Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric condition amongst children in Singapore, with its prevalence being between 1.7% to 16%. ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. A diagnosis may be in order if symptoms such as fidgeting, inability to resist temptations or desires and disorganisation, which fall under the core characteristics of ADHD , persist for at least six months.
Children diagnosed with ADHD often face associated characteristics such as cognitive deficits (intellectual deficits, speech and language impairments and more). They also experience problems socializing as they might have trouble interacting with peers or family members or display social insensitivity.
With the many negative impacts of ADHD on a child’s cognitive ability and quality of life in general, it is important for parents to seek early intervention to help their child manage this condition. Additionally, parents should educate themselves on the symptoms of the three major types of ADHD to be able to support their children better.
The Three Types of ADHD
1. Inattentive-Distractible
Children with Inattentive-Distractible ADHD typically struggle with attention span and concentration but do not exhibit signs of hyperactivity or excitability.
Symptoms include:
Difficulty listening to others
Tendency to be easily distracted
Poor attention to details
Forgetfulness
Poor organisational skills for their age.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive
Children diagnosed with Hyperactivity-Distractible ADHD often have more pronounced impulsivity and hyperactivity, without the inattention and distractibility symptoms.
Symptoms include:
Need for constant motion without apparent goal except for moving
Excessive talking
Interrupting others frequently
Thinking before acting
Shifting from task to task without completing any
Struggle with impulse control or self-control.
This type of ADHD can be identified more quickly, especially in the classroom.
3. Combined
The combined type of ADHD is the most common form of ADHD.
Symptoms include displaying behaviours of:
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Inattention
Distractibility.
To be diagnosed with combined type ADHD, your child will have to display six or more symptoms of inattention, and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months.
Help Your Child Manage ADHD With MindChamps Allied Care Early Intervention Programme (EIP)
Here at MindChamps Allied Care, our EIP can help to nurture your child’s capability for independence in later life. This includes preparing them for a mainstream or special education school, or to better cope with their symptoms to facilitate a better quality of life in future.
Specially designed for children between the age of 18 months to 6 years old, the EIP helps develop your child’s cognitive skills, language and communication skills, socialisation skills , gross and fine motor skills and self-help skills. Our classes are also small - with a 2:5 student to teacher ratio, to ensure that we provide your child with undivided the personalised attention that they require.
Why is Early Intervention Important for Children with ADHD?
Most children with ADHD also have Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), neurodevelopmental disorders that are typically diagnosed in younger children. SLD includes learning disabilities such as dyslexia, difficulty in learning mathematics and science. It can also impact everyday activities and social interactions.
With our EIP, MindChamps Allied Care is able to provide your child with positive experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. This can take away the stress that your child might face in a mainstream kindergarten or preschool setting, which reduces the impacts of any learning disorder that they might have at an early age.
Find out if your child is suitable for our EIP by signing them up for our 4 sessions trial programme now.