ADHD

M.O.V.E. Therapy^SM

improving the lives of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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M.O.V.E. Therapy^SM for ADHD

Symptoms of Inattention in ADHD
(DSM-IV)

1.   Does not give close attention
        to details or makes careless
      mistakes.
2.   Trouble keeping attention on
        tasks or play activities.
3.   Does not seem to listen when
        spoken to directly.
4.   Does not follow instructions
        and fails to finish work.
5.   Trouble organizing activities.
6.   Avoids doing things that
        require a lot of mental effort
      for a long period of time
       (such as homework).
7. Loses things needed for tasks
       and assignments (e.g. toys,
      school assignments, pencils,
       books or tools).
8. Easily distracted.
9. Forgetful in daily activities.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity in
ADHD (DSM-IV)

1. Fidgets or squirms in seat.
2. Gets up from seat when
     expected to stay seated.
3. Runs around and climbs where
       and when it is not appropriate.
4. Trouble enjoying leisure
       activities quietly.
5. Often "on the go" or acts as if
       "driven by a motor".
6. Talks excessively.

M.O.V.E. Symptom Survey
(Partial List)

1.   Eyes feel tired when reading.
2.   Eyes feel uncomfortable when
        reading.
3.    Headaches when reading.
4.   Sleepy when reading.
5.   Loses concentration when
        reading.
6.   Trouble remembering what has
        been read.
7.   Double vision when reading.
8.   Words move when reading.
9.   Reads slowly.
10. Eyes hurt when reading.
11. Eyes feel sore when reading.
12. Eyes are "pulling" when reading.
13. Words blur when reading.
14. Loses place while reading.
15. Re-reads same line of words
        when reading.
16. Avoids reading.
17. Exhibits decreased reading
        comprehension over time.
18. Difficulty finishing school
        assignments in a timely manner.
19. Overlooks small details or
        misreads math symbols.
20. Easily distractible when reading
        or studying.
21. Answers questions before they
        have been completely asked.
22. Fidgets inappropriately in
        his/her seat.
23. Responds well orally but does
        not answer as well in writing.

Increase in ADHD Diagnosis

The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased in prevalence in recent years. In 2006, the estimated number of school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD was 4.5 million (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2008) which is a dramatic increase from the estimated 500,000 in 1985. Diagnosing and treating ADHD is made more difficult because there are conditions that can co-exist, or occur at the same time, as ADHD. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, approximately one-third of children with ADHD have more than one co-existing condition.

Co-existing Conditions in ADHD

One of the possible co-existing conditions that can make diagnosing ADHD more difficult is a vision problem (not related to eyeglasses or contact lenses). For example, 5 out of the 9 criteria (seen in italics above) for diagnosing inattentiveness in ADHD overlaps with, or can be caused by, vision problems (as seen in the M.O.V.E. Symptom Survey above). Also, 3 out of the 6 criteria for diagnosing hyperactivity in ADHD overlaps with, or can be caused by, vision problems. A child who is suspected of having ADHD-like behaviors may actually be suffering from a vision problem instead. Alternatively, a child's ADHD-related behaviors may be worsened by undetected vision problems. Children who are thought to have ADHD-like symptoms are three times more likely to have a vision problem. Conversely, children with certain vision problems are three times more likely to be suspected of having ADHD.

What To Do

Any child who is thought to have ADHD can be tested to find out if M.O.V.E. Therapy^SM would help them. In children who have a concurrent vision problem, M.O.V.E. Therapy^SM for ADHD can help further reduce behaviors associated with ADHD. For children who have a vision problem, but not ADHD, M.O.V.E. Therapy^SM for ADHD can help reduce behaviors without medications.