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.
Medicines
Medicine can help tamariki with ADHD manage their symptoms. Find out more about ADHD medicine.
Animated videos to help children understand ADHD
You can watch a series of animated videos called 'Me and My ADHD'. This 3 part video series was developed to teach children with ADHD, their siblings, friends, peers and children in general about ADHD. The videos feature Sam, a 9-year old with ADHD, exploring what it means to have ADHD.
There is a parents' guide to the video series. It includes things to share with your child before watching each video.
The Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada had a parents' guide for the animated video series. You'll find the guide on their website.
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
More information
Check the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne website for some strategies to help your child at home and school
ADHD New Zealand provide resources and support for children and adults with ADHD. The also arrange online and in-person events.
The Ministry Of Education's Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) site has a range of practical resources for teachers to help support students with ADHD.
