Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It can continue into adolescence and adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can interfere with functioning at school, home, and in social settings.
ADHD is divided into three subtypes:
1. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type is diagnosed when six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity are present and fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present (though some inattention may still occur).
Hyperactivity symptoms may include:
- Fidgeting or squirming in their seat
- Talking excessively
- Running or climbing excessively in inappropriate situations
- Difficulty remaining seated
- Being constantly “on the go”
- Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
Impulsivity symptoms may include:
- Impatience
- Blurting out answers or inappropriate comments
- Difficulty waiting their turn
- Interrupting conversations or activities
- Acting without thinking about consequences
- Difficulty regulating emotions
2. Predominantly Inattentive Type
This type is diagnosed when six or more symptoms of inattention are present and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
Children with this type may be less disruptive and therefore may be overlooked because they may appear quiet but struggle with attention.
Inattention symptoms may include:
- Being easily distracted
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Frequently switching tasks without completing them
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Losing items needed for tasks
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to
- Daydreaming or seeming mentally “elsewhere”
- Slow processing of information
- Difficulty following instructions
3. Combined Type
This is the most common presentation of ADHD. Diagnosis requires:
- Six or more symptoms of inattention
- Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity
Children with this type show significant difficulties with both attention regulation and behavioral control.
Treating ADHD
Treatment for ADHD focuses on reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning. Treatment options may include medication, various forms of psychotherapy, education, and skills training.
One commonly used approach is Behavioral Therapy, which helps children learn how to change and manage their behavior. This may include assistance with organizing tasks, completing schoolwork, and processing emotionally challenging experiences. Behavioral therapy also teaches children how to monitor and regulate their own behavior by learning to use self-praise or rewards for positive actions, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting.
Parents and teachers also play an important role by providing consistent positive reinforcement and constructive consequences for behaviors. Clear expectations, structured routines, chore lists, and consistent rules can further help children develop self-control and responsibility.
Therapists may also work with children on developing social skills, such as learning to wait their turn, share, ask for help, and respond appropriately to teasing. Social skills training may also include learning how to read facial expressions, understand tone of voice, and improve appropriate responses during social interactions.
What Parents Can Do to Help
Children with ADHD need guidance, structure, and understanding from both parents and teachers to reach their full potential and succeed academically and socially. Prior to a diagnosis, families may experience frustration, blame, or anger related to the child’s behaviors. Both parents and children may benefit from support to work through these challenges and develop more effective ways of interacting.
Psychologists can help educate parents about ADHD and its impact on the child and the family system. Treatment often focuses on helping both the child and parents develop new skills, attitudes, and healthier ways of relating to one another.
Parenting skills training can be especially helpful in teaching parents how to use structured systems of rewards and consequences to improve behavior. Parents learn to provide immediate and positive feedback for behaviors they want to encourage, while ignoring or redirecting behaviors they want to decrease. They are also encouraged to recognize what their child does well and to consistently praise their child’s strengths and efforts to build confidence and self-esteem.
Parents may also learn strategies to create more structure at home. For example, when a child has difficulty completing large tasks, parents can help by breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Establishing predictable routines and clear expectations can also improve success.
Additionally, parents may benefit from learning stress-management techniques to better cope with frustration so they can respond calmly and consistently to their child’s behavior.
In some cases, family therapy may be recommended. This can help family members develop healthier communication patterns, improve problem-solving skills, reduce conflict, and learn effective ways to respond to disruptive behaviors while supporting positive change.
Additional Tips to Help Kids
Break tasks into small steps:
Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Help your child by breaking homework or chores into smaller, manageable steps.
Limit distractions:
Create a quiet workspace for homework away from TV, phones, or loud activity when possible.
Use timers and reminders:
Timers can help children stay focused and understand how long they need to work before a break.
Encourage movement breaks:
Kids with ADHD often do better when they can move. Short breaks for stretching or physical activity can improve focus.
Teach problem-solving skills:
Help your child think through problems by asking questions like “What could you try next?” or “What worked before?”
Stay calm and patient:
Children with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity or forgetfulness. Calm, predictable responses from adults help them feel secure.
Work with teachers:
Regular communication with teachers helps ensure your child gets consistent support both at home and at school.
Focus on strengths:
Help your child discover activities they enjoy and feel confident doing. Success builds self-esteem.
Working with Your Child’s School
If you suspect your child has ADHD, or if a teacher has raised concerns, you can request that the school conduct an evaluation to determine whether your child qualifies for special education services. Start by speaking with your child’s teacher or school counselor to initiate the process.
A team of professionals, including a psychologist, will conduct a comprehensive evaluation using a variety of tools and measures that assess all areas related to the child’s learning and behavior.
After the evaluation, your child will have several options based on their individual needs. If special education services are deemed necessary and your child is eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the school district is required to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored specifically to your child. This plan must be completed within 30 days of determining eligibility.