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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/symptomsGenetics 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.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
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