​Rudzani Matshili 

As the country commemorates Child Health month, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital's Neurodevelopmental Clinic has emphasised the importance of child immunisation in order to manage and limit Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 
The hospital is using the month of August to raise awareness about the neurological disorder that affects part of the brain, which is associated with planning, focus and the execution of tasks.

Sister Sophy Mokgabudi from Neurodevelopmental clinic warned that if one's child has difficulties in concentration, hyperactivity and organising, it could be possible that they have ADHD.

"Some of the common symptoms include lack of attention, making careless mistakes, not following instructions or finishing tasks and not listening when being spoken to.

"When it comes to concentration, the child easily gets distracted, avoids and dislikes tasks that require thinking and is often forgetful in daily activities. There is also hyperactivity, where a child talks excessively, fidgets and cannot sit still. They also run around or climbs objects when it's inappropriate to do so," she said. 

Mokgabudi also added that the causes and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Factors such as alcohol use during pregnancy, traumatic pregnancies and taking medication for specific diseases while pregnant may also contribute. 

Speaking on the diagnosis of the disorder, Mokgabudi said that it involves assessments and examinations. "We examine the child's birth history, immunisation card and their Apgar score. We manage to help them early through those assessments than those that come at a later stage," she said. 

In addition, the clinic also works closely with schools to help those who are struggling.
 
"There are forms sent to schools where mothers have to fill in to check the severity of the problem and if need be, the child is taken off normal school and placed at a special one."​

In conclusion, Mokgabudi urged mothers to follow up with clinics, especially when it comes to immunisations to avoid learning problems. Most of these problems can be detected from primary health level.