ADD/ADHD

• Signs/symptoms

• • • Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganization, distractibility.
    • Hyperactivity: fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking.
    • Impulsivity: interrupting, difficulty waiting turns, acting without thinking.

• Pathology/onset

• • • ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often begins in childhood and may persist into adulthood.
    • Thought to involve brain circuits regulating attention, impulse control, and activity level, with genetic and environmental influences.

• Stages/types

• • • Predominantly Inattentive Presentation 
    • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
    • Combined Presentation

• Important terminology & definitions

• • ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, the clinical term that encompasses both hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive symptoms.
  • ADD: An older term, now considered part of ADHD (inattentive type).

Role of Rehabilitation

• OT
  • Support with executive function, organization, routines, sensory regulation, social participation, time management and academic skills.
  • Parent/caregiver education for behavior management strategies.
• PT
  • Providing strategies for regulating hyperactivity and impulsivity through movement-based activities.
• SLP
  • Support communication skills, listening comprehension, pragmatic/social language, and self-monitoring during conversations.
  • Assist with strategies for following directions and classroom communication.

Helpful Resources (websites, apps, youtube videos, etc)

• https://chadd.org/
• https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/
• https://add.org/adhd-facts/
• https://www.usa.edu/blog/occupational-therapy-for-adhd-how-can-ot-help-adhd/
• Mobile apps for mindfulness: Headspace 

References 

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You

Need to Know. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know

CHADD. (2018). Understanding ADHD – CHADD. CHADD. https://chadd.org/understanding-adhd/