Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition in children and adolescents. More recently, ADHD has been diagnosed frequently in adults as well. Although the symptoms used for diagnosing ADHD are the same across the lifespan, it is common for ADHD to manifest differently in adults than in children. Thus, understanding the typical presentation of adult ADHD is important for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Within the past year, the lifestyle changes associated with the Covid-19 pandemic have caused an increase in psychological stress for many individuals. Although public health initiatives including working remotely, engaging in virtual learning, and social distancing are beneficial for reducing the spread of the virus, these measures can result in individuals feeling isolated or overwhelmed by increased demands within the home.
I don’t know how else to put it, but lately it seems like my brain is broken. I’m not functioning with the mental quickness I’m used to. I find myself struggling to locate words I want to use, like “vigilant” (it took me a full day to remember it). Sometimes when I’m especially tired in the evenings, I will trail off midsentence, and when my husband asks a follow-up question I will have completely lost my train of thought — it drives him bonkers.
Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) typically present with cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms that impact their ability to independently complete tasks including homework or chores. Given these core features of ADHD, parents often struggle with how to encourage their child’s independent functioning.
Given the challenges of virtual learning in individuals with ADHD, it is particularly important to implement strategies that will set the child up for success. First, creating an area within the home that is dedicated solely to learning will improve the child’s ability to remain focused. Given that inattention is a core feature of ADHD, reducing the potential for distractions within the learning area is crucial.
Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often exhibit cognitive and behavioral symptoms that adversely impact their academic performance. Children with ADHD may experience difficulty with staying on task, fidgeting, poor impulse control, or emotion dysregulation that serve as barriers to their ability to learn. Given this, school-based interventions are imperative for promoting the academic performance of individuals with ADHD.
Doctors typically advise a combination of behavioral interventions, counseling and medication to address a child’s symptoms. A child who can manage the symptoms of A.D.H.D., allowing for a more successful experience in school, may reach a point when A.D.H.D. is far less of a problem. So facilitating success in school and ultimately in life may be the path to “outgrowing” the diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious illness, which progressively impacts cognitive functioning. Over the course of the disease process, an individual’s ability to participate in daily activities, including driving, managing medications, and managing finances, may also decline.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. ADHD has a behavioral and cognitive presentation that may be similar to other conditions, including learning disorders, depression, anxiety, or impulse control disorders.
As we close this series on behavioral management for your “defiant child”, we will cover a program model that utilizes Alan Kazdin’s ABCs of parenting: Antecedent, Behavior and Consequence. The following method is a tried and true way to change and shape your child’s behavior, which will ultimately change and shape your relationships for the better. The strategy is both simple and powerful when used correctly and it works for all ages. What is this magic tool? We’re talking about a point chart.
