Behaviours

At school, these children may exhibit behaviours that can be categorised as predominately inattentive, or predominantly hyperactive, impulsive or challenging ^[2]American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric … Continue reading.

Inattentive behaviours

• Being easily distracted by others
• Distracting themselves from the task at hand
• Actively avoiding academically challenging schoolwork
• Having difficulty staying on tasks perceived as requiring effort or prolonged attention
• Making simple, careless mistakes
• Having difficulty listening when spoken to
• Having difficulty following instructions
• Having difficulty starting and finishing a work task
• Having difficulty organising themselves for a task
• Frequently losing objects such as books, drink bottles, pens, jumpers

Hyperactive behaviours

• Fidgeting or jiggling with hands, feet, and objects
• Having difficulty remaining seated during a task
• Being excessively physically active and repetitive—running around, climbing, swinging on chairs
• Having difficulty playing quietly
• Always being ‘on the go’
• Talking excessively and often loudly
• Being restless and irritable

Impulsive behaviours

• Having difficulty taking turns
• Making impulsive comments
• Having difficulty waiting for instructions
• Frequently interrupting conversations or games
• Generally, acting without thinking about the consequences
• Making personal comments without apparent awareness of others’ feelings (possibly feeling remorseful after)
• Claiming to be ‘bored’ by academic tasks
• Being unable to delay gratification and needing immediate rewards.

Challenging behaviours

People often incorrectly perceive these children to be deliberately defiant, rude or lazy. The way they are perceived and treated, and their own judgments about their abilities, can give rise to additional symptoms and challenging behaviours in the classroom and at home. These can include:

• moodiness
• anxiety
• stubbornness
• lack of self-confidence
• a tendency to be easily frustrated
• aggression
• difficulty making and keeping friends
• oppositional behaviour
• breaking classroom and school rules.

ADHD and gender

A diagnosis of ADHD is currently twice as common in boys than in girls. However, it may be that females have been under-diagnosed.

ADHD in girls can be especially problematic for peer and social relationships, particularly with other girls. Teachers and parents report that girls display more verbally impulsive behaviours such as making inappropriate comments, frequently interrupting conversations or not listening carefully, and sending and posting electronic texts and messages impulsively.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

A paediatrician, neurologist or child psychiatrist typically diagnoses ADHD. Psychologists are also commonly involved in diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is made using a range of observations, surveys and clinical interviews with parents, teachers and the child. Symptoms must have been present prior to the child turning seven and have persisted over a six-month period. Symptoms must also be present in more than one setting, for example, school and home.

Is ADD the same as ADHD?

Some children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Children with ADD are less hyperactive than those with ADHD but are just as inattentive. Children with a diagnosis of ADD are less likely to display challenging behaviours or social difficulties but will have difficulty maintaining attention. They are often identified as daydreamers. These children’s behavioural problems are more likely to be overlooked by their parents and teachers.

ADHD and sleep problems

Behavioural sleep problems affect up to 70% of children with ADHD. Sleep problems exacerbate the daily functioning difficulties of children with the diagnosis. There is evidence that when children’s sleep habits and patterns are managed (for example, by effective bedtime routines or using relaxation techniques) along with standard clinical care, daily functioning improves.^[3] Congress paper, Mulraney, M., The Sleeping Sound with ADHD Study, APS National Congress, 2016. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

ADHD and anxiety

Anxiety affects the majority of children with ADHD, and can manifest as general anxiety, social anxiety or separation anxiety. Anxiety contributes to poorer functioning for children with ADHD, affecting their ability to sustain attention, daily functioning, behaviour, school attendance and family functioning.^[4] Sciberras, E., Managing Anxiety in Children with ADHD using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Lancet Psychiatry 2014.

ADHD and oppositional behaviour

Up to 40% of children with ADHD may also have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). This disorder is characterised by negativity, hostility, and defiance. This childhood disorder is typically diagnosed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. ^[5]Raisingchildren.net.au The Australian Parenting website, Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): children 5 -12 years. … Continue reading A behaviour support plan should be devised to help manage challenging behaviour and to promote self-application to tasks. In addition, implement strategies to build social skills and encourage pro-social activities to help promote peer acceptance and reduce any aggression.

