ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A child with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships. For parents, do you know how to differentiate between children with ADHD and children who are just badly behaved?
In this article, symptoms of ADHD and a simple assessment of ADHD will be shared with you to understand more about this disorder.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. The causes and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics and the brain signal play an important role.
Types of ADHD
According to the Hong Kong Association For AD/HD, there are an estimated 40,000 children and youths with ADHD. The incidence of ADHD for children aged between 6 and 16 years old is around 3% to 7%. Boys are more likely to have ADHD than girls, with a ratio of 5 to 1.
Apart from this, there are three types of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive: People with this type of ADHD have extreme difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions
- Predominantly Hyperactive / Impulsive Presentation: People with this type of ADHD show primarily hyperactive and impulsive behaviour
- Combined Presentation: People with this combined type of ADHD display both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists out the major symptoms of ADHD as below:
- Don’t pay close attention to details
- Have problems staying focused on tasks or activities
- Don’t seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere)
- Have problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, don’t manage time well; have messy, disorganized work; miss deadlines)
- Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms
- Get distracted easily
- Often lose things needed for tasks or daily life
If your child has the above signs and with the following conditions, your child may have ADHD. The symptoms:
- Sustain over 6 months
- Occur before 7 years old
- Happen in two or more social settings
- Lead to difficulties at school, at home, and in friendships
- Are not caused by other physical or mental problems
Initial Assessment of ADHD
People with (DSM-5 Criteria) ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. You could refer to the below evaluation form by the Hong Kong Association For AD/HD to assess your child aged from 6 to 12 years old.
How many characteristics does your child have?
Inattention
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
- Often leaves a seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”
- Often talks excessively
Impulsivity
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
- Often has trouble waiting their turn in games or group activities
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
If you observe that more than 6 of the symptoms above have been present for over half of a year, your child possibly has ADHD. However, the above test is preliminary. To diagnose ADHD, please make an appointment with your child's doctor.
Treatments of ADHD
As per the Institute of Mental Health Castle Peak Hospital, children with ADHD usually receive both medication and behavioural treatments. For those under medication, they will experience some side effects that may affect their daily life.
Medication
Medication can be divided into two types with different side effects.
| Types |
Medication |
Side Effects |
| Stimulant Medication |
Methylphenidate has two forms, namely:
|
|
| Non-Stimulant medication |
|
|
Behavioural Treatments
During the treatment, it is usually most effective if parents and educators work together to help the child as their behaviours and positive feedback are vital to modify children’s behaviours, as well as control their impulse.
- Give clear instructions: Create rules and schedules, such as setting a daily timetable
- Provide incentives: After creating goals, rewards should be given to strengthening their confidence
- Practice concentration: Eliminate all the distractions when your children studying or doing homework, such as smartphones and televisions
Diagnosis of ADHD and Costs of Diagnosis
For professional advice, you could have a further assessment with your kids at the below local organisations. The fees below do not include detailed reports and treatment costs. You could contact the respective organisations and doctors for more details.
| Organisations |
Fees (HKD)* |
| $135 (Only for eligible persons) |
|
| $2,200 |
|
| $3,000 |
|
| $6,500 |
|
| Kids aged from 6 to 16 years old: $6,500 |
|
| $6,000 - $8,500 |
|
| Mondays to Saturdays: $7,400 Sundays: $8,140 |
|
| Kids aged between 6 and 16 years old: $7,500 |
|
| Kids aged between 6 and 16 years old: $7,000 |
|
| $8,800 |
|
| $10,000 (A detailed report included) |
|
| $2,500* |
*Prices as of 16 March 2021
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