Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in preschool children and continues into adulthood, characterized by short attention span, excessive activity and impulsivity that are inappropriate for the developmental level. The main feature of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder can be defined as a permanent and continuous shortening of attention span, impulsiveness and restlessness in behavior or cognition due to lack of inhibitory control. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; It is examined in three types: the type where attention deficit predominates, the type where mobility and impulsivity predominate, and the combined type.
Motility (hyperactivity); It is when the individual is overly active, impatient or too talkative for his age. Being so active that it affects the lives of the child and his parents is a symptom of hyperactivity disorder. Impulsivity; It is defined as behavior that is inappropriate for the environment or excessively risky, unprepared sudden movement (motor activation), without focusing on the task, and generally causes undesirable consequences. It can be said that it manifests itself with characteristics such as being careless, impatient, seeking innovation, taking risks, estimating the possibility of seeking excitement and pleasure, and being open to interaction. It is indicated by significant attention deficit, difficulty in regulation or hyperactivity, and impulsivity that begins before the age of 12; It is defined as low tolerance to frustration, irritability, or other accompanying features of mood lability. Generally, this situation occurs due to environmental influence. Apart from ADHD being a problem that emerges today, families and teachers ask, 'Why have our children become so inattentive and hyperactive in recent years? They examine the question ' and state that there was no such problem in the past. In daily life, these children; They are known with expressions such as spoiled, fussy, aggressive, unruly, impatient, indiscreet, chatty, disrespectful and naughty. It is 3 times more common in boys than in girls. It has been determined that . Behaviors related to ADHD are seen in the preschool period and the diagnosis of ADHD is usually defined around the age of 7. When the mothers' pregnancy periods were examined, they noticed that children diagnosed with ADHD were much more active in the womb compared to other children.
During the ADHD treatment process, gross motor and fine motor supporting exercises are recommended. It is important that the exercises are implemented in line with the child's needs. It includes training such as strengthening the abdominal muscles called the cat-camel exercise, clapping while climbing the stairs with the band to strengthen the shoulder, lower muscles, hand muscles and motor skills, stringing beads on a string to support fine motor skills, writing and visual perception. Studies can also be conducted on children diagnosed with ADHD using methods such as attention, attention, praise, interest, approval or appreciation, and self-management. If the hyperactive child is tried to gain control through verbal encouragement in these ways, an increase in the child's self-management skills and self-esteem can be observed. It is also possible to conduct various studies to support behavioral change and self-esteem in children diagnosed with attention deficit. For this, one must be a good observer, exhibit consistent behavior and avoid punitive behavior. In addition, he emphasizes that there should be activities that support the child's attention and impulsivity, as well as providing a suitable learning and working environment for the child.
Play therapy is an important approach in treating children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity. Play is a way for children to learn subjects that no one else can teach them, through their own experimentation. Play is a process of adaptation and practice for children. In general, play is an important area where children can express themselves, use their talents and creativity, realize their potential, develop their language, cognitive, social, affective and motor skills and increase their awareness. It is also the time period when they make a lot of effort and spend their energy. As a result, children can calm down and realize their potential. They do. Play therapy is the ideal method for children diagnosed with ADHD to socialize and express their emotions. In play therapy, children spend their energy, which helps reduce their impulsivity and hyperactivity. A hyperactive child will usually show interest in all toys at the initial stage. Exploring the room for a certain period of time is important for the process. Children's self-perception, concentration, reaction speed, and the way they express their anger should be observed. In terms of game selection, impulse control, reasoning games, and choices related to the problems experienced in daily life should be made. For children with hyperactivity problems who love movement, movement-based play therapy would be more useful and productive instead of desk therapy. It will be important to determine the purposes of the games to be played with children who have this problem. Games that improve attention, strengthen the impulse control mechanism, and game choices aimed at reducing physical and emotional tension can be effective.
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