Childhood Disorders
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:
This disorder is characterized by a pattern of hyperactivity or inattention that is found to be more severe or frequent than typically observed in other youth. Some symptoms of inattention could include:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities.
- Often has difficulty sustaining attention in task or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
- Often have difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as writing assignments).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities.
- Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity could include:
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate. (in adults or adolescents, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
- Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out answers before hearing the complete question.
- Often has difficulty waiting for his/her turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others. (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder:
This disorder is characterized by defiance, disobedience and/or argumentative behavior towards authority figures for a period of six or more months. Other symptoms can include loss of temper, arguing, refusal to comply with rules, intentionally annoying others, anger, blaming others for mistakes and being vindictive.
Conduct Disorder:
This disorder is characterized by behaviors that violate the societal norms and/or the basic rights of others. Youth that are diagnosed with this disorder may be aggressive towards others, engage in physical fights, participate in mugging, extortion and/or be physically cruel to people. Youth may be deceitful, participate in the intentional destruction of property and seriously violate the rules of parents.
**Note: This page is meant for informational purposes only. It is not a complete list of all disorders, but rather the most common disorders present in the youth that are served by the Turning Winds Academic Institute Residential Care Facility. For further understanding and information about any of the above disorders, please consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR.