What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 

ADHD effects around 10% of children and is far more likely to occur in boys than girls. The reason for this is yet unknown. My son Lachlan is one of the many boys worldwide with ADHD.

But what is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological disorder, it is NOT a behavioural symptom of bad parenting or external social influence as many have suggested. 

Unfortunately there are still many people throughout the world who believe that children with ADHD are simply naughty. This is not the case at all.

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ADHD is split into 3 different sub-types:

• Mostly Hyperactive

• Mostly Inattentive

• Combined Hyperactive and Inattentive

(The mostly inattentive sub-type used to be referred to as ADD).

In all three cases children may find it hard to focus and have trouble staying on task. They may also struggle to manage their behaviour and lose control easily, especially when they have a surge of emotions that they are unable to fully understand, control or process.

They may also be excessively fidgety and will often be exceedingly talkative, and continually interrupt.

What the balance of these symptoms is, is what decides which sub-type the child suffers with.

Mostly Inattentive sub-type

This is the type Lachlan has.

This sub-type can often go un-diagnosed and can be easily missed by teachers or professionals. As, many people are always on the lookout for that hyperactive ‘climbing the walls’ behaviour, children who suffer from inattentive ADHD therefore often go unnoticed.

Unfortunately, in many countries (Australia being one of them) children with inattentive ADHD find it really hard to get the support and help they need, especially in school. Often the grounds for being entitled to extra help and funding is either Autism, Intellectual Disability or behavioural problems. And sadly children with inattentive ADHD often don’t fall into any of these brackets, which means they are unable to access much needed support.

This is something that desperately needs to change.

Mostly Hyperactive sub-type

This sub-type is the most apparent and often the type which people spot more easily.

Children with the hyperactive sub-type will often fidget, may interrupt regularly and talk too much. they can have behavioural symptoms such as, losing control or lashing out. And can sometimes struggle to form friendships.

It is important to understand that children with each sub-type will often still show symptoms of the other sub-type.

Combined Hyperactive and Inattentive

This is where there are more than six symptoms present from both the other sub-types. Therefore they suffer significantly with both.

This is the most common type of ADHD.

So, What causes ADHD?

There are numerous things that are believed to cause ADHD, the most common belief is that it is genetic.

There is a particular gene that causes certain areas of the brain to have thinner tissue, this is believed by scientists to be the most common cause of ADHD.

Further research shows that as children move into adulthood, this tissue thickens, therefore relieving the symptoms of ADHD. This explains why often people see a decrease in symptoms as they get older.

Related Article: ADHD and the Constant Talking

Although genetics are believed to be the most common cause of ADHD, they are not the only cause. Environmental factors are also believed to contribute.

Research shows that the use of recreational drugs, alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy can also aid in causing ADHD. As well as children who were exposed as babies or toddlers to certain chemicals such as lead based paint.

We also know that there are many substances that can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. Such as, certain food additives and preservatives. There are currently numerous studies being conducted world wide to discover exactly what the effects of additives and preservatives may be.

ADHD medications and treatments

There are numerous medications available. The most common is ‘stimulant’ medications such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta.

Medications do NOT cure ADHD. Although, they can decrease the symptoms and make behaviours more manageable.

As children with ADHD can have such variations in symptoms and degrees of symptoms. It is important to pinpoint the right medication or treatment for that specific child.

This can be tricky for a doctor or pediatrician, and even trickier for a parent. Often it can be a case of trial and error to find out what works best.

Any medication must be prescribed by a doctor or paediatrician and should be closely monitored throughout.

Medication should be the last resort for your child. There are many other things you can do first to attempt to manage your child’s condition which may eliminate the need for medication. Or at least reduce the amount of medication needed.

There are also different psychotherapies that can be used to help treat ADHD

Behavioural therapy is commonly used, and can be practised by a parent or teacher. This can involve working with the child when they are struggling to deal with emotions, or behaviours. Teaching the child how to feel pride in their achievements and how to reward themselves. As well as teaching them ways of remaining calm or controlling their anger.

This can be achieved by giving clear instructions and by giving ‘positive and negative feedback’.

Related Article: ADHD and the Education Assembly Line

Diet

Studies show that diet can have a significant impact on the severity of ADHD.

So, it is often recommend that parents attempt to reduce or eliminate certain additives and preservatives from the child’s diet, before resorting to prescribed medication.

Some food additives to avoid are: Colourants – 102, 107, 110, 122-129, 132, 133, 142, 151, 155 and 160B. Preservatives – 200 to 203. Benzoate’s – 210 to 218. Sulphites – 220 to 228. Propionates – 280 to 283. Added antioxidants 310 to 312 and 319 to 321. Also, Flavour enhancers such as MSG and 620 to 635.

If you or someone you know of has seen any impact on their child using dietry changes I’d really love to hear about it, please email me at rebecca@myspecialchildonline.com