The ADHD (attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity) is a neurosviluppu disorder that affects many preschool children and draining, influencing their ability to pay attention, self -control and behavior regulation.
Understand i symptomsthe causes and the management strategies It is essential to support children with ADHD in their growth and learning path. This disorder, which affects about 5-7% of the world population worldwide, has a significant impact on the child’s life, both in the family and school.
ADHD: Symptoms in children
The ADHD in children can manifest itself in different ways. Generally, children with ADHD have Difficulty maintaining attention On homework or games, they tend to LOSE LOSE OBJECTS necessary for daily activities and can show aexcessive motor activity or restlessness. Furthermore, follow instructions And carrying homework can be complicated for them.
So how to recognize the ADHD in children? The symptoms are mainly divided into three categories:
- inattention, which manifests itself with difficulty in concentrating and organizing activities
- hyperactivity, which is expressed through incessant movements and the inability to remain stopped for a long time
- impulsiveness, such as the inability to wait for your turn or frequently interrupt others.
ADHD evaluation in children and diagnosis
There diagnosis of ADHD in children provides for a multidisciplinary evaluation that can include specific tests (such as Conneurs Continuous Performance Test), behavioral observations and interviews with parents and teachers, in order to obtain a complete picture of the child’s behavior in different contexts.
The international guidelines recommend that the diagnosis is carried out by expert mental health professionals and is based on specific criteria reported in the DSM-5.
ADHD in the different age groups
The ADHD in childhood can be manifested with symptoms that become more evident as the child grows. For example, the ADHD in 3 -year -old children can manifest themselves with signs of early hyperactivity And difficulty in maintaining attention on structured activities.
During school age, the symptoms become more evident due to the more complex tasks that children find themselves carrying out. In girls the ADHD often manifests itself with less evident symptoms than males. It is characterized by a greater tendency to difficulty concentration and inattention rather than hyperactivity, making the diagnosis more difficult and late than males.
Adhd and school
Entry to school represents a significant challenge For children with ADHD. The difficulties in following the rules of the class and the frequent possibilities of distraction can hinder learning, making it complicated for the child to remain concentrated for a long time.
Furthermore, they can arise Social interaction problems with peers, who could perceive some behaviors as inappropriate. Children with ADHD often encounter difficulties in completing school tasks, organizing the didactic material and respect deadlines.
Activities for children with ADHD
It is advisable to carry out specifications didactic activities For children with ADHD, as cards dedicated to improving attention and concentration.
Among the adhd children’s games useful to encourage focus on specific goals, planning and respect for school routines, we find:
- add the dots
- Find the differences
- riddle
- strategy games.
Also i structured games They can be useful to channel energy and develop social skills, while educational support with targeted activities can improve the organization and management of time. Also activities that promote the controlled movementlike sport, can be particularly effective in improving concentration and reducing hyperactivity.
The document from the Ausl of Modena, drawn up by Barbieri and Gramazio, Adhd indications. Activities, games and management of tasks, It can be useful for parents and teachers to understand how to behave with an ADHD child and manage his symptoms in everyday life.
ADHD treatment in children
The treatment of ADHD in children can include a multidisciplinary approachwhich combines psychological, educational and, in some cases, pharmacological treatment.
Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) is often used to help the child better manage his emotions and behaviors, while educational support focuses on strategies to improve attention and reduce distractions.
It is also fundamental provide practical advice To parents, also through parent training, to help them better manage the child’s behavior in everyday life.
Among the most used drugs in the treatment of the ADHD, to be always administered under careful medical check, there are some stimulants that act by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Centers and Resources for ADHD
In Italy there are several centers of excellence specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children. These centers offer services of assessment, therapeutic intervention And educational support For families, providing useful tools to face daily difficulties.
There are also many books on the subject. We mention some aimed at parents and teachers:
- Adhd what to do (and not). Quick guide for teachers. Primary school, of kings and bag, published by Erickson in 2020
- Educating children with ADHD of Venturi, published in 2023 by an independent publisher
- ADHD. Practical cards for therapists and parents. Operating manual 6-12 years published by Ducale in 2024.
Contacting expert specialists is essential to guarantee an adequate treatment path. Recognizing the symptoms promptly, in fact, allows you to adopt adequate support strategies. A correct approach can make a difference in the child’s growth path, helping him to develop his potential in an environment in which he can feel supported and understood.
