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What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which stands for ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’. Let’s explore what ADHD actually is and some of the characteristics you need to be aware of.

ADHD

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ADHD Explained

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and affects 1 in 5 people in the UK. The typical age of diagnosis for ADHD is 7 years, however we can spot the signs earlier and this can be beneficial for providing the support needed in the Early Years.

What causes it?

ADHD is largely genetic. This means that, in the majority of cases, it is inherited. Environmental factors such as our parenting style, school and life events in childhood can influence how our genetics show themselves. Sometimes, the genetic potential for ADHD can be triggered by such things as difficult pregnancy, premature birth and difficult labour, increasing the chances of a child having ADHD. We also know that brain injury, including injury caused by seizures or epilepsy, can trigger the genetic potential for ADHD.

What are the traits of ADHD?

There are 3 traits of ADHD including Hyperactivity, Inattention and Impulsivity. In children, they do not have to have all 3 traits to receive a formal diagnosis of ADHD.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a lifespan condition, that impacts upon people to varying degrees throughout their lives. The way in which ADHD impacts upon a person may change during their lifetime. The condition we now know as ADHD was first documented over 100 years ago.

Approximately 5% of children and 3–4% of adults are estimated to have ADHD

It has undergone several name changes over the years as scientists and clinicians have gained more knowledge of its characteristics and how this can appear in different ways in different children. Anyone with a diagnosis of ADHD can be described as being “neurodiverse”, meaning there is a difference in the way in which the brain functions.

Executive Functions

ADHD can also have an impact upon a persons Executive Functioning Skills. Our executive functions are the processes that happen in our brains that help us to plan and organise what we have to do. They help us to control our attention, our impulses and emotions so that we can focus upon what we have to do and sustain our focus so that we can complete tasks.

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Encouraging Executive Functions

Our executive functions also help us to retrieve information from our memory, organise this information so that we can use it and continually self-monitor ourselves and manage time effectively. Our executive functions also enable us to make changes or adjustments to what we are doing in real time if the demands of an activity change.