Preschool Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity refers to an enduring set of behaviours§characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels§of restlessness, inattention and impulsiveness.§Children who typically show these behaviour patterns§experience frequent disruptions in family and peer§relationships, and are at risk of long-term§impairments in social adjustment. Despite recognition§of the early origins of these behavioural§difficulties, very little academic literature exists§on the family and social contexts of preschool§children with hyperactivity. A better understanding§of the effects of these contexts is important in§order to fully account for the developmental§trajectory of hyperactive behaviour problems. This§book highlights the wide range of peer difficulties§associated with preschool hyperactivity. It also§highlights the need to examine more closely the role§of parenting behaviours in shaping the course,§prognosis, and treatment outcomes in relation to the§behavioural and social adjustment of preschool§children with hyperactivity. The content will be of§interest to developmental and child clinical§psychologists; early childhood education researchers§and professionals; and students in these areas.