Types of ADHD
Inattentive: ignore details, careless errors, difficulty staying on task and following instructions, disorganized, forget or lose things, easily distracted, rush through tasks
Hyperactive Impulsive: fidgets, difficulty
sitting still, talk excessively, disturbing, impatient (call out, don’t wait
turns)
Combined
Combined
Characteristics
Cognitive: easily distracted, low self-confidence, lack of self-regulation/control, poor focus, poor attention to instructions, may have a specific learning disorder
Social/Behavioural: impulsive, difficulty with teamwork, misinterpret social cues, anger management, overreact, poor social problem solving skills, miscommunication, excessive loud talking
Physical: no physical symptoms that can be seen in a medical test, more accident-prone due to risk taking behaviour, possible delayed growth from medications
Medical: low doses of medications combined with behaviour therapy help improve academic performance and relationships, but may cause medical characteristics or side effects, i.e. Ritalin (side effects include insomnia, low appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, irritability, rare side effects are heart problems, suicidal thoughts and liver problems)
Other Characteristics
- strengths: creative, kinaesthetic (enjoy movement), speaking, work best when given choice and self-paced
- 80% of children with ADHD also have a co-occurring psychological disorder such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder (violent serious school rules), anxiety and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
- students with ADHD may demonstrate characteristics of learning disabilities
- teachers may find it difficult to differentiate their instruction for students with ADHD since their needs vary
- may not be aware of what they are doing wrong, confused and sad for being blamed for not paying attention even though they try their best but lack self-control
- may experience frustration, hopelessness & lower self-esteem
- normal intelligence but have difficulty applying themselves due to inattentiveness