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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined by two broad groups of behavioural problems: inattentiveness and a combination of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Common symptoms within these groups include a short attention span, restlessness, being easily distracted and constant fidgeting. ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in the UK. It is estimated that the condition affects between 3-9% of school aged children and young people. ADHD can be a life-long condition and many children who have it continue to have symptoms in adolescence and adulthood. However, it is still uncertain as to whether ADHD can occur in adults without first appearing in childhood. Children naturally have a tendency towards the kind of behaviour that ADHD causes, but this behaviour should not be confused with ADHD. There are several criteria that must be met for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD tend to start at an early age and they may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change – such as starting school. Many people with ADHD also have additional problems such as sleep disorders, low self-esteem and learning difficulties. However, ADHD has no effect on intelligence. There is no cure for ADHD but it can be managed using medication. There are several medical treatments for ADHD all of which should be accompanied by psychological educational and social therapies.

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD…

The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be catergorised into two broad groups of behavioural problems – symptoms of inattentiveness and symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is not fully understood whether these problems are an extreme form of normal behaviour or part of a separate range of behaviour altogether. The symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents are well defined. The main symptoms of each behavioural problem are detailed below:

Inattentiveness
• a very short attention span
• being very easily distracted
• being unable to stick at tasks that are tedious or time consuming
• being unable to listen to or carry out instructions
• being unable to concentrate
• constantly changing activity or task

Hyperactivity
• being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
• constantly fidgeting
• being unable to settle to tasks and
• Excessive physical movement.

Impulsiveness
• being unable to wait for a turn
• acting without thinking
• breaking any set rules and
• little or no sense of danger
It is thought that up to 35% of children with ADHD also have learning difficulties. However, it is important to remember that ADHD has no effect on intelligence.

How Yoga can help a child with ADD/ADHD…

Yoga is a blend of stretching, relaxation, meditation and advanced breathing technique and has helped millions of people worldwide leave stress and anxiety behind. A recent study determined what was already assumed, Yoga did in fact produce a significant drop in hyperactivity, anger and tension. During and after a Yoga session participants heart rate decreased while breathing slowed. Learning the art of slow, steady, relaxed breathing during times of anxiety is perhaps the greatest benefit that Yoga therapy delivers for those with ADHD. When breathing is relaxed more oxygen is able to make its way to the brain, leading to better concentration and a heightened state of alertness. This benefit occurs in all people of all ages, regardless of their prior ability to focus. Anxiety or stress is part or all of our lives but can be particularly damaging for those suffering from ADHD. Stress can become particularly severe for adults at work or at home. Stress is magnified in ADHD children by the structured dynamic created by the classroom environment and can make homework difficult to complete. Struggles to interact with other children (one of the major symptoms of an ADHD child) may be exasperated by a strictly structured school environment. These two factors may partially explain why Yoga classes for kids are now being offered in some elementary schools and studios worldwide.