Attention problems in Down syndrome. ADHD

Medical problems that can look like ADHD

By: University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital

Hearing and vision problems

In order for a child to pay attention to classroom material, she has to be able to hear and to see it. Both hearing and visual problems are common in children with Down syndrome. Ear infections are overwhelmingly common and, even if treated, can cause hearing loss for weeks. People with Down syndrome have middle ear structural abnormalities that can cause lifetime mild to moderate hearing loss.
Both near- and far-sightedness are common in Down syndrome, as well as cataracts and "lazy eye".
How can we rule out significant hearing and/or visual loss as a cause of attentional problems? Hearing screens should be performed annually in children with Down syndrome. Children with abnormal hearing evaluations should be seen by an ear-nose-throat physician (otolaryngologist) to manage treatable causes of hearing loss.
A child with Down syndrome should be evaluated by an eye doctor during the first year of her life, and yearly thereafter. Some children may need more frequent follow-up depending on their visual diagnosis.


https://uichildrens.org/health-library/attention-problems-down-syndrome-adhd

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ADHD & Down Syndrome. 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



https://www.ndss.org/resources/adhd-down-syndrome/



Talks about:

How Common Is ADD in Children With Down Syndrome?

The frequency of ADHD in children with Down syndrome is not known with certainty. However, ADHD-like symptoms are more common in young children with Down syndrome than they are in children from the general population.

Compounding symptoms such as stereotypy (repetitiveness), anxiety or extreme irritability in the presence of ADHD-like symptoms may indicate another disorder such as autism, bipolar disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.

Uncomplicated ADHD is common in younger children with Down syndrome. However, many school age children with ADHD frequently have other behavioral conditions including oppositional defiant disorder, disruptive behavior disorder or obsessive compulsive traits.

Does That Mean That Your Child Has ADHD?

It may, but more often 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.