Know The Signs of ADHD For Early Intervention

February 18, 2021
ADHD Treatment

Short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder among children. It’s typically diagnosed during childhood and often lasts into adulthood. That said, ADHD is more common in boys than girls.


You may find that children or adults with ADHD often have trouble paying attention, controlling their impulsive behaviours, sitting still, or be overly active. Some may even have poor time management or display exaggerated emotions, while some may behave like a normal person.


The specific cause of ADHD remains unknown until today but scientists have found evidence suggesting that genetics can contribute to ADHD’s prevalence in children. Other factors include premature birth, brain injury, cigarette smoking, alcohol or drug use, exposure to environmental toxins, and extreme stress during pregnancy.


While there’s no official ADHD figure for Malaysian adults, a study suggests that about two to five per cent of adults suffer from ADHD. There may not be a cure for ADHD, but spotting it early along with proper treatment and education plan, can help your child or adult family member with ADHD to manage their symptoms.




Types of ADHD

As the name suggests, symptoms of ADHD involve attention and hyperactivity disorders. Depending on the diagnosis, the symptoms may vary according to the individual. That said, ADHD is diagnosed as one of the three types known to humankind – inattention, hyperactive/impulsive or combined.


1.  Inattention

Any individual diagnosed with this type of ADHD may have trouble organising or finishing a task, paying attention to details, or following instructions or conversations. He or she may also get easily distracted or forget details about their daily routines.


2.  Hyperactive/Impulsive

This type of ADHD is often diagnosed in children as they may have trouble sitting still for a long period (during mealtimes or while doing their homework). Meanwhile, younger children tend to be more hyperactive which may affect the people around them.


Additionally, individuals diagnosed with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may feel restless and start to fidget and talk a lot. Also, he or she may have trouble with impulsivity, thus often interrupting others, taking things from people, or speaking at inappropriate times. In some cases, people with this type of ADHD are prone to injuries and accidents.


3.  Combined

Any individual diagnosed with a combined-type ADHD may display a combination of all the symptoms mentioned earlier.




How do physicians diagnose ADHD?

Despite the various advances in the medical field, there's no scientific method to diagnosing ADHD. This leaves doctors and medical physicians alike to gather as much information as possible from parents, teachers, and others. It also involves fulfilling a set checklist and undergoing a medical evaluation to rule out other medical illnesses.



That said, healthcare providers will refer to the guidelines outlined in the Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), to help diagnose ADHD. This helps to ensure that the person gets the proper diagnostics for an effective treatment.





ADHD Treatment in Malaysia

There may be no cure for ADHD, but currently available medications and therapies can help minimise symptoms of the disorder and improve brain functioning. Additionally, a combination of the two may work on people with moderate to severe ADHD.


Medication

Getting a prescribed medication may help your children manage their ADHD symptoms and control their behaviour in their everyday life. This includes stimulants and non-stimulants that are approved by the Health Ministry. Like any other medication, you can expect your children to exhibit some side effects such as decreased appetite or sleeping problems.


Therapies

Giving your child the proper treatment can help to shape or change their behaviour for the better. This includes special education, behavioural therapy, counseling, and social skills training.

  • Special education for children with ADHD is effective in managing their symptoms and improving their functioning at schools and with peers. By having a structure and routine, your child may learn to adapt according to the situation.
  • Behavioural therapy aims to help change the behaviour of a person with ADHD. It may involve practical assistance such as organising a task or completing schoolwork or working through emotionally difficult events.
  • Counseling can help a person with ADHD to understand their emotions while learning ways to manage them and at the same time, help improve their self-esteem. Also, counseling allows family members to better understand a person with ADHD.
  • Social skills training teaches children basic social skills such as waiting for their turn, sharing of toys, asking for help, and responding to teases. It also includes reading facial expressions and responding appropriately when necessary.


If you suspect that your child or family member may have ADHD, get a proper diagnosis and ask for a suitable treatment to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Familial support may also help during the treatment as it encourages your child to overcome the challenges.


At Well Rehab, we provide several therapies which can be customised based on your child's needs. For more information about our therapies or services, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Key to Enhancing Productivity and Profitability in the Workplace

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
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