Understanding ADHD / ADD

What is ADHD?   back to list

ADHD is an acronym for the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (also commonly referred to as ADD). ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that stems from a deficiency in dopamine. Dopamine is an important chemical in the brain responsible for things like concentration and impulse control.

Signs of ADHD include hyperactivity, inability to focus, and impulsive behavior. Although children with ADHD are typically very intelligent, these symptoms can make it difficult for them to excel in a mainstream school setting and can lead to problems with social interaction.

Statistics have found that ADHD affects between 1.5 and 3.5 million U.S. schoolchildren. Evidence shows that is a genetic disorder that tends to be more prevalent in boys than in girls. Parents who have been diagnosed as ADHD are more likely to have a child who also struggles with ADHD.

Does my child have ADHD?   back to list

Every child is forgetful or impulsive now and then, but that doesn't mean they have ADHD. Determining whether or not a child has ADHD requires careful diagnosis and collaborative feedback from teachers, counselors, doctors, and parents. However, there are some common warning signs to look for that may indicate a need for further investigation.

Common Signs of ADHD   back to list

Symptoms of ADHD are broken down into three main categories:
1. Inattention
2. Hyperactivity
3. Impulsivity

Inattention Symptoms   back to list

Day Dreaming:

Because children with ADHD have trouble focusing their attention on anything for long periods of time, their minds easily wander. For example, they may be staring out the window thinking about a bird that just flew by instead of paying attention to the teacher. These children may also have the ability to hyper-focus and tune out everything else around them.

Distractibility:

Children are very easily distracted by seemingly insignificant noises or movement and will find it hard to concentrate on tasks with any of these distractions present.

Difficulty with Follow Through:

It is challenging for students to compete assignments or finish one task before moving on to another. They may have trouble at home completing chores or homework because something else has caught their attention.

Trouble with Organizational Skills:

Kids with ADHD are often overwhelmed at the task of staying organized. Their desks and backpacks are usually messy and disorganized.

Lack of Focus:

This lack of focus may be evident in a classroom setting. Parents or teachers often get frustrated when the child doesn't seem to listen, even when spoken to directly. It can also affect social situations as children find it hard to listen to peers or keep their mind on one conversation.

Trouble Following Instructions:

ADHD children have difficulty following simple instructions and executing a plan. With schoolwork, this can lead to careless mistakes and teachers may assume they do not understand the assignment.

Forgetfulness:

Children will often forget books, jackets, or other daily activities they are expected to keep track of.

Hyperactivity Symptoms   back to list

Constant Movement:

Kids with ADHD are considered rambunctious. They are often fidgeting or squirming restlessly, even when expected to sit still. Many parents and professionals describe them as if being driven by a motor that is always on.

Emotional Outbursts:

Kids with ADHD have a hard time keeping their emotions in check. They can be quick to get angry… often seen as excessive tantrums for young children and emotional intensity for older kids.

Excessive Talking:

Students may start conversations at inappropriate times or distract other children by talking too much in class.

Getting Out of Seat, Running, or Climbing when Inappropriate:

ADHD kids have an excess of endless energy and find it hard to be still. They may get up seven times when expected to sit quietly at the table. In older children, this may be expressed as restlessness.

Impulsivity Symptoms   back to list

Interrupting:

Children with ADHD have trouble waiting their turn. If they have something to say, they may blurt it out without even recognizing that they are interrupting. This is sometimes due to impulsivity, but sometimes for fear that they will forget what they are thinking about if they don't say it immediately.

Inability to Recognize the Needs or Wants of Others:

These children seem to live in a "me" centered world. Their impatience may cause them to shout out answers before a question is formed or push others out of the way to get to where they want to go.

Trouble with Social Boundaries:

ADHD kids may unintentionally cross lines socially by intruding on others during conversation or other activities. They may also invade the personal space of others around them.

Little Consideration for Consequences:

Although children may know and understand the rules (and even want to follow them), their immediate wants and desires can overpower the desire to adhere to the rules. They may be more focused on what is happening in the moment than they are on thinking about the consequences. This can lead to potentially dangerous behavior, especially in the teen years.

ADHD is classified into three types:   back to list

Predominantly Inattentive Type: This may be the child labeled as the quiet daydreamer. Inattention symptoms are present, but hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms are not. (previously known as ADD)

Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: These children are sometimes seen as the rambunctious disruptive students. For this type, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are present, but inattention symptoms are not.

Combined Type: Both the inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms are present in combined type ADHD.

It's not all bad. Let's focus on the positives!   back to list

There are many positives associate with children who are diagnosed with ADHD including:
• Creativity
• Spontaneity
• Adventurous
• Expressive
• Open to alternatives
• Great problem solvers
• High intelligence
• Energy and determination
• Persistent
• Passion and zest for life
• Outgoing
• Good at multi-tasking
• Can see the big picture
• Great conversationalists
• ...and so much more!

Let Fourth Street School help unlock the positive side of ADHD for your child!

ADHD Challenges in Public School   back to list

Children with ADHD are usually extremely bright students, but can often be misunderstood and criticized by teachers or other students when expected to perform in a traditional classroom setting.

When students with ADHD fall behind in school, it is not because of a lack of intelligence, but more often because they are forgetting to turn in assignments, struggling to follow directions, or having difficulty focusing for extended periods of time. Many times, this causes frustration for both the student and teacher and can eventually lead to low self-esteem.

What can Fourth Street School Do for Students Struggling with ADHD?   back to list

At Fourth Street School, we recognize that every child has a unique set of strengths. We can address their deficiencies while emphasizing the positive traits of ADHD.

Our therapeutic and academic environment offers:
• Individualized attention with a low teacher to student ratio
• A structured atmosphere
• Positive reinforcement
• Focus on assets associated with ADHD
• Helping students succeed by adapting to their learning style and training them to develop other learning styles
• Group and individual therapy to teach impulse control, patience, and social skills
• Tailored academic approach to improve listening skills, organization, and attention to detail
• Certified child therapy counselors on staff
• Real-world relevant lessons and activities outside the classroom