DIAGNOSING ADHD

Dr. Shewikar El Bakry

ADHD is a disorder of

Perform

ance, NOT Abilit

y

Objectives

Why ?

To understand the physical nature of Attention Deficit Disorder

To know where about screening tools for diagnosis

WHY study ADHD

Symptoms affect all areas of life – academic, social, cognitive and behavioral performance.

Symptoms persist to adulthood in 60-70%

Children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD are at greater risk for experimentation with and abuse of alcohol and drugs, school and job failure, and accidental injuries.

Effective treatment is indirect & adult dependent

What's it like to have ADHD_.mp4

ADHD KEY SYMPTOMS

•Must have symptoms for at least 6-Months

•Symptoms must be present prior to age 7

•Impairment Across Settings (2 or more)

•Evidence of significant functional impairment

•Symptoms are extremes of normal behavior

ADHD: Hyperactive/Impulsive

fidgets or squirms

can’t stay seated

restless

loud, noisy

always “on the go”

talks excessively

blurts out

impatient

intrusive

Often…

ADHD: Inattentive

Appears to not be listening Follows through poorly on

obligations Disorganized Dislikes sustained mental effort Loses needed objects Easily distracted Forgetful Careless errors, inattentive to detail Sustains attention poorly

Often…

Let Me Be Your Camera - Understanding ADHD.mp4

Typical Vulnerabilities

Low self esteem

Humiliation

Feeling “dumb”

Always “in trouble”

Quick to lie about behavior

Become defensive

Feel defeated

Other ADHD qualities

Sometimes work harder at avoiding work than actually doing it

Academic progress is often a roller coaster – up and down all year

Moody

Really do want to do well

Frustration

Strengths and “Gifts”

Creative

Charming

Funny

Social

Sensitive and caring

Hyperfocus

Enthusiasm

Differential Diagnosis

Tools 1. Compliant: onset course duration

2. History : Developmental

Medical

Family

Social

3. Rating scales: Conner’s BASC CBC

Vanderbilt SNAP

Re evaluate with no improvement or worsening

DAILY GOAL

MY GOAL FOR TODAY IS:

Effective Participation in Classroom InstructionDIRECTIONS FOR MY GOAL…. I WILL:

•Raise my hand before answering questions•Look at my teacher when she is talking to the class

•Stay at my desk until given permission to move•Listen without talking to others

DAILY CHECK-IN TO DESCRIBE HOW I DID…….I think that my performance today:

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 1 2 3 WAS THE BEST My Teacher thinks that my performance today:

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 1 2 3 WAS THE BEST

Tomorrow I will____________________________ :Teacher’s Signature & Comments ___________:

__________________________________