Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) Amanda Ting, A’qilah Saiere, Charmian Loei, Dawn Sng & Haziqah Shamin

2. Let us meet “J”

3. Special Needs in Singapore In 2006, 1637 children (ages 0-6) were diagnosed with special needs in the Child Development Units at KKH & NUH

5. Definition Neurobiological disorder (Mental functioning)

6. Diagnostic Criteria • Who ? • What? • + Medical examination, clinical interview, rating scales by parents and teachers as well as behavioral observation

7. Characteristics Core Features - Hyperactivity Impulsivity Poor Concentration Secondary Features - Lower Academic Achievement Motor in coordination COMORBIDITY

8. Affective to Learning & Development • Struggle with – • Peer & Family Relationships • Work & School Performance

9. Causes • Behavioral disorder • Structural or biochemical differences in their • brain • Hereditary • Genetic disorder or medical conditions

10. Medical Services Partnership & collaboration Multi-modal approach Prescription stimulant medication Side effects of medication Alternative treatments

11. Services Diagnosis and Treatment · Child Guidance Clinic · Child Development Unit (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital) · The Children's Specialist Clinic (National University Hospital) · James Cook University Psychology Clinic Services · Student Care Services – Educational Psychology Services · Care Corner Educational Therapy Services · Learning To Learn Centres (Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation) Support Groups · Society for the Promotion of ADHD Research and Knowledge (SPARK) · ADHD Singapore Mailing Group

12. Implications – Societal Views learning & developmental restrain

13. Implications – Societal Views High-costing services & FEW governmental hospitals (with subsidy) FEW subsidized services + LONG waiting lists = Very stressed and depressed parents

14. Implications – Societal Views No Specific Schools for ADHD

15. Implications on Individuals – Physical Aggression + Impulsivity + Difficulty in generalization of consequences = Harm to self / others)

16. Implications on Individuals – Intellectual & Occupational

17. Implications on Individuals – Social Emotional Impulsivity + Inattention + Poor self regulation + External factors (Peers) = (Peers) discomfort Child is isolated

18. Implications on Individuals – Social Emotional (II) • Deviation from social norm • + • Frustration (child and peers) • + • = Aggression Child is isolated • Isolation + Impulsivity + Misconception of drugs • = Possible negative behaviors

19. Our Response As Teachers • Never be too quick to judge a child • Better understand child’s nature of learning & behaviour • Always provide multiple means of contribution/expression in the classroom • Be aware of diagnostic criteria and be sure to be observant of child’s behavioural patterns • Provide environmental adjustments for a more efficient learning environment • Always be aware of any medications that the studentsmay be taking

20. Thank you!