Health Matters

A neurobehavioral disorder characterised by low self-control, hyperactivity and short attention, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) currently affects around five per cent of Thai primary school children. 

Most of the symptoms generally show before the age of seven and have an adverse impact on the child’s behaviour, emotions, learning ability and social skills. Different children have different symptoms and while some may be very naughty and constantly on the go, others may simply lose attention quickly or have a very short attention..

ADHD is the result of a lack of certain chemicals in our brain a significant factor and is mainly genetic. Environment plays a role too and a premature baby whose mother has a drinking problem or smokes during pregnancy has higher risk for ADHD. Despite the bad press they have received, there is no evidence showing that too great a consumption of sugar or chocolate, lack of essential vitamins and consumption of food colouring can cause ADHD, though a healthy diet is obviously better for the child,

Symptom categories are divided into the predominantly inattentive type and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. A combination of both will be present in some children.

 

Symptoms of predominantly inattentive type

1) Inability to complete or making careless mistake in schoolwork or activities

2) Difficulty concentrating when studying, playing or working for a period of time

3) Does not listen attentively when another person talks to him/her

4) Difficulty in completing a task, able to pick up very few details, makes more and frequent mistakes

5) Difficulty in organising complex tasks and activities

6) Avoids any task that requires attention or thinking

7) Frequently lose concentration and is easily distracted

8) Frequently loses personal belongings

9) Is forgetful

 

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

1) Inability to stay still

2) Stands up and walks around all the time both at home and in the classroom

3) Loves to run and climb

4) Talks non-stop

5) Difficulty in quietly engaging in an activity

6) Active, easily excited

7) Interrupts or says something out loud in the middle of a question asked by a teacher or parents 

8) Cannot wait 

9) Frequently interrupts others while they are talking

 

A child with more than six symptoms in either of these two categories that persist more longer than 6 months is probably suffering from ADHD.

About 20 to 30 per cent of children with ADHD have a high possibility of cure when they become teenagers, meaning they can study and work without continuous medication. Most, however, still have problems with attention and concentration although they will appear less naughty or less active. 

These children need continuous treatment as the remaining symptoms may affect their ability to learn and perform in the classroom and socially.

While a stimulant medication will be prescribed, there are also a number of behaviour support mechanisms that both parents and teachers can introduce. 

Among the recommendations for teachers who have to take care of ADHD children are: 

1. Put the child in the front seat and the nearest possible to the teacher in the classroom, away from doors and windows.

2. Write clearly on the board what the students have to finish in class

3. Carefully check the students’ books to ensure they record everything correctly and completely

4. Do not tell the ADHD children to do many things at a time. Let them finish one before giving another instruction.

6. Find a way to catch the child’s attention without causing the child to feel “embarrassed”

7. Give hyperactive children work that requires more physical effort, such as longer sports time and ask them to help distribute books and learning materials to friends.

8. Recognise and give them awards when they do something good or make a contribution

9. Avoid harsh words, insults and physical punishment when the children do wrong.

10. When the ADHD children make mistakes, cut their score, cancel their break, have them clean the room or stay longer after class so that they can finish, correct the mistakes they made or finish up their assignment.

11. Give them more time than others during exams.

 

The Special Needs Child Centre is on the third floor of Samitivej Srinakarin Children's Hospital. Call (02) 378 9125 and (02) 378 9000.