Counseling Specialties
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Attention Deficit Disorder - Autism - Dyslexia & other Learning Disorders - Sensory Processing Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder
This information is taken from:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition
Does your child have Attention Deficit Disorder? Mark the following symptoms to find out. Please note that these symptoms must have been present before the age of 7. They also must be present in two or more settings.
Inattention:
At least 1 of these must apply and have been present for at least 6 months
__often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
__often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
__often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
__often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
__often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
__often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
__often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, gooks, or tools)
__is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Hyperactivity:
At least 6 of these must apply and have been present for at least 6 months
__often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
__often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
__often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
__often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
__is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
__often talks excessively
__often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
__often has difficulty waiting turn
__often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
