Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, which is when it is usually first diagnosed. It often lasts into adulthood and is defined as the persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with an individual’s functioning in different areas (school, work, friendships, relationships, etc.). Individuals with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, undertaking organizational tasks, or remaining focused during lectures and conversations. Their mind might seem elsewhere, they might lose belongings or be forgetful and can easily be distracted by external stimuli. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms might include excessive fidgeting, running about in situations where it is inappropriate, being constantly on the go, talking excessively, having difficulty waiting for their turn, and interrupting or intruding on others in conversations.
Treatment:
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behaviour therapy and medication. In addition, parents and schools also receive training on how to deal with children diagnosed with ADHD. Untreated ADHD can lead to self-esteem difficulties and behavioural problems later on during adolescence
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause significant social communication, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Individuals with ASD can experience persistent difficulties with socio-emotional reciprocity in particular. Examples may include abnormal social approach and interaction; failure to initiate or respond to social interactions; failure of normal back and forth conversation; problems in understanding social interactions and making friends; and deficits in non-verbal communication (eye contact, body language, and facial expressions). Another challenge can be a restricted repetitive pattern of behaviours, interests, and insistences on sameness. In addition to this, there can be hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input. Individuals with ASD can have intellectual disabilities in addition to the abovementioned challenges. This may show in different ways of learning, paying attention, and independent day-to-day living skills. Signs of ASD can begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life. Some mild cases may go unnoticed and may be diagnosed only later in life.
Treatment:
There is currently no cure for ASD. The main line of treatment is therapy that can start early on. Therapy mainly tackles social, communication, emotional, intellectual, and speech challenges. Medications can also be used as needed.
Intellectual disability (ID) is a disorder that starts during early developmental phases. It includes both intellectual and adaptive functions. Challenges in intellectual functions can include general mental abilities such as reasoning, problem solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and learning from experience. Challenges in adaptive functioning limit participation in daily activities (at home or in community settings) such as communication, social participation, and independent living. Degrees of intellectual disabilities can range from mild or moderate to severe.
Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for ID; rehabilitation is the main line of management. An individualized plan is developed for each specific individual by a multi-disciplinary team and can include cognitive rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy.
Oppositional defiant disorder
Children with ODD may show a pattern of angry/irritable moods and argumentative/defiant behaviour during interaction with at least one individual who is not a sibling. Examples may include losing their temper, being touchy or angry, arguing with authority and actively defying requests from authority figures; deliberately annoying others, blaming others for mistakes, and being spiteful or vindictive.
Conduct disorder
Children with conduct disorder may show a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. Examples include aggression or physical cruelty towards people or animals, bullying, initiating fights, using a weapon, stealing, deceitfulness and lying, or forcing someone into sexual activity. Other examples include destruction of property such as deliberately engaging in fire setting or housebreaking. Behaviour may also include serious rule violations such as often staying out at night, running away from home, or skipping school.
Treatment:
Treatment is mainly behavioural and includes individual therapy with the child and family therapy involving parents. Work can also be done in conjunction with schools.