Attention Problems in Down Syndrome: Is this ADHD?
Dr McBrien is a developmental pediatrician with an interest in children withDown syndrome. This article was originally published on the Univerity of IowaHospital Website, © 1998. Reprinted here with the author"s permission.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a commonly diagnosed childhood problem. ADHD is characterized by consistent demonstration of the following traits: decreased attention span, impulsive behavior, and excessive fidgeting or other nondirected motor activity.
All children, including children with Down syndrome, display these traits from time to time. But the child with Down syndrome may exhibit these traits more often than other children his age.
Does that mean that your child has ADHD? It may, but more commonly it means that a medical problem needs to be addressed, or that your child"s educational program or communication method needs some adjustment. In children with Down syndrome who have difficulty paying attention, ADHD is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other problems must be ruled out first! What follows is a discussion of these problems.
Medical Problems that can look like ADHD

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