This animation discusses what it means to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It was co-produced by children with ADHD, their families and carers, and health professionals in the field. It is based on research evidence as well as ideas from children and individuals with lived experienced of ADHD.
Source: Wellcome funded project led by Cardiff University
Key points about ADHD-Aroreretini
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD-Aroreretini is a developmental problem
- tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini may have poor concentration, poor control of impulses and can be overactive
- tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini need support and understanding from whānau (family), teachers and the community
- not all tamariki who are inattentive, impulsive and overactive have ADHD-Aroreretini
- medicine, positive parenting strategies and school support can help tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini and their whānau
What are the names for ADHD-Aroreretini?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The Māori word for ADHD is aroreretini - attention goes to many things.
Some people say ADD - attention deficit disorder.
What is ADHD-Aroreretini?
ADHD-Aroreretini is a developmental problem. Tamariki and rangatahi (young people) with ADHD-Aroreretini may have poor concentration, poor control of impulses and can be overactive. This interferes with their ability to learn and socialise and can affect family functioning.
Tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini may be labelled as naughty but this is not true. Tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini need support and understanding from whānau, teachers and the community.
How common is ADHD-Aroreretini?
At least 5 of every 100 tamariki have ADHD-Aroreretini. It is more common in boys than girls. Girls with ADHD-Aroreretini show more inattention and are less disruptive. They are less likely to be diagnosed or may be diagnosed later.
It might seem like there are more tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini now than in the past. This is probably because of better recognition of ADHD-Aroreretini.
ADHD-Aroreretini occurs in tamariki and adults. ADHD-Aroreretini symptoms usually improve with age. But a significant number of tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini will continue to have symptoms as adults. They may need ongoing help.
Causes of ADHD-Aroreretini
No one knows the exact cause of ADHD-Aroreretini but it is likely to be a combination of factors. These include genetics - tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini are more likely to have a family member with ADHD-Aroreretini.
ADHD-Aroreretini can also be associated with:
- alcohol, smoking or drug exposure in pregnancy
- being born prematurely or having a low birth weight
There is no good evidence that ADHD-Aroreretini is caused by tamariki eating too much sugar or food additives, although this is a commonly held view.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD-Aroreretini
Tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini have 3 types of main difficulties. Tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini may struggle with one of these areas of difficulty or with all three. As tamariki get older, the symptoms can change.
Inattention (difficulty concentrating or focusing)
Has difficulty focusing on just one thing, is easily distracted, forgets instructions, moves from one task to another without completing anything, doesn't listen when directly spoken to, makes careless mistakes, has difficulty organising tasks and activities, daydreams a lot, appears forgetful or loses things a lot.
Acting impulsively
Talks over people, 'butts in', loses control of emotions easily, is accident prone, has difficulty waiting for their turn, acts without thinking, has little or no sense of danger.
Overactivity or hyperactivity
Is unable to sit still and constantly fidgets, leaves their seat in situations where remaining seated is expected, is unable to play quietly, behaves 'as though driven by a motor', talks too much.
ADHD-Aroreretini diagnosis
In Aotearoa New Zealand, a diagnosis of ADHD-Aroreretini may be made by a paediatrician, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, or a psychologist.
Gathering information
The health professional will meet with you and your child. They will gather information from you and your child's school. This might include some questionnaires for you and your child's teacher to complete.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD-Aroreretini. Making a diagnosis may take more than one appointment.
Making a diagnosis of ADHD-Aroreretini
For a diagnosis of ADHD-Aroreretini, the symptoms need to be obvious in more than one setting of a child's life (such as home and school or daycare).
The symptoms also need to be having an impact on day to day functioning.
It's important to make sure the symptoms are not due to another problem like hearing difficulties, sleep problems, learning difficulties.
ADHD-Aroreretini and other conditions
Tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini are more likely to have:
- learning difficulties
- anxiety
- depression
- disruptive behaviour
If you are worried about other problems, talk to your health professional.
