adhd

Hyperactivity – Being Naughty

Children running around and creating all sorts of mess is just another common sight at our shelter home. But most households or schools may not appreciate this trend. They opt for disciplinary measures such as punishment or expulsion. Unfortunately, most of the trainers and administrators are not patient enough to identify the cause of such restlessness among children.

Anirudh (name given) a 14 year old child was recently the centre of attraction in a very gruesome incident. An altercation with his neighbours regarding a petty issue happened to be the root cause. At the height of the dispute, the boy abused them and in return got his eye smashed by a brick!!! As unbelievable the case might seem, but it is only fair enough to judge the mindset of the boy; he was diagnosed of Hyperactivity (ADHD). The boy was a former inmate at our shelter home, is now back for behavioural therapy. Yet the question here is not answered. Is Anirudh to be blamed for this???

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a state of excess activity that may be manifested by symptoms such as fidgeting, jumpiness, nervousness, or excessive movement. It is often accompanied by difficulty concentrating or focusing on a task, excessive talking, or difficulty remaining quiet in school.

People with ADHD may experience (courtesy Google Info):

Behavioural: aggression, excitability, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions.

Cognitive: difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, or short attention span.

Mood: anger, anxiety, or excitement.

Also common: depression or learning disability.

Many of the symptoms are within the normal range for children to experience. A diagnosis of ADHD is made by evaluating the child under several criteria. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children by the time they’re teens. The average age of diagnosis is 7. Older children exhibiting these symptoms may have ADHD, but often have exhibited rather elaborate symptoms early in life.

7 Signs of Hyperactivity

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental health disorder that can affect a child's success in school and with interpersonal relationships. These children exhibit certain symptoms which need to be identified as early as possible.

The 7 common signs of ADHD are stated below:-

1.    Self - Centric

A child with hyperactivity disorder is often “Me”-Focused child. She/he barely takes time to recognise or value the needs of others.   

2.    Emotional Turmoil

A child with ADHD may have difficulty keeping emotions — both good and bad — in check. They may have outbursts of anger at inappropriate times or temper tantrums (in younger children)

3.    Fidget and Squirm

Children with ADHD often can't sit still. They may try to get up and run around or fidget or squirm in their chair when forced to sit. They try to make all kinds of gestures with their body.

4.    Unfinished Tasks

A child with ADHD may show interest in lots of different things, but may have problems seeing them through to the end. For example, they may start projects, chores, or homework but leave, but move on to the next thing that catches their interest before finishing.

5.    Lack of Focus

A child with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, even when being spoken to directly. They'll say they heard you, but won’t be able to repeat back to you what you just said. 

6.    Careless Mistakes

It's important to remember that children with ADHD aren't lazy or less intelligent than other children. They just have difficulty following instructions that require planning or executing a plan. This can then lead to careless mistakes.

7.    Day Dreamer

Children with ADHD are typically portrayed as rambunctious and loud, but that's not always the case. Another possible sign is being quieter and less involved than the other kids. Such children may often stare into space, daydreaming, and ignore what's going on around them.

Best Treatment for ADHD

Currently available treatments aim at reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types of psychotherapy, education and training, or a combination of treatments.

"Your child has ADHD."

For most families, that means the beginning of a long trek through the world of medical shops and medications.

Parents and classroom teachers play a starring role in helping a child learn to recognize and adjust his behaviour. To medicate or not is your choice. No matter what your decision is, you need to help your ADHD child live a calmer, more successful life.

It remains a sad story for children in our society where teachers are just blissfully unaware of such problems of children and often children are expelled from schools because they are too ‘naughty’ and very little help is available for children with mental health issues or ADHD.