ADHD Overiew

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder of brain development that leads to difficulties in paying attention, hyperactivity so that the child seems to be "driven by a motor", and impulsivity so that the child says or does things that gets him/herself in trouble.

• Inattention, or difficulty concentrating, is most obvious in the school setting as the child cannot learn well enough despite normal intelligence. Parents might notice the inattention at home as the child has difficulty getting homework done or cannot follow simple directions that the parents give, such as “put on your shoes, get your lunch out of the refrigerator, and give me your homework to sign.”
• Hyperactivity in the classroom might be demonstrated by the child being up and out of his/her seat, always fidgeting, talking too much with peers, etc. Obviously, this would also make it difficult to learn. At home, the child might show hyperactivity by being in constant motion while doing other activities, being fidgety and restless, pacing, pulling at things while talking, or being unable to stay seated at the dinner table. Sometimes they even run into things as they are moving so much and so fast
• Impulsivity is shown by the child speaking or acting without thinking. It can actually put the child in some danger. He/she might run into traffic while chasing a ball, jump off a wall and get hurt, etc. But, impulsivity might also be shown by things like blurting out answers in class or hurting a pet when angry. These children are accident prone. They are the ones who take reckless chances.
• Some children are not hyperactive or impulsive. They just can’t pay attention. They seem “spacey” or “daydreamy.”
  

While these are the core symptoms of ADHD, these children often struggle in other ways as well. Often, they are not coordinated and have poor handwriting. With peers they might be inflexible, even bossy, so that other children do not want to play with them.

The most important issue is that ADHD makes children unable to reach their potential in life, i.e., they can have strong intellect and nice personalities, but the ADHD interferes with success.
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Symptoms of ADHD

Here is a checklist. Does your child have at least 6 of the first group and/or 6 of the second group? If so, he/she might have ADHD and need some help to be successful:

Group 1:Cognitive Symptoms of Inattention and distractibility

1. Does not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes with, for example, homework
2. Has difficulty keeping attention to what needs to be done
3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Does not follow through when given directions and fails to finish activities (not due to refusal or failure to understand)
5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. Avoids, dislikes, or does not want to start tasks that require ongoing mental effort
7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, assignments, pencils, or books)
8. Is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli
9. Is forgetful in daily activities

Group 2: Motor Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

1. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
2. Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
3. Runs about or climbs too much when remaining seated is expected
4. Has difficulty playing or beginning quiet play activities
5. Is “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
6. Talks