Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include:
- Inattention (not being able to keep focus)
- Hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting)
- Impulsivity (hasty acts that occur at the moment without thought)
Red Flags:
- Dislike activities that last 5 or more minutes
- Talk a lot and make more noise than peers
- Show very low sitting tolerance
- Highly disorganized
- Excessive talking
- Lose interest in activities very quickly
- Climb onto things often
- Get injured often by moving too fast
- Behave recklessly in ways that can lead to a dangerous situation
- Don’t pay close attention to detail
- Fail to follow instructions
- Unable to wait their turn
- Interrupt others often
CRAB WALKING
Occupational Therapy focuses on building skills which people need to function independently at home, at work, and in school. For people with ADHD, occupational therapy can be especially helpful in:
- Developing better time management skills
- Reducing hyperactivity and increasing sitting tolerance
- Improving concentration and attention span
- Building better organizational habits
- Improving executive functions
- Practicing new social skills
- Working with assistive devices to compensate for any deficits
A good Occupational Therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to see what skills and needs you have before creating a treatment plan to address your areas of concern.