ADHD is an impairment of either activity or attention control, or both. Symptoms are usually noticed at an early age and could become more visible when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school. It is at Primary School that most cases are diagnosed.
It can be challenging coaching children with ADHD, however a little education can go a long way to ensuring those who show symptoms – which include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness – have as much fun playing sport and engaging in physical activity as other children.
General characteristics of people with ADHD
- Inattentiveness – short attention span; extreme distractibility; over-frequent changes of activity; do not appear to be listening when being spoken to directly; and may have poor ability to organise tasks.
- Hyperactivity – may have excessive movements, especially in situations where quiet and calm are expected; may fidget; and often have difficulty in playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly or competitively.
- Impulsiveness – may act without thinking and appear thoughtless of rule breaking; has difficulty in waiting their turn; and interrupts/ intrudes on others.