Most children are born with a natural instinct to run around
free until their daily battery runs out. Perhaps it is not the most ideal
situation for them to sit on a school chair for what seems like an eternity in
their mind. However, just like everything else, they adapt. Some children,
however, find it much more difficult to adapt and show a higher tendency, or an
inability, to stay seated and focused for even a short period of time. This
could be the case of a child with ADHD.
اضافة اعلان
What is ADHD?
According to the National Institute of
Mental Health,
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) is characterized by an “ongoing
pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with
functioning or development”. ADHD is considered a common type of
neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood and is most
likely to last into adulthood.
The specific causes of ADHD are not yet entirely known, but
studies have shown that it can be a combination of neurodevelopmental
components, an underlying genetic component, along with environmental risk
factors that may increase the likelihood of ADHD symptoms. Some of these
environmental factors can include diet/food additives, mothers smoking during
pregnancy, lead contamination, and cigarette and alcohol exposure.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD
While it is normal for anyone to experience difficulty
paying attention, to be impulsive, and to experience unfocused motor activity,
people who have ADHD experience these symptoms more severely and often to the
point where it interferes negatively with their daily functioning.
The main signs and symptoms of ADHD in children fall under
two main bands: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Inattention in children with ADHD will usually show them
like they are in their own world, and are very easily distracted by almost
anything around them. It may also seem like they are not listening even when
they are being spoken to directly, and many of them have difficulty maintaining
eye contact.
If they are in a classroom, they are most likely to be the
students with colours, pencils, eraser bits, and other implements covering
their floor and desk area, as they usually have difficulty staying organized
and keeping track of their belongings. If you look at their work, you are
likely to find careless mistakes, or even an unfinished task. You might even
find yourself having to repeat instructions followed by a seemingly endless
effort trying to convince them to even start the task required. That is because
children with
ADHD will do the impossible to avoid any task that requires
mental effort because that mess that they have created around them is a pretty
accurate depiction of the mess of endless thoughts entering their brains.
The hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms will make children
constantly fidgeting in their place and leaving their seat as they please. They
usually are not capable of performing any tasks or activities quietly, so do
not be shocked by random airplane noises.
Children with ADHD tend to interrupt and speak out of their
turn because they cannot handle having to wait to share the very important
thoughts that they might forget if they wait for even a second longer, and they
might even answer your question before you finish asking it. More importantly,
you will notice that children with ADHD, are constantly in motion, running and
climbing wherever they go, as they often feel restless.
Diagnosis and prevalence
Dealing with any of these symptoms can be difficult for a
parent, teacher, or caregiver, and can be highly uncomfortable for the child
himself/herself; in order for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD he/she needs to
exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention and/or at least six symptoms of
hyperactivity-impulsivity in more than one setting, and for at least a period
of six months.
By January 2022, the worldwide prevalence of ADHD in
children and adolescents was standing at 2.2 percent, according to the ADHD
Institute.
While there is limited research on ADHD in Jordan, a 2011
study done at the University of Jordan showed a 6.24 percent prevalence in a
4,374-student sample, with a higher prevalence amongst school boys. These
statistics show that ADHD is in fact a common disorder, especially amongst
children.
Treating ADHD
Unfortunately ADHD remains not only misunderstood, but has
gone on for far too long without being diagnosed. It is important to diagnose
ADHD in order to be able to provide as much support as possible to a child
struggling with this disorder. Because, if one chaotic day can throw anyone off
mentally and emotionally, one can only imagine the extent of emotional distress
that a child with ADHD must feel, especially in an environment where he/she
does not feel supported or understood.
It is important for parents, schools, and governments to
take preventive measures so as to avoid the point where things become very
complicated and difficult, and damages become severe. The chances of success
are much higher when treatment begins at a younger age, when children are at
their most malleable and more likely to respond to treatment.
Treatment for ADHD can be either through behavioural therapy
with a clinical psychologist, and/or through medication prescribed by a
licensed psychiatrist. While ADHD medication remains a controversial topic,
with many parents having reserves about giving their child ADHD medication out
of fear of its side effects, most studies have shown that a combination of the
right dose of medication along with behavioural therapy have provided the best
outcomes. Even without medication, behavioural
therapy has shown impressive
results due to its focus on improving a child’s behavior, self-control, and
self-esteem.
However, therapy and medication are not the only factors to
consider when dealing with ADHD. Before anything, it is important to have the
knowledge about this misunderstood disorder as parents, teachers and principals,
and as a community at large.
Providing training, workshops, and setting up strategies to
follow at school and at home are some of the best measures to take. It is most
important to understand that these are children who behave in ways that are
beyond their control before considering any treatment. Making them feel safe
and understood is already half the battle won.
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