“Do you think I’m weird because I’m wired, or wired because I’m weird?”
― Jack Gantos
One of my closest friends often has difficulty paying attention to what I say. She changes the subject mid-sentence and sometimes fidgets.
Before I got into the field of special education, I would get angry thinking she didn’t care. It was only after I read about ADHD symptoms in kids and how those symptoms can continue into adulthood, I was able to understand her difficulties.
Of course, I persuaded her to get professional help and thankfully, she showed improvement. Because of lack of awareness, she couldn’t get the necessary support early in her life. But, the situation has changed now.
More people have the basic knowledge about neurodevelopmental disabilities and the support available to them now.
ADHD symptoms in kids may make them eligible to receive support such as an IEP or 504 plan.
ADHD Symptoms in Kids
There has been an upward trend in the number of caregivers and parents who report ADHD symptoms in kids.
It is difficult to say if the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in kids is increasing or more people are getting the diagnosis done now.
The good news is that ADHD is now getting as much focus as any other neurodevelopmental disability.
Let’s try to understand what are the ADHD symptoms in kids.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and ADHD symptoms in kids are characterised by three main components.
ADHD symptoms in kids are typically identified and diagnosed before 12 years of age, though it may continue into adulthood.
ADHD symptoms in kids can be of three major types.
- Predominantly inattentive: In this type, the majority of symptoms fall under inattention. Affected individuals find it hard to follow conversations, finish a task or pay attention to details or remember finer details of the daily routine.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The affected individual finds it hard to sit at a place. They fidget a lot and are almost always restless. They may show impulsive behaviour which can be disruptive in nature.
- Combined: The symptoms of the above two types can be equally dominating.
Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, poor academic performance and difficulty in building and sustaining relationships. It affects their daily life and progress.
Symptoms may change or lessen over time and some people may outgrow it.
Researchers have proved early diagnosis and intervention along with appropriate support to be of benefit here. These supports are given through IEP and 504 Plan.
What is an IEP?
An Individualised Education Plan or IEP, is a programme developed for a child attending elementary or secondary educational institutions who is identified to have a disability under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
It is a document containing the child’s specific needs, how those needs would be addressed and what special services would be provided to the child, among other components.
Developing an IEP is a team venture and the team typically consists of the following members.
- The child
- Their parents
- Special educator
- General education teacher
- Counsellor
- Special Service providers (such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc.)
- Child’s doctor
For a child to be eligible for an IEP, their condition has to affect their learning at school. It is tailor made for each child and is renewed at least once every three years.
It documents the child’s current academic level and sets annual goals to ensure the child’s steady progress.
An IEP details the accommodations and modifications that a child will be entitled to.
Accommodations are the changes in how the child will learn whereas modifications are changes in what the child will learn.
As parents and caregivers, you can put in a request for an IEP or the school can initiate the process after receiving your consent. The development as well as the service delivery is done free of cost at the school.
Is IEP Relevant for Your Child with ADHD?
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