Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of disorders that include inattentiveness, over-activity, and/or impulsivity. Daycare providers must recognize the signs of symptoms of ADHD as well as how to manage children diagnosed with the disorder.

Part 3 of our interview with child neurologist Dr. Sara J. Dorison provides tips for child care center educators dealing with ADHD behaviors.

OwnADaycare: Could you give a few tips to help preschool teachers or daycare providers help manage ADHD behaviors?

Dr. Dorison: It is often difficult for a preschool teacher to know how to manage an ADHD child.  This is especially true of the teacher has a large class, an assistant who is not highly trained or if there are several ADHD children together in one class.

1.  Set expectations that the child can meet.  For example, insisting that a child sit for extended periods of time is likely to be unattainable and for this reason a teacher would be wise to allow ADHD children a bit more leeway in terms of physical activity.  If the child is not able to meet expectations, then the expectations need to be changed or accommodations can be made such as allowing a child to run class errands or hand out snacks (instead of trying to wait quietly).

2.  Identify one or two “problem behaviors” to target.  For example, if an ADHD child is physically aggressive, then the teacher and child can sit down and talk about “angry hands don’t touch.”  If all behaviors are targeted at once, the child will be confused and unable to meet the demands.  This will result in frustration and poor cooperation.  Other behaviors such as not cleaning, fidgeting, etc. should be dealt with after the aggression has resolved. (more…)

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of disorders that include inattentiveness, over-activity, and/or impulsivity. Daycare providers must recognize the signs of symptoms of ADHD as well as how to manage children diagnosed with the disorder.

Part 2 of our interview with child neurologist Dr. Sara J. Dorison details the important aspects of managing ADHD in the preschool setting.

OwnADaycare: What are the symptoms of ADHD in preschool children?

Dr. Dorison: Preschool children with ADHD often have difficulty sitting still during story reading (“happy circle”), finishing little projects and waiting their turns.  Often they have low frustration tolerance which can lead to impulsive aggression.  For example, an ADHD child is more likely to push another child when that child grabs for a toy.   Due to impulsivity, many children with ADHD have a hard time following the rules.   Often it is hard for the ADHD child to “keep his hands to himself” since impulsivity is such a prominent feature.   Transitions such as going from the playground to the classroom can be difficult for them and they have a great deal of difficulty waiting quietly.   They might have difficulty learning their letters since paying attention in class is hard for them.   Low frustration tolerance can lead to tantrums.

OwnADaycare: What can parents or early childhood educators do if they suspect children are exhibiting ADHD behaviors?
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Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of disorders that include inattentiveness, over-activity, and/or impulsivity. Daycare providers must recognize the signs of symptoms of ADHD as well as how to manage children diagnosed with the disorder.

Our interview with child neurologist Dr. Sara J. Dorison details the important aspects of ADHD in the preschool setting.

OwnADaycare: What is ADHD?

Dr. Dorison: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a syndrome characterized by the presence of clinically significant levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disorganization, difficulty staying on task, short attention span, and difficulty waiting on line, interrupting, and low frustration tolerance. The diagnosis is based on the DSM-IV criteria which outline the criteria necessary to make the diagnosis.  It is felt to be present in about 5% of children.

OwnADaycare: How is ADHD diagnosed?

Dr. Dorison: ADHD is a clinical diagnosis and is made by taking an appropriate history and physical examination of the child and their behavior.  Unfortunately, there is no blood test, genetic testing, brain wave test or brain imaging test that can currently make the diagnosis.  The diagnosis is often made with the assistance of psychoeducational testing, or with a clinical interview, generally with a child psychiatrist or child neurologist.  The clinical features must be present in at least two settings and over a period of time.   Often doctors or psychologists use the Connor Rating Scales which ask parents and teachers to fill out forms regarding behaviors.   It is important to rule out other disorders that can present similarly in a young child.  These include Asperger Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autism, deafness, lead poisoning and severe anxiety. (more…)