For ADHD
Awareness Month, the Access
Center has composed a series of four articles
that will give you the tools to interact with this
unique population effectively.
Center has composed a series of four articles
that will give you the tools to interact with this
unique population effectively.
This week,
we will look at the symptoms of
ADHD and how it is diagnosed.
ADHD and how it is diagnosed.
No single
test can determine ADHD, and
other situations can mimic signs of ADHD.
(burnout, being overcommitted, side effects of
medications.) Therefore, assessment of
ADHD should be done only by a trained
professional using a variety of tests.
other situations can mimic signs of ADHD.
(burnout, being overcommitted, side effects of
medications.) Therefore, assessment of
ADHD should be done only by a trained
professional using a variety of tests.
By examining
the three different types of
ADHD—inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive,
and combined—one can better understand
the challenges of each type.
ADHD—inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive,
and combined—one can better understand
the challenges of each type.
Inattentive
presentation:
Fails to pay close attention to details
or makes careless mistakes
Has difficulty sustaining attention.
Does not appear to listen.
Struggles to follow through on instructions.
Has difficulty with organization.
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring a lot
of thinking.
Loses things.
Is easily distracted.
Is forgetful in daily activities.
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in
chair.
Has difficulty remaining seated.
Runs about or climbs excessively in
children; extreme restless in adults.
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
Acts as if driven by a motor. Adults
will feel inside like they were driven by
a motor.
Talks excessively.
Blurts out answers before questions
have been completed.
Difficulty waiting or taking turns.
Interrupts or intrudes on others.
Combined inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Has symptoms from both of the above presentations.
have six or more symptoms of the disorder. In
older teens and adults the DSM-5 states they
should have at least five symptoms.
Although
accurate diagnosis is crucial, it is
only the first step. One author used the
analogy of a hungry person going to a
restaurant and being diagnosed with hunger
instead of being fed! When we examine tools
and coping skills, people with ADHD can feel
more confident and those who interact with
them can better understand how to meet their
needs.
only the first step. One author used the
analogy of a hungry person going to a
restaurant and being diagnosed with hunger
instead of being fed! When we examine tools
and coping skills, people with ADHD can feel
more confident and those who interact with
them can better understand how to meet their
needs.
Each week in
October, we will discuss a
different way to encourage people with ADHD
in higher education.
different way to encourage people with ADHD
in higher education.
