Exploring ADHD and ADD in Elementary School Children

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

You might have heard the terms ADHD and ADD used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference. ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is actually an outdated term. Today, medical professionals use the term ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) as an umbrella to cover all the ways that it can present itself in a child. Here we are going to explore the different types of ADHD, how it can present in boys and girls, some myths and facts, and more.

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is commonly seen when a child struggles with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, or a combination of these. Children diagnosed with ADHD can present in different ways:

• Inattentive: these children can have difficulty paying attention, staying focused, or finishing a task or an assignment. They have a habit of daydreaming or seeming absent-minded. They may struggle with taking directions and can miss important details.

• Hyperactive/Impulsive: these children can be restless and fidgety, have difficulty sitting still or staying in one place for long periods, act before they think, are impatient, and can forget to ask permission. These children often run, jump, or climb on things to keep their bodies moving. They may interrupt others and take things that aren’t theirs.

• Combination: these children show signs of both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive characteristics.

ADHD in Boys and Girls

While boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, that does not mean girls are not susceptible to the diagnosis. According to our research, girls are 16 times less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys. The disparity between boys and girls is likely due to how differently they show the signs of ADHD. Boys tend to show more of the Hyperactive/ Impulsive or Combination signs while girls tend to show more of the Inattentive signs. Since ADHD signs in boys are usually more disruptive, they are also more noticeable than in girls. Their inattentiveness can be commonly seen as shy or reserved and often goes unnoticed.

ADHD in School

Most of the time, children start their education before having a formal diagnosis of ADHD. Educators and other school staff are often the first to notice some early signs. They may see that a child has trouble sitting still in their seat, paying attention during a lesson, often daydreaming, and acting without asking permission. In these cases, a teacher would reach out to the parent so they can have the child evaluated for an official diagnosis.

What Are Common Classroom Supports?

At JB our environment is designed with our students and their needs in mind. We work to create classrooms that allow our students to learn in a flexible environment. Here are some ways in which we support our students:

• Fidgets

• Flexible seating arrangements

• Multiple breaks/check-ins throughout the day

• Visual calendars

• Timers

• Checklists

Common Misconceptions About ADHD

• ADHD is a form of autism. A child can be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism. We often see comorbidities with these conditions but you can carry a single or multiple diagnoses.

• ADHD is caused by poor parenting. Typical parenting strategies that work with other kids may not work with kids who have ADHD, so parents have to adapt. Parents are not a cause of ADHD but incredibly important to help kids with ADHD learn how to manage their behavior.

• Only boys can be diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are commonly diagnosed with ADHD for signs of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, which is more noticeable due to its physicality. While it is less likely, girls can still be diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD may have its challenges, but it is not a roadblock to success. With the right support systems and understanding, children with ADHD can thrive like other children do. Not all children are one size fits all, here at Julie Billiart Schools, our goal is to provide an exceptional education for children with all kinds of social and learning differences. To learn more about JB’s student-centered approach to learning click here.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/adhd-symptoms-boys-vs-girls
https://childmind.org/article/what-is-the-difference-between-add-and-adhd/
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd
https://www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/blogs/what-is-the-difference-between-add-and-adhd
https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-adhd-symptoms-differ-in-boys-and-girls-5207995

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