ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect
family life. ADHD behavior usually appears by age 7, though symptoms behavior
might appear before this. With ADHD, children can have trouble with hyperactivity,
impulsivity, distractedness, following instructions and completing tasks. But
ADHD is treatable.
When symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
occur in childhood, they tend to persist into adulthood in about half of all
cases. Adults with ADHD often find it hard to follow directions, remember
information, and concentrate on or organize tasks. Without proper
acknowledgment and management of these behaviors, ADHD can result in academic,
emotional, vocational and social problems that decrease the quality of life.
According to HadarSwersky about 11% of children between the ages of four and 17 have ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD usually first appear between the ages of three and six years old. The average age of ADHD diagnosis is seven years old. In children, it is three times more common in young boys than girls.
ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. About 4% of American
adults over the age of 18 contend with ADHD behaviors on a daily basis. In
adulthood, it’s diagnosed equally between males and females.
Children, teenagers and adults with ADHD have a constant
pattern of three types of core behaviors:
- Hyperactivity: Restlessness
such as fidgeting, inability to stay seated when sitting is expected such
as in church or school, moving or climbing when it is unsuitable to do so.
- Impulsivity: Doing things
on sudden urges, without thinking such as talking out in class, throwing a
toy, or interrupting someone in conversation. In adults, the impulses
might be irresponsible such as spending too much money.
- Inattentiveness: Difficulty
sustaining attention to tasks.
Children, teens and adults with ADHD are diagnosed by the
behavior pattern that is most actively present. The three most common ADHD
presentations are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive
and the mix of these types.
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation is defined by
the following behaviors:
- Has trouble paying
attention during tasks or play.
- Fails to pay close
attention to details or makes careless errors in schoolwork, at work or
during other activities.
- Has difficulty following
through on instructions (for example, doesn't finish schoolwork, chores or
other duties in the workplace).
- Appears to not listen even
when spoken to directly.
- Avoids or dislikes tasks
that require continuous mental effort, such as schoolwork, homework or
preparing reports, completing forms and reviewing lengthy papers.
- Often has a trouble
organizing task or activities.
- Can be easily distracted
by actions or thoughts unrelated to the current task.
- Frequently loses needed
items, such as books, pencils, tools, wallets/purses, keys, paperwork,
phone and eyeglasses.
- Is often forgetful in
daily activities (such as doing chores, running errands, returning phone
calls, paying bills and keeping appointments).
Hadar Swersky further added that behavioral treatments in adults help you navigate the demand of jobs, relationships and educational opportunities. ADHD coaches are trained and certified to assist adults with ADHD in managing their symptoms.