ADHD and Attention Difficulties
ADHD and Attention Difficulties
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a lifelong brain disorder that makes it hard for a person to pay attention. Some people with ADHD have trouble sitting still or controlling their behavior.
Causes of ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. The most likely cause is genetics. Many children with ADHD have a family history of the disorder.
Signs of ADHD
A person with ADHD may show some of the following signs:
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
Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will commonly have problems and delays in their speech, language, and communication. Speech and language therapy is highly beneficial in improving, supporting, and developing any speech, language, or communication difficulties.
Common difficulties that Speech Therapy and our team can help with for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may include:
- Social communication problems
- Problems with social understanding
- Problems with attention and listening skills
- Literal language – difficulty with metaphors or sarcasm
- Expressive language (verbal and written)
- Understanding of language
- Non-verbal communication including facial expressions, gestures