Occupational Therapy

What Is Meant by Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

The acronym ADHD refers to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by:

difficulty paying attention and maintaining concentration
impulsive behaviors
physical restlessness

ADHD represents an atypical functioning of the brain that drives children to seek varied and continuous stimulation. These symptoms can cause discomfort and a sense of inadequacy compared to peers.

When Can It Appear and How Is It Recognized?

It is estimated that about 5–7% of school-age children suffer from ADHD. Symptoms evolve over time but, in general, the condition persists into adulthood, bringing consequences in family, work, and social life.

What Are the Main Symptoms of ADHD?

The main symptoms seen in children with ADHD are:

difficulty completing any task that requires concentration
apparent disinterest and tendency not to listen to what is being said
excessive liveliness (running, climbing, jumping on chairs)
easily distracted
tendency to talk continuously, answering impulsively before hearing the full question
inability to wait their turn in line or in groups
may show significant learning difficulties

For these behaviors to be considered a significant indicator of the disorder, they must be present for at least 6 months and typically before the age of 7.

What Does the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Involve?

ADHD treatment can be divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological. In the first, medication is used that acts directly on brain function. The second favors a multidisciplinary approach, involving the child, the family, the physician, and different professionals, including the occupational therapist.

Why Occupational Therapy for ADHD?

The main difficulties for a person with ADHD concern executive functions, such as planning, organizing and carrying out an activity, working memory, and problem-solving. There are also difficulties in time management, motivation, and the emotional-relational sphere. The Occupational Therapy program can be structured either individually or in groups. Following a careful assessment of the child’s difficulties and strengths, a treatment plan is established with the goal of:

Identifying obstacles present in the various life settings
Identifying strategies tailored to the specific situation
Helping the child put into practice what has been learned and refine already known strategies

The Occupational Therapist considers all areas of the person’s life (such as the home, school, and sports contexts), carrying out an in-depth evaluation of them, identifying existing barriers and the strategies to adopt in order to improve the child’s quality of life.

The Role of Our Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapist Costanza Minonzio specializes in developmental disorders, and at Polispecialistico Paradiso/branch locations there are sensory rooms designed to work with children following the approach described above.

Costanza Minonzio

Pediatric Occupational Therapist. An Occupational Therapist with a focus on pediatrics, Costanza Minonzio collaborates closely with families and specialists to promote the development, autonomy, and quality of life of children through targeted and personalized interventions.