ADD / ADHD Treatment

What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention deficit disorder/Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and sometimes hyperactivity, which interferes with academic, occupational, and social performance. Other symptoms include decreased attention span, increased impulsivity, and impairment in perception, conceptualization, language, memory, concentration, and motor skills. ADD/ADHD is significantly more prevalent in boys than in girls.

Children with ADD/ADHD Can Be

• Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive
• Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention
• Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADD/ADHD)

It is not uncommon for a child with ADD/ADHD to be perceived as a “quiet dreamer.”

Occupational Therapy for ADD/ADHD

Occupational therapists use their unique expertise to help children prepare for and perform important learning and developmental activities. Occupational therapists support the achievement of developmental and learning outcomes for children, with and without disabilities, by facilitating social skills development, motor development, emergent literacy, and the development of adaptive and self-care skills. Occupational therapists are particularly skilled in helping children access curricular activities by contributing to the design and planning of activities, including identifying any needed accommodations or modifications.

Additionally, occupational therapists play a key role in training parents and caregivers about the development of children with diverse learning needs.

Behavioral Intervention Strategies

A behavioral specialist helps set up behavior modification programs at school, work, and home while setting clear and concrete goals for behavior and achievements. They also help families and teachers set and maintain reward programs.

References: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, American Occupational Therapy Association