Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is a pervasive behavioral disorder which affects multiple aspects of a child’s life; school, play and home45.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition 3 states, ADHD is exhibited by a “persistent pattern of inattention and /or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than……an individual(s) at a comparable level of development”. 3

Children with ADHD exhibit behaviors which can be classified into three sub ADHD groups, as documented in the DSM-IV 3.

These sub groups express different behavioral characteristics which allow them to be clearly distinguished.

• A Predominantly Inattentive child fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes and often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks 1, 3 .
• A Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive child shows both hyperactive and impulsive traits, such as fidgets with hands or feet, squirms in chair, may talk excessively, the child often has difficulty waiting in turn, interrupts or intrudes on others either in games or conversation, and may hit or kick an object out of frustration 1, 3.
• The combined ADHD person exhibits both Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive behaviors 1, 3.

Symptoms:

To be diagnosed with ADHD the student must meet a certain number of these criteria. (For diagnosis, symptoms need to be seen in more than one setting, for example at school and at home.)

Attention Span Criteria 1, 3,13

• Pays little attention to details; makes careless mistakes;
• Has short attention span
• Does not listen when spoken to directly
• Does not follow instructions; fails to finish tasks
• Has difficulty organizing tasks
• Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Loses things
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity Criteria 1, 3,13

• Fidgets; squirms in seat
• Leaves seat in classroom when remaining seated is expected
• Often runs about or climbs excessively at inappropriate times
• Has difficulty playing quietly
• Talks excessively

Impulsivity Criteria 1, 3,13

• Blurts out answers before questions are completed
• Has difficulty awaiting turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others

Some students may present with one or two and others may present with six. This is a guide only and should not be used as a diagnostic tool.

Specialist to contact:

School psychologist

Family medical practitioner

Where to find more information:

Teaching Children with ADHD

NSW Health