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What is ADHD?
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About this talk: Fintan O'Regan gives an introduction into ADHD. He considers the symptoms of ADHD, types of ADHD, causes of ADHD, diagnosis of ADHD and implications of ADHD.
About the speaker: Fintan O'Regan is a former head teacher and is currently a behaviour management consultant. He is a renowned expert on ADHD, with several published works on the subject and is the education director of ADDISS.
Talk Topics - Organisation / Attention
Further information about this Talk
Further Reading:
The following books have been published by Fintan O'Regan:
Understanding AD/HD: Frequently Asked Questions
ADHD (Special Educational Needs)
Can't Learn, Won't Learn, Don't Care: Trouble-shooting Challenging Behaviour
The Challenging Behaviours Pocketbook
Surviving and Succeeding in SEN
How to Teach and Manage Children with ADHD
Educating Children with AD/Hd: A Teacher's Manual
Key Points Covered in This Talk:
- A definition of ADHD: ADHD is a term used to describe three main symptoms: impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. These lead into the three types of ADHD. Inattentive type, hyperactive impulsive type and combined type which has features of all three symptoms.
- Causes of ADHD: It is fairly established that ADHD is a neurobiological condition. It is not caused by poor parenting or children just being naughty. Evidence suggests that ADHD is caused by problems with dopamine receptors in the frontal lobes of the brain.
- Diagnosis of ADHD: This can be a complex and difficult process for children and parents. There are two main pathways: through the school system where the school will make a referral or through a GP (doctor) who will make a referral to a pediatrician or child psychiatrist who will be the people qualified to make the evaluation and diagnosis.
- The impact of ADHD: While this will differ from individual to individual, three main areas seem to be affected in most cases: education, behavior and socialisation (the issue of getting on with peers, siblings and other individuals). Children can struggle in school where the emphasis is on concentration, listening and sitting still for extended periods. The main issue in school is that children with ADHD have low thresholds of boredom. Problems occur when children are not stimulated by class and will look for other ways to stimulate themselves. Children with ADHD can concentrate but this depends on what they are doing and who they are being taught by.
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What to Watch Next
ADHD & Dyslexia Treatment: The Use of Fish Oils: Professor John Stein describes why fish oils are important for the wellbeing of children. He considers the use of supplements and how they can help dyslexics and those with attention problems.
Managing ADHD: Fintan O'Regan describes ways parents and teachers can help children with ADHD to cope with the condition.
ADHD Treatment: Fintan O'Regan considers the merits of using medication to treat ADHD. He looks at the impact of Ritalin, its side effects and also considers alternative treatments such as fish oil.