ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD):WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is  the term used instead of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADHD is a condition that affects approximately 7% of children. Children with ADHD have problems with attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.  ADHD is more common in boys than in girls.

 

A normal attention span is 3 to 5 minutes per year of a child's age. Therefore, a 2-year-old should be able to concentrate on a particular task for at least 6 minutes, and a child entering kindergarten should be able to concentrate for at least 15 minutes. (Note: A child's attention span while watching TV, playing on the computer, or playing a video game is not an accurate measure of his or her attention span.)

• A child with ADHD has trouble listening when someone talks, waiting his turn, completing a task, or returning to a task if interrupted. (These can be normal characteristics of children less than 3 or 4 years old.)
• 80% of boys and 50% of girls with attention problems are also hyperactive. A child who has symptoms of hyperactivity is restless, impulsive, and in a hurry.
• 50% of children also have a learning disability. The most common learning disability is an auditory processing deficit. This means they have difficulty remembering verbal directions. The intelligence of most children with ADHD is usually normal.

If you suspect that your child has a short attention span, ask another adult (a teacher or day care provider) if they have observed this behavior. Discuss your concerns with your child's Pediatrician. The Pediatrician may have you and your child's teacher complete a Vanderbilt form.