Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) describes the behaviours displayed by some children who are extremely restless and energetic. These children are often unable to wait and find it difficult to screen out other things going on around them. Typically, they will have an incredibly short attention span and find it difficult to concentrate on specific tasks. Many children can be full of energy, playful, incredibly fidgety and act impulsively.
Often they find it difficult to manage time and have difficulty getting to sleep. As a result, children can find learning difficult. This has a negative impact on their progress and the development of social skills is slow.
Symptoms of ADHD in many cases will persist to adulthood, although hyperactivity tends to decrease with age. Many adults with ADHD develop strategies to help them cope with their everyday lives.
The difference between ADD and ADHD
There are three types of ADHD: hyperactive and impulsive; inattentive; and a combination of the two, which is the most common form. If a child is inattentive rather than hyperactive and impulsive, this would be classed as Attention Deficit Disorder. ADD can often go unnoticed because the child is not disruptive and they wander off into their own world.
Symptoms of ADHD
Parents will usually notice behavioural problems when their children are toddlers and these problems would be apparent in both the home and social situations. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Emotional immaturity
- Aggression
- Poor discipline
- A lack of fear
- Clumsy when attempting practical tasks
School can help to identify potential problems. If your child's learning is hindered by lack of concentration or they become particularly aggressive or competitive with other children. Impaired social skill development as well as speech and language problems are also key indicators. Although developmental skills are slowed down, it is important to note that ADHD is not linked to intelligence. Any child can be affected.
What causes ADHD?
While the exact cause is unknown, research has suggested that people with ADHD have differences in parts of their brain which deal with impulse and focus. There is also strong evidence to suggest there may be a genetic element. Furthermore, some research indicates children who were born prematurely may be more prone. Boys are more affected than girls.
How Priory Education Services can help
Priory Education Services operates a network of schools and colleges throughout the country. It is the UK's leading specialist provider of education and care for children and young people aged four to 35 with a wide range of complex learning difficulties and disabilities. These include Asperger's Syndrome, autistic spectrum disorders, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Almost all students admitted have a Statement of Special Educational Needs and will have experienced difficulties within mainstream and local authority special schools. Many will have been excluded from school or had problems at home because of their complex and challenging needs and behaviours.
Please click here for further information on the specific special educational needs our schools and colleges can address.
Please click here for a list of our schools and colleges that specialise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Contact us to find out if we can help. Telephone 0845 2 774679 or email education@priorygroup.com Lines are open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and between 10am and 8pm at the weekends.
Further Help
Mental Health Foundation
www.mhf.org.uk
020 7803 1101
Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service
www.addiss.co.uk
020 8906 9068
Young Minds Parent Information Service
www.youngminds.org.uk
0800 018 2138