OT 751 - ADHD

ADHD Description

involved persistent and maladaptive symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impact an individual’s QOL

ADHD is

the most common neurobiological disorder in childhood

Average age onset of ADHD is

7 years old

What are the 4 types of ADHD

• ADHD Predominately Inattentive

• ADHD Predominately Hyperactive

• ADHD Combined

• ADHD Other Specified or Unspecified

ADHD Predominately Inattentive

• Sufficient

  • Inattentive symtoms 

• Insufficient 

  • Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms 

ADHD Predominately Hyperactive

• Sufficient 

  • Hyperactive-Impulsivity symptoms

• Insufficient 

  • Inattentive symptomps

ADHD Combined

Given to adults and children who exhibit both attention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

ADHD Other Specified or Unspecified

Show Symptoms of ADHD, but do not meet the diagnostic criteria of the other three clinical presentations.

ADHD is diagnosed from

a qualified healthcare professional through observations, interviews, and standardized behavioral rating scales

Inattentive Symptoms

• Difficulty giving close attention in tasks or making careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

• Does not appear to listen when spoken to

• Has difficulty following instructions and with the completion of tasks 

• Poor organizational skills

• Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort

• Often loses necessary items and is forgetful in daily activities

• Easily distracted by unimportant stimuli

Hyperactive-Impulse Symptoms

• Fidgets with hands, taps hands or feet, or squirms in a chair

• Gets up and out of one's seat when remaining seated is expected

• Feels restless and runs about

• Difficulty engaging in quiet leisure activities or sitting still. Often "on the go".

• Hyper-fixated on specific tasks

• Talks excessively and blurts out answers before questions have been completely asked

• Difficulty waiting or taking turns

ADHD Symptoms - Motor Disorders

• Reported in 40%-60% of individuals with all three subtypes

  • Balance and coordination difficulties

  • Fine motor skill deficits

  • Timing and sequencing difficulties.

ADHD Symptoms - Sensory Disorders

Exhibit a low sensory registration pattern

ADHD Symptoms - As many of 80% of individuals with ADHD are at risk of having

• Specific Learning Disorder

• Developmental Coordination Disorder

• Oppositional Behavior Disorder

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder

• Depression

• Anxiety

How long does ADHD last?

A lifetime

ADHD Etiology - Biological

• Adult and childhood ADHD are associated with brain abnormalities in the fronto-cortical and fronto-subcortical systems that mediate the control of cognition and motivation.

• Identified reduced gray matter volumes in children with ADHD as compared to neurotypical children

ADHD Etiology - Genetic

• Interaction between multiple genetic risk variants.

• Heritability rate of 74%.

• Hypothesized that individuals may not produce sufficient levels of dopamine

ADHD Etiology - Social & Environmental Risk Factors & ACES

• Prenatal and early childhood exposures: Smoking/alcohol use, fevers, lead and toxin exposure, stress, and trauma.

• Lack of cognitive stimulation or minimal social interaction.

• Socioeconomic hardship, familial mental illness, exposure to violence, incarceration, and a disruptive household.

ADHD Etiology - Coexisting Conditions

• Mental health disorders

• Brain injuries

Boys are __ times more likely to have ADHD than girls

4

15.5 million US adults have an

ADHD diagnosis

Low Sensory Regulation Pattern

Unable to function adequately in environments that provide little stimulation

Neurobiological Disorder

A condition that affects the structure/function of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves

BASC-32

Multidimensional assessment designed to evaluate aspects of behavior and personality for ages 2-25. Also, assign classifications of child emotional and behavioral disorders (Allows eligibility for special education services)

504 Plan

Document that ensures a student with a disability can receive equal access to an education and removes any barriers to learning. Provides individualized accommodations. (More time for tests & Assistive Technology)