العربية 
It used to be called just attention deficit disorder, but the increased frequency of hyperactivity in affected children—which is actually a physical extension of inattention and impulsivity—led to the term being changed to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A neurodevelopmental disorder is defined as a neurological condition that affects the acquisition, retention, or practice of skills or information. These disorders may involve problems with attention, memory, perception, language skills, problem-solving skills, or social interaction. These disorders can be mild and easily managed with behavioral and educational treatments, or they can be more severe and require additional support and treatment. ADHD is a brain disorder that is genetic or occurs shortly after birth.
Although children with ADHD often act hyperactive and impulsive, the disorder is not a behavioral disorder.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Inattentive: lack of attention.
- Impulsive/hyperactive: hyperactive or impulsive.
- Combined: shared.
Diagnosis and signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Not all signs need to be present to diagnose ADHD. For diagnosis, 6 or more signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity must be present at all times (or 6 from each group to diagnose combined ADHD). The signs must be present in two or more settings (eg, at home and at school) and must interfere with social or academic functioning.
1. Signs of inattention:
- The child's inability to pay attention to details.
- Having difficulty concentrating at work or play on an ongoing basis.
- The child does not seem to listen to the person speaking directly to him.
- The child often does not follow instructions and fails to complete assigned tasks.
- The child often finds it difficult to organize his tasks and activities.
- The child often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
- The child often loses his things.
- The child is easily distracted by external distractions.
- The child is often forgetful.
2. Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity:
- The child often swings or jerks his or her arms or legs.
- The child often leaves his seat in the classroom or other places.
- The child frequently runs or climbs excessively.
- The child has difficulty playing or participating quietly in recreational activities.
- The child often moves or acts as if he or she is “on autopilot.”
- The child often talks excessively.
- The child often starts answering before the question is finished.
- The child often has difficulty standing in line.
- The child often interrupts or intrudes on others.
Occupational therapy is a medical specialty that aims to help individuals achieve maximum independence in daily life. It plays a crucial role in treating children with ADHD through a range of customized strategies and exercises.
- Comprehensive Assessment: The occupational therapist begins with a comprehensive assessment of the child's needs and identifies his or her strengths and weaknesses. The assessment includes evaluation of motor, sensory, social, and academic skills.
- Develop an individualized treatment plan: A customized treatment plan is developed for each child based on the assessment results and specific goals.
- Various therapeutic activities: The program includes a wide range of therapeutic activities such as:
- Motor activities: motor games, exercises, and balance and coordination exercises.
- Sensory activities: Activities that target the different senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) to help the child regulate his sensory responses.
- Social skills development activities: group games, communication skills training, and activities that encourage cooperation.
- Organizational activities: training in time management, organizing tasks, and developing study skills.
- Home and School Training: Occupational therapists work with parents and teachers to implement treatment strategies in different settings.
- Collaboration with the care team: Occupational therapists collaborate with other professionals such as speech-language pathologists and behavioral therapists to achieve the best outcomes.
- Behavior regulation: Helping the child regulate his behavior and reduce unwanted behaviors such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Improve focus and attention: Develop the ability to focus on one task for longer periods and transition between tasks smoothly.
- Develop motor skills: Improve fine motor skills (such as writing and drawing) and gross motor skills (such as running and jumping).
- Enhancing sensory skills: Regulating sensory responses and training the child to deal with different sensory stimuli.
- Improving social skills: Teaching the child social communication skills and interaction with others, and developing cooperative play skills.
- Increase independence in daily life: Teaching the child personal care skills and other life skills.
- Improve academic performance: Helps the child focus and pay attention in the classroom.
- Increased self-confidence: Helps the child feel capable of achieving his goals.
- Improve social relationships: Helps the child build healthy relationships with his peers.
- Increased independence: Helps the child perform daily tasks more independently.
