ADHD Resource Page

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Information

Post Falls School District Elementary Counseling Program

Fact Sheet: ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

Information for Home About ADHD disorder

What you may see at home

How to help your child


  • ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, which means that chemicals in the brain are affecting and controlling the behaviors/symptoms

  • Genetics likely play a major role in a child developing the disorder

  • It is one of the most common childhood disorders

  • The average age of onset is 7 years old

  • Many children display symptoms associated with the disorder, but true ADHD presents itself in multiple settings consistently over a long period of time

  • It has been broken down into three categories:

-Predominately Inattentive

-Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive &

-Combined Presentation

  • Children with ADHD may be at a higher risk for difficulties relating to learning, anxiety, conduct, and mood disorders such as depression

  • Positive effects of ADHD include: creativity, flexibility, enthusiasm, energy and a drive to succeed in specific interest areas


Inattention

  • Fails to pay attention to details

  • Has trouble listening even when spoken to directly

  • Make lots of mistakes

  • Irritable

  • Forgetful

  • Daydreams

  • Has trouble finishing tasks

  • Frequently loses or misplaces items

  • Disorganized/messy

  • Gets bored easily

  • Avoids work that is long or takes a lot of mental effort

  • Lack of fine motor control

  • May seem like they are being non-compliant/ignoring you

Hyperactive/Impulsive

  • Has trouble taking turns and/or sharing

  • Has trouble playing quietly

  • Fidgets and squirms

  • Interrupts others

  • Talks excessively

  • May have a difficult time with peers

  • Constantly needs your attention and assistance

  • Bounces from task to task

  • Runs around and climbs on things

  • May have a short temper

  • Says the wrong thing at the wrong time

  • Guesses instead of taking the time to solve a problem


Be positive and understand that it is okay for your child to make mistakes

Make a list with your child of everything that makes him/her valuable and unique

Follow a morning and evening routine

Create clear behavior expectations and post them in your house

Always follow through with both rewards and consequences for behavior

Create a quiet place in your house for your child to work

Allow your child to take breaks while completing schoolwork

Set up your home in an organized way, when possible

Encourage organized sports and/or other physical activities

Have a set bedtime to make sure your child is getting enough sleep

Limit screen time

Catch your child being good and provide positive reinforcement

Speak gently but honestly with your child about his/her challenges and how to make changes

Communicate with the school and your child’s teacher





Additional Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Resources


  • Parent Support group @ Alliance Family Service in CDA on Tuesdays at 6:00pm with free child care 208-664-9729; no registration necessary

  • www.icareforchildren.org (local St. Vincent de Paul)

  • Parent resource library at West Ridge Elementary

  • National Resource Center on AD/HD

  • www.help4adhd.org 1800-233-4050

  • Brightfutures.org

  • Kidshealth.org

  • www.chadd.org

  • www.macmh.org

  • www.psychcentral.com

  • www.childrenshospital.org

  • Helpguide.org

  • Nami.org

  • Nation Institute of Health www.nimh.gov 1-866-615-6464

  • You may always contact your student’s school counselor for additional resources/information