Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD ) affects between 400,000 and over a million children in France. This extremely wide range alone underlines the difficulty of diagnosing this neurodevelopmental disorder. Once the diagnosis of ADHD has been made, the occupational therapist assesses its impact on daily activities, and makes adjustments to help the child and parents on a daily basis.
At least 1 ADHD child per class!
A neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) that appears in childhood, ADHD – which affects both boys and girls – is characterized by 3 major symptoms: attention difficulties, impulsivity and hyperactivity. While these signs are not specific to the disorder, they are particularly intense and long -lasting in the case of ADHD.
Health professionals estimate thatat least one child in every classroom suffers from this condition, but 80% of them remain undiagnosed. Just like the girls, who are more affected by inattention, who dream quietly at the back of the classroom. After childhood, ADHD gradually disappears, but may persist into adulthood in 30% of cases, leaving hyperactive individuals.
Diagnosing ADHD and assessing its impact
Clinically, the differential diagnosis of ADHD is based on a series of assessments carried out by medical (doctor, neuropediatrician) and paramedical (speech therapist, neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, etc.) professionals, torule out any other pathologies. While there are drug solutions to manage the consequences of this disorder, there are plenty of other ways to manage it and mitigate its effects.
With this in mind, the
occupational therapy assessment
is used to assess the impact of ADHD on the child’s daily activities – both in and out of school. For example, can he write fast enough to follow and understand his lesson in class? Does he help tidy up his room at home? How are meals at the canteen, at home or in a restaurant? Does he wash all parts of his body well? Can he ride his bike at the same pace as his friends? Etc.
ADHD accommodations in occupational therapy
Depending on the results, the occupational therapist will make the necessary adjustments to facilitate the patient’s daily life. Using rehabilitation techniques and proven methods, he will improve the organization and planning of activities, as well as attention and concentration during them.
Better still, he will devise self-regulation strategies, so that the ADHD child becomes aware of the moments when he loses concentration and “activates” strategies to remobilize it. At the same time, the occupational therapist will set up reassuring sensory and motor routines, and help the child work around his or her difficulties, using appropriate tools.
If you are diagnosed with or suspect ADHD, don’t hesitate to contact the occupational therapists on the Ora Visio platform: specialized in these disorders, they will be able to guide you – and your child – in the day-to-day management of this disorder.
