Alexander Center > Common Conditions > Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Common conditions

This section includes conditions that can be evaluated and treated by Alexander Center professionals.

	[ hide list ] A B C | D E F | G H I | J K L | M N O | P Q R | S T U | V W | X Y Z Asperger's disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Auditory processing disorder Autism spectrum disorders   Bed-wetting, soiling Bed-wetting (enuresis) Behavioral problems Childhood apraxia of speech Chronic motor tic Developmental disorders Developmental dyslexia Emotional disorders Fluency disorder, stuttering Habit disorders Learning disorders Mathematics disorder Mixed receptive and expressive language disorder Pervasive development disorder Phonological disorder Psychophysiological disorders Soiling (encopresis) Speech, language disorders Tic disorders Tourette's syndrome Written expression disorders No conditions are available for this section.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs) involve different levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can cause learning, emotional, behavioral and social problems. ADHD is divided into these three categories.

Predominantly inattentive

• Is easily distracted
• Has difficulty paying attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Loses toys, books
• Is forgetful
• Jumps to another task before completing the current one

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

• Is restless
• Squirms while sitting
• Gives answers before the whole question is asked
• Gets agitated when waiting in lines
• Does not like to take turns in games or play

Combined
Combined type is a combination of hyperactive-impulsive type and inattentive type. In this case, your child may have problems concentrating, remaining still and controlling urges.

Tests, treatment

If you think your child may have ADHD, make an appointment with a health care professional trained in child behavior and developmental diagnosis. Professionals trained in this area include primary care providers, behavioral pediatricians, child psychiatrists and child psychologists.

Your child will be checked for other conditions, such as hearing or vision problems, then monitored for ADHD if all other conditions are ruled out. If it is decided that your child has ADHD, a personal treatment plan will be developed for him or her by your health care professional, with input from family. Treatment plans may include medicine, behavior therapy, family therapy, psychoeducation or a combination of methods.

About 40 percent to 60 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD before age 10 exhibit symptoms of impulsivity or inattention into adulthood. Many of these people continue to benefit from medical and behavioral treatments.

Services

Academic tutoring 
Medication management 
Parent support 
Therapy

Find and purchase “Living with ADHD” and other books and aids at The Stores @ Park Nicollet.