ADHD FACT SHEET

WHAT IS
ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological condition that
presents as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-
impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

COMMON Inattention        
FEATURES
Hyperactivity        
Impulsivity

HOW COMMON
IS ADHD?
ADHD affects about 7.2% of school-age children
Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than 75% of cases
ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls

COMMON
DIFFICULTIES
Difficulty attending to task
Being fidgety with hands or feet
Squirming in the seat or getting up when they should be seated
Slow to complete or rushing through tasks
Difficulty settling to begin a task
Missing details or making careless mistakes 
Having trouble organising tasks and activities
Often losing things
Has trouble sticking to tasks or play activities
Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
Failing to follow through with instructions that they are able to understand
and not finishing tasks that require a lot of thinking and concentrating (as
these are hard work and tiring)
Is easily distracted and forgetful in daily activities
Runs about excessively (more than most other children)
Has trouble playing quietly
Is continually ‘on the go’ and may talk ‘all the time'
Blurts out answers before the questions have been completed      
Has difficulty awaiting their turn and interrupts conversation or games

CO-OCCURING
CONDITIONS
More than 2/3 of children with ADHD have at least one other co-existing
condition. Any disorder can co-exist with ADHD, but certain disorders
seem to occur more often.

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OFFICE: info@ADHASA.co.za
 ASSESSMENT
& DIAGNOSIS There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Therefore, a
comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis,
rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence
of co-existing conditions.

WHO CAN
DIAGNOSE Educational psychologists
ADHD? Psychiatrists and pediatricians
Neurologists

ADHD
MANAGEMENT ADHD in children often requires a comprehensive approach to management
that includes the following:

Dietary and Lifestyle changes

Parent and child education about diagnosis and treatment
Parent training in behavior management techniques
School accommodations and support
Medication for more severe cases

ADHD & DIET

Many children with ADHD symptoms' improve when put on a healthy
diet avoiding artificial colourants, artificial flavourants & avoiding certain
natural foods.

ADHD &
SCHOOL
School success may require a variety of classroom accommodations and
behavioural interventions. Most children with ADHD can be taught in the
regular classroom with minor adjustments to the environment.

SOME TIPS
TO HELP Break tasks into smaller component tasks
Provide breaks during and between tasks
Provide explicit step by step instructions
Use simple concise language
Allow longer time frames in which to complete tasks    
Have regular exercise and physical activity breaks throughout the day
Celebrate the small wins

UPSIDE OF
ADHD
People with ADHD can be:
Generous, Fair, Funny, Smart, Empathetic, Caring, Compassionate, Witty,
Spontaneous, Creative, Exciting, Persistent, Innovative, Tenacious, Warm-
hearted, Helpful, Ingenious, Accepting, Forgiving, Resilient, Intelligent

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