Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)

Inattention

• Has trouble concentrating

• Starts thinking about other things
• Has problems staying focused on tasks
• Does not seem to listen
• Does better on some tasks than others
• Has problems planning, organizing, and finishing tasks on time
• Has problems learning new things

Hyperactivity

• Seems unable to sit still
• Is restless and fidgety
• May bounce from one activity to the next
• Often tries to do more than one thing at once

Impulsivity

• May act before thinking
• Has problems waiting their turn, such as when playing a game

Assessment:

SLP at Speech-sy’s can evaluate a child’s communication skills to determine if ADHD is impacting their ability to:

• Express themselves clearly: This includes organizing thoughts, structuring sentences, and staying on topic. 
• Understand what others say: This involves listening comprehension and following instructions. 
• Engage in social interactions: This includes understanding social cues, taking turns in conversations, and interpreting nonverbal communication. 
• Manage speech fluency: Some children with ADHD may experience disfluencies like repeating words or struggling to find the right words. 
• Observing the child: They’ll watch how the child interacts with others and listens to their speech. 
• Formal assessments: They may use standardized tests to assess language, speech, and social skills. 

MANAGEMENT 

Here is how  in Speech-sy’s therapy is done :-

•  Improving attention and focus:  Using visual aids, breaking down tasks, and providing positive reinforcement can help.
• Developing organizational skills:  Creating routines, using checklists, and teaching time management strategies are helpful.
• Enhancing social skills: Role-playing, practicing social scripts, and building empathy are important.
•  Improving communication skills: Working on turn-taking, active listening, and understanding nonverbal cues is key.
• Managing impulsivity:  Teaching self-regulation techniques, using calming strategies, and practicing delayed gratification can help.

Coexisting conditions:

ADHD doesn’t cause other psychological or developmental problems. However, children with ADHD are more likely than others to also have conditions such as:

Learning disabilities, including problems with reading, writing, understanding and  communicating

Substance use disorders, including drugs, alcohol and smoking

Anxiety disorders, which may cause overwhelming worry and nervousness, and include.

obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, which includes depression as well as manic behavior.

Autism spectrum disorder, a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others.

Tic disorder or Tourette syndrome, disorders that involve repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled.

Outcomes

• Improved Communication Skills: Speech therapy can help with organization, turn-taking, and staying on topic, making conversations smoother.
• Inreased Self-Regulation:  Speech therapists can teach strategies for managing impulsivity, attention, and emotional regulation.
• Improved Academic Performance:  Therapy can help with listening skills, following instructions, and completing tasks, which can lead to better academic success. 

At Speech-sy, we empower individuals with adhd  to be more improved academic performance, better social skills, enhanced self-esteem, and reduced disruptive behaviors, ultimately leading to improved overall functioning and well-being.