What to do if you think your child might have ADHD-Aroreretini
If you are concerned about your child, talk to your health professional and teacher. Sometimes teachers may be the first to raise concerns and suggest that you and your child see a health professional.
Your health professional may arrange a referral to a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist to make an assessment.
ADHD-Aroreretini management
There is no cure for ADHD-Aroreretini, but in most cases, symptoms can be managed.
In preschool tamariki diagnosed with ADHD-Aroreretini, behaviour and parenting strategies usually help.
In school aged tamariki, behavioural strategies work best in combination with medicine. Your child may also be able to get extra support at school. Talk to your child's teacher.
Behaviour strategies can help
Positive parenting programmes
Having a child with ADHD can be more challenging as a parent. It helps to learn a range of strategies so that if the first thing you try doesn't work, you have other options in your parenting toolbox.
You can learn more about general parenting courses that are likely to help parent a child with ADHD.
Parenting Support For Your Child's Emotions & Behaviour
Counselling
Sometimes your health professional may suggest counselling for your child or your whānau.
Check the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne website for some strategies to help your child at home and school
Medicines
Stimulants are an effective treatment
In school-aged tamariki, medicines called 'stimulants' are the most effective treatment for ADHD-Aroreretini. For some tamariki, a combination of behaviour therapy and medicine works even better.
Parents and teachers often notice that tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini have a significant improvement in their symptoms when they start taking medicine.
How stimulants can help
Stimulant medicine can help your child with ADHD-Aroreretini to:
- concentrate better
- be less impulsive
- feel calmer
- learn and practice new skills
Stimulants are safe
While some parents may understandably feel cautious about starting their child on this medicine, it is important to know that stimulant medicines do not affect your child's personality or brain, and are not addictive. These medicines have been used safely for many years in tamariki with ADHD-Aroreretini.
Methylphenidate
The most common stimulant medicine in New Zealand is methylphenidate. This has a number of different names such as Ritalin or Rubifen. Methylphenidate comes in different forms. Some tablets release the medicine immediately (such as Ritalin and Rubifen) and others release it into the body more slowly over the day (such as Ritalin LA and Rubifen SR).
It may take some time for your health professional and you to find the dose and timing that works best for your child.
Common side effects of methylphenidate
Some side effects can be reduced by starting on a low dose. If your child develops any side effects, talk to your health professional.
Common side effects of methylphenidate may include:
- mild tummy discomfort
- mild headache
- loss of appetite
- difficulty getting to sleep
Some tamariki can become sad or withdrawn on methylphenidate. It's important to talk to a health professional if this happens to your child. They may need to try another medicine.
Other medicines
There are other stimulants such as dexamphetamine. Your health professional may suggest this if your child cannot take methylphenidate or if methylphenidate has not improved your child's symptoms.
If stimulant medicines do not work for your child, there are other medicines you can use. Your health professional can tell you more about these.
Animated videos to help children understand ADHD
You can watch a series of animated videos 'Me and My ADHD'. They aim to help children understand ADHD.
A video called 'That's Me, I Have ADHD!' which is part of a series of animated videos to help children understand ADHD.
Source: Centre For ADHD Awareness, Canada
A video called 'When my ADHD gets me into trouble!' which is part of a series of animated videos to help children understand ADHD.
Source: Centre For ADHD Awareness, Canada
A video called 'My ADHD at school!' which is part of a series of animated videos to help children understand ADHD.
Source: Centre For ADHD Awareness, Canada
The Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada had a parents' guide for the animated video series. You'll find the guide on their website.
References
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: Clinical features and diagnosis | UpToDate
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Diagnosis and management | National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline UK
- ADHD: Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents | American Academy of Pediatrics
- ADHD | Health Navigator
- ADHD: An overview | The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
- Te Reo Hāpai: A Māori language glossary for use in the mental health, addiction and disability sectors
