ADHD

Question 1

What is the definition of ADHD?

Answer 1

• Definition: chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity
• The child must display either inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity (or both) and symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months.

Question 2

What is inattention?

Answer 2

• Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless errors in schoolwork, work or other activities
• Has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play
• Doesn’t appear to listen when being told something
• Neither follows through on instructions nor completes chores, schoolwork, or jobs (not due to failure to understand or a deliberate attempt to disobey)
• Has trouble organising activities and tasks
• Dislikes or avoids tasks that involve sustained mental effort (homework, schoolwork)
• Loses materials needed for activities (assignments, books, pencils, tools, toys)
• Easily distracted by irrelevant information
• Forgetful

By far the most common symptom of ADHD

Question 3

What is hyperactivity-impulsivity?

Answer 3

Hyperactivity
• Squirms in seat or fidgets
• Inappropriately leaves seat
• Inappropriately runs or climbs (in adolescents or adults, there may be only a subjective feeling of restlessness)
• Has trouble quietly playing or engaging in leisure activity
• Appears driven or “on the go”
• Talks excessively

Impulsivity
• Answers questions before they have been completely asked
• Has trouble waiting his/her turn
• Interrupts others

Question 4

What is the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?

Answer 4

• Symptoms begin before age 7 (12 DSM-5)
• Symptoms must be present in at least 2 places, such as school and home
• The disorder negatively affects school, social or occupational functioning
• The symptoms do not occur solely due to a psychotic disorder (such as schizophrenia)
• The symptoms are not better explained by an alternative disorder (such as a mood, anxiety or personality disorder)

Question 5

What is the management of ADHD?

Answer 5

Stimulant medication:
Methylphenidate increases the activity of dopamine and noradrenaline in areas of the brain that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.

(Ritalin)
Side effects of insomnia and reduced appetite so have to be careful about giving second doses after school.

Only 20% adults have it into adulthood, burns out for 80% of child sufferers.

Question 6

What are the characteristics of ADHD?

Answer 6

• Spoken language
• Responding to others
• Interacting with others
• Eye contact, pointing and gestures
• Ideas and imagination
• Unusual/restricted interests or rigid/repetitive behaviours

Question 7

How do we assess ASD?

Answer 7

• 3DI (parent interview)
• ADOS (Autism diagnostic observational schedule)
• Psychology Questionnaires
• School report
• Educational psychology assessment
• Graded
• Our assessment is a tool – not indicative of the individual’s experience

Question 8

the spoken language characteristics

Answer 8

• Spoken language
  
  • Limited use, monotonous tone
  • Repetitive, stererotyped speech
  • Responses that are rude/inappropriate
  • Talking ‘at’ someone – usually about own interest

Question 9

responding to others characteristics

Answer 9

• Responding to others
  
  • Reduced/absent response to facial expression
  • Difficulties understanding sarcasm or metaphor
  • Delayed response to name being called (normal hearing)

Question 10

interacting with others characteristic

Answer 10

• Interacting with others
  
  • Reduced awareness of personal space
  • Reduced/absent greetings or farewell behaviour
  • Reduced social interest in others’ interests
  • Reduced/absent social awareness

Question 11

characteristics involving eye cantact, gestures and pointing

Answer 11

• Eye contact, pointing and gestures
  
  • Reduced/absent use of social eye contact
  • Reduced/poorly integrated use of gestures
  • Reduced/absent joint attention e.g lack of following a point

Question 12

ideas and imagination characteristics

Answer 12

• Reduced/absent imaginative play but may re-enact scenes from visual media

Question 13

Unusual/restricted interests or rigid/repetitive behaviours

Answer 13

• Stereotypical movements
  
  • Overfocused or unusual interests
  • Repetitive play oriented towards objects
  • Extremes of emotional reactivity excessive for the circumstances
  • Dislike of change
  • Excessive reaction to taste, smell, texture e.g. of food