting others, being impulsive, or too intense.

But just because some of these symptoms are present in a younger kid doesn’t always mean that they have ADHD. It is natural for young kids to act in similar ways sometimes. When these behaviors continue for a longer period of time, however, it can cause problems at school or with family or friends, which may imply that someone may have ADHD

Kids with ADHD might:

have trouble listening and paying attention
get distracted easily
seem absent-minded
be disorganized and lose things easily
not sit still, wait their turn, or be patient
rush through homework or other tasks or make careless mistakes
interrupt a lot, and talk or call out in class when they shouldn't
do things they shouldn't, even though they know better
feel restless, fidgety, frustrated, and bored

Treatments

There are some types of medicine that can help the brain have the ability to slow down and pay attention more. However, medicine does not “cure” ADHD.

There isn’t really a “cure” for ADHD, just ways to help people get better at paying attention. Sometimes, the symptoms fade over time.

Therapy is one method of helping people with ADHD. It helps people to be able to develop social and emotional connections with others, as well as planning skills.

Treatment

HEY- CHECK THIS OUT!

EndeavorRx recently developed a mobile video game that helps kids with ADHD improve their attention skills like therapy. It is the first and only doctor-prescribed video game treatment for children with ADHD. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, check the game out at Endeavorrx.com, and contact your doctor.

Coping Skills

There are certain ways and tips to help manage ADHD. You can try these to help with school, or homework:

Sit in the front of the class to limit any distractions
Use tools to get organized
- Planners are really helpful to keep track of assignments
- If you have a phone, set reminders for any due dates, classes, or other activities
Get plenty of exercise
- Daily exercise is known to improve attention span and overall school performance
Make sure to take breaks!
- If you feel yourself starting to lose focus or feel restless, get up and move around for a bit. If in school, ask your teacher for a quick break. This can help you regain your focus when you get back to work.

Coping Skill

References:

Hasan, S. (Ed.). (2020, June). ADHD (for parents) - nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html#:~:text=ADHD%20stands%20for%20attention%20deficit,at%20home%2C%20and%20in%20friendships

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019, June 25). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889