Nowadays it is common to see cases related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in consultation, and parents are usually distressed because years ago they did not hear about this term as is the case today; which is why, sometimes, they do not know how to manage these types of cases well.
When parents or teachers consult me: How do I get him to stay quiet, because he spends a lot of time making noises and doesn’t let other children concentrate? I usually tell them that asking them not to move or make noise is like asking you not to blink. They are children who have every will to obey, but simply cannot.
Therefore, the first thing we must do is understand what this disorder is about, which affects children and adults. Let’s see what the attention deficit.
Let’s start with the basics. what is attention? It is a process of selective concentration on one or more discrete units of information about elements of the environment or thoughts in which other units of information are ignored.
In the case of attention deficit, what happens is that The subject focuses his attention on information that is attractive, useful or significant, according to criteria that do not always obey what is socially expected. of each situation and context. Therefore, it is not a deficiency of attention, but selective attention. That is, these people involuntarily focus on details that, in the eyes of others, should be ignored.
Because of this, parents report that they seem “deaf.” In fact, the term fictitious deafness is used, since they only hear what is of interest or benefit to them and, sometimes, they can lose concentration with their own thoughts. We all have dreams and long for things, but we learn to control our dreams in such a way that it does not affect our performance; People with attention deficit, however, do not achieve this control and they tend to fantasize or daydream at times when very specific actions are expected of them.
Different priorities and selective attention
Added to this, behaviors that affect the organization and sense of priority are presented causing people with attention deficit to easily forget their obligations, as well as lose toys, books, school supplies or clothes. Difficulty in time management is also common, which leads them to be unpunctual or unfulfilled.
Likewise, following orders is usually complicated if an instruction contains several actions or steps, since they cannot retain it unless it is stated very clearly, or they make mistakes due to lack of attention to details.
Main symptoms of attention deficit
Let’s now see in what ways attention deficit is expressed.
Impulsivity in attention deficit
Besides, many of these people have impulsivity problems. This adds to the symptoms of inattention, but is actually, in part, a consequence of it.
I usually explain to parents that, as we grow, we learn to use, without realizing it, regulation brakes, that is, We learn when to offer our opinion and when to remain silent.when to intervene in a matter and when to keep our distance; Even though we feel the need to get involved, we must stop ourselves to foster healthy relationships or fulfill assigned objectives or tasks.
However, in the case of children with this disorder, they feel the impulse but cannot stop it, they have no brakes to regulate their desires (impulsivity). Therefore, common behaviors can be: interrupting people and not stopping talking, touching and playing with everything they see, saying inappropriate comments, using lies to get out of trouble, answering before the question is finished or showing difficulty in save the turn in group activities.
Likewise, attention deficit affects these people, making them seek to quickly change activities to allow themselves to be carried away by other, more attractive interests that do not require continuous effort, but are most likely not a priority. causing them to not be able to finish their homework and household chores.
hyperactivity
Added to this, People with attention deficit need to release the excess energy they have (hyperactivity)Therefore, they tend to keep constantly moving or writhing in the same place, or constantly looking for new activities that are attractive to them. Cases of insomnia are also common. They prefer to be standing or “on the move”, which is why they prefer “active” recreational activities; quiet games are not usually to their liking.
It is also common that they tend to entertain themselves with their own body (hands, arms, hair, mouth, etc.), which involves making sounds or noises that upset other people.
Frustration tolerance
Finally, people who have attention deficit have low tolerance for frustration. Therefore, they tend to be very impatient, which leads to tantrums and inappropriate expressions of anger. This often makes them seem like explosive, anxious or frustrated people.
Therefore, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that entails a certain immaturity in the systems that regulate the level of attention, impulsivity and movement. An important fact is that it belongs to disorders with onset in infancy, childhood or adolescence, that is, the symptoms must occur before the age of twelve to be classified in this category.
A very common question that parents ask is: How exactly is ADHD diagnosed?
In these cases, the best thing to do is to consult with a professional (child psychiatrist, pediatrician, neurologist), who will conduct an interview with the parents and then evaluate the child. Only specialists of this type can make a diagnosis, and they must do so after a personalized review. Questions that are usually asked in the interview would be:
Also The history of pregnancy and childbirth may be delved into or medical tests may be requested to rule out another cause..
Helping in diagnosis
In short, although it is true that sometimes it takes time to establish the diagnosis, they are not complicated tests; it is always best to provide the professional with the most honest and accurate information possible.
Many times, parents do not accept that their children have a certain difficulty, and they believe that by hiding information they are avoiding the diagnosis. This only complicates intervention on attention deficit problems.
