What is ADHD?
The acronym ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Children with ADHD usually have brain development differences affecting their attention, the ability to sit still, and their self-control. While that might seem overwhelming or difficult to process as a parent or guardian, please know you’re not alone. The American Psychiatric Association states that ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.
Children with ADHD may appear hyper and easily distracted, which is caused by their struggle to process; they become overwhelmed trying to filter the essential and non-essential information presented to them daily.
What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?
Rayma Griffin, MEd, a writer for Understood.Org, explains the difference as, “ADD and ADHD both affect people’s ability to stay focused on things like schoolwork, social interactions, and everyday activities like brushing teeth and getting dressed.
The biggest difference between ADD and ADHD is that kids with ADHD are hyperactive. They have trouble sitting still and might be so restless teachers quickly notice their behavior and suspect attention issues. On the other hand, kids with ADD might fly under the radar because they aren’t bursting with energy and disrupting the classroom. Instead, they can appear shy, “daydreamy” or off in their own world.”
Interestingly, the term ADD is commonly used to describe what therapists are now diagnosing as Inattentive Type ADHD, and is shown to be more common in girls and women.
What are the symptoms of ADHD and ADD?
Because ADD is now seen as a wing of ADHD, their similar symptoms include:
- having a poor working memory
- being easily distracted
- inattentiveness, like day-dreaming
- the inability to complete tasks
The H in ADHD adds hyperactivity, with symptoms that include:
- constant energy
- impatience
- being squirmy or impulsive
What’s Next?
Like most childhood issues, the individual symptoms for ADHD and ADD can be completely normal in childhood, and most children will exhibit some of these behaviors as they are developing. However, if the symptoms are regular and disruptive (in school and/or social interactions), they can be a sign of a disorder.
We want you to know…
- You are your child’s best advocate
- ADHD (and ADD) are treatable
Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci, the creative and highly intelligent artist, likely had ADHD? New research from King’s College in London suggests the best explanation for Leonardo’s inability to finish projects might be that he had ADHD. ADHD does not limit intelligence, nor creativity.
Lifestyle has enormous impact on ADHD and ADD; sleep, consistent routines, diet, exercise and time in nature, all positively affect focus and attention, and give families a degree of influence to help their children feel good. The body’s natural chemicals; serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, are released during physical activity and time outside. Medications for ADHD may help some, not all children concentrate or sit still, at least in the short term, as another potential tool. There are side effects to be aware of and medication will not cure ADHD. HelpGuide.org has introductory information on ADHD medication.
Praise your child whenever possible, as they might too often receive criticism for their ways throughout their day. Behavioral therapy has shown to be successful with children who have ADHD and ADD; using praise, goals and consistency, to modify behavior.
A mental health professional and/or learning specialist can assist you with creating lifestyle routines and strategies, as well as classroom assists, to help your child and your family thrive. Patience for your child and for your self is important, so are self-care and surrounding yourself with supportive people and resources for life.