PRESENTATION BY JENNIFER RUSCH, MEGHAN GRIFFITH, AND MEGAN FRANCIS

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

Introduction

ADHD Description: Persistent age-inappropriate symptoms characterized

by: Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity

Estimates for ADHD suggest that 8-10% of all school-aged children may have the disorder

(VanHecke, 2010)

Diagnostic Criteria: Inattention

Fails at giving attention, careless with schoolwork

Does not seem to listenDoes not follow through on directionsOften forgetfulAvoids or dislikes to engage in activities

Diagnostic Criteria: Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

Often fidgets or squirms in seatOften leaves seat in classroom Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate

sitationsOften difficulty playing or engaging in

leisure activitiesOften “on the go” Often talks excessively

The Problem:Medicinal Risks

Most common treatment is medication

“Current thinking suggests that even though there are clear benefits to the use of medication, it may be overprescribed, side-effects and issues of potential abuse need further research…” (Human Exceptionality, 2011)

Researchers says the most effective treatment involves a multidisciplinary team approach and includes combinations of techniques as determined by individual need (Human Exceptionality, 2011)

(Kids Health, 2011)

Medicinal Treatment

40 percent of children on medication aloneMost common medication are stimulants

 Dexedrine  Ritalin  Adderall  Desoxyn  Cylert

Side Effects of Medication

Positives

Negatives

SolutionsBehavioral Interventions

Behavioral Treatments should be FIRST line of defense, but there usually not… Combination of medication and behavioral treatment

works best

Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Give command Follow through with antecedents

Non-Medicinal Interventions

Daily Report Card (DRC)

Summer Treatment Program (STP)

Tips for Teachers & Parents in Reducing ADHD Symptoms Without Medication

Tips for Teachers: Monitor the directions Highly Structured Individualized attention

Tips for Parents: Give eye-contact Collaborate with multidisciplinary team Structure home environment

(Human Exceptionality, 2011)

ReferencesDavid & Myra Sosin, Attention Deficit Disorder California: Teacher Created Materials, 1996, 63

Hardman, Michael L., Clifford J. Drew., and M. Winston Egan. Human Exceptionality: school, community, family. 10th ed. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011.

Kids Health from Nemours. “What Is ADHD?" The Nemours Foundation,http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/adhd.html (accessed April 20th, 2011).

Mash, Eric J., and David A. Wolfe. Abnormal child psychology. 2nd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2002.

Michael Reiff, ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide American Academy of Pediatrics, 2004, 4, 10.

PBS Online. “Adhd - The Diagnostic Criteria,” Frontline: Public Broadcasting Service.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/adhd/diagnostic.html  Peter Breggin, The Ritalin Fact Book Massachusetts: Perseus Publishing, 2002, 69 .