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ADHD, Boys, Mental Health & Technology

A guide for parents and educators caring for ADHD boys

WHAT IS ADHD?

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which a person has trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks, tends to act without thinking, and has trouble sitting still. It may begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems at home, at school, at work, and with relationships (Healthwise, 2019)."

Boy with DIY Robot

3 TYPES OF ADHD

1

INATTENTIVE

​Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.

2

IMPULSIVE

Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.

3

COMBINED

Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD).

SYMPTOMS

  • Troubles paying attention

  • Trouble following directions

  • Easily distracted

  • Seems disorganized or careless

  • Slow to process information

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SYMPTOMS

  • Trouble paying attention

  • Restlessness

  • Impulsive actions/speech with excessive talking

  • High frequency of interruptions

  • Difficulty waiting turns or following instructions

  • May tend to be more reactive

SYMPTOMS

  • Displays 6 out of 9 symptoms found in both types of ADHD (inattentive & hyperactive/impulsive)

  • This tends to be the most commonly diagnosed type of ADHD

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ADHD GENDER DIFFERENCES

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Girl Drawing
Girls with
ADHD

Common traits and symptoms

  • Disorganization

  • Forgetfulness

  • Inability to focus or daydreaming

  • Incomplete assignments

  • Struggles to maintain relationships and keep friendships

Overview of Differences

Boys

  • Far more likely to be diagnosed

  • More common to show hyperactivity and impulsivity

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Girls

  • Far less commonly diagnosed

  • More commonly inattentive ADHD versus combined or hyperactive/impulsive

Please hover over each image to reveal more text and information

Little Boy Drawing
Boys with
ADHD

Common traits and symptoms

  • Impulsivity

  • Fidgeting

  • Outbursts verbally or physically

  • Inattentiveness 

  • Carlessness, disorganization and forgetfulness

MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS

What mental health challenges do ADHD boys face?

Drawing Face

Anxiety & Depression

  • Children with ADHD without adequate treatment are highly likely to experience anxiety or depression.

  • Anxiety or depression may develop as a later result of ADHD and the challenges faced by boys with ADHD in school, daily activities, home and other areas of life.

Prescription Drugs

High-Risk Behaviour

  • Higher chance of substance abuse or use

  • Engaging in riskier behaviour

  • Risk of self-injury

  • Higher chance to take part in illegal activities

  • Increased risk of suicide attempts

School Supplies

Education and Schooling

  • Higher chance of social rejection, isolation or lack of friendships and relationship

  • Lower grades and poorer performance in school

  • Lack of engagement or motivation in schooling and learning

  • Academic underachievement

References

H. (2019, May). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved December 11, 2020, from https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw166083

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