ADHD and learning

Concentration difficulties, organisational problems, impulsive behaviour, anxiety and forgetfulness can all affect the way a child learns at school. It is important that a comprehensive educational assessment is undertaken and learning abilities are fully assessed to enable appropriate strategies to be put in place to support learning.

ADHD and effort as punishment

Children with ADHD are often more sensitive than other children to the cumulative effects of punishment and failure ^[6] Evidence for increased behavioral control by punishment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder E. Furukawa, B., Alsop, P., … Continue reading than typically developing children. They are also less likely to be given a second chance by teachers. Some children with ADHD view others as hostile and perceive life as unfair as a result of early non-success at school.

Teachers should be aware that if a child with ADHD is reluctant to begin a task, or gives up easily, the task may require more effort than the child feels they can manage. The more demanding a task, the more help will be needed for the child to persist. Simple but frequent rewards, such as smiles or words of encouragement, can help children with ADHD to stay on task. The same can be said for typically developing children, but children with ADHD, are more sensitive to repeated experiences of failure and are more likely to miss opportunities for success. Teaching these children to adopt a growth mindset can be highly beneficial (see Carol Dweck’s work on Growth Mindsets).

Vulnerable transition times

The transition from pre-school to primary school and primary to secondary school are high-risk times for students with ADHD. Children can become anxious and disengaged from school during these periods of change. In pre-school the main manifestation of ADHD is hyperactivity whereas in primary school inattention becomes more obvious. In the early years of secondary school inattention, impulsivity and poor planning persist, and fidgeting and restlessness are common. Behaviour can deteriorate and learning can plateau or deteriorate at these times. During the transition to secondary school increased hyperactivity and conduct problems have been associated with an increased likelihood of suspension. Teachers need to closely monitor transition plans for a student moving to secondary school.

Treatment and management

There is no cure for ADHD. Behaviours are commonly managed through tailored behaviour management programs for parents, teachers and the child, in combination with stimulant medication. The need for medication is assessed and monitored typically by a specialist such as a paediatrician, neurologist or child psychiatrist, in consultation with the child’s GP, parents, teachers, psychologist and other allied health professionals. There is also a non-stimulant medication available.

Lifetime implications of ADHD

Up to 80 percent of children with ADHD will continue to display symptoms of this disorder throughout adolescence and into adulthood. However, with appropriate support and intervention during childhood, many people with a diagnosis of ADHD will learn to manage their symptoms into adulthood and develop successful careers. Equally, some children with ADHD, particularly those with a co-existing learning or mental health condition, may find it difficult to maintain employment without a high level of support from family members or community agencies.

Strategies to support the child with ADHD

Teachers can use a number of strategies to support the child with a diagnosis of ADHD.

• Follow recommendations made by the child’s specialist, doctor or psychologist.
• Develop an individual learning plan focusing on the child’s passions, interests, strengths and weaknesses. Review and update the plan at least each term.
• Communicate regularly with the child’s parents. Where possible, work as a team to set firm and consistent boundaries at home and at school. Be mindful that in some cases one of the child’s parents may suffer from ADHD. If required, refer the child’s parents to the school psychologist to assist them to apply consequences for non-compliant behaviour and rewards for appropriate behaviour.
• Develop a classroom behaviour management plan. Use incentive systems to apply rewards for appropriate behaviour and consequences for non-compliant behaviour.
• Enquire about the child’s sleep. As previously mentioned children with ADHD often have sleep problems. The child’s behaviour and general functioning can be improved by improving sleep quality.^[7]Hiscock, H., Sciberras, E., Mensah, F., Gerner, B., Efron, D., Khano, S., Oberklaid, F. Impact of a behavioural sleep intervention on symptoms and … Continue readingIf the child is having difficulties going to bed, falling asleep, or feeling tired in the mornings encourage parents to see a psychologist or paediatrician to help assess and treat the child’s sleep problems. For further information see the Sleeping Sound with ADHD research.

Find more information on ADHD and the relevant resources by becoming a member and signing in to download.

ISBN 978-1-921908-43-9

Copyright © Murray Evely and Zoe Ganim 2018

No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Click here to read copyright details, a summary of the licence and terms and conditions to use and reproduce our digital materials granted to authorised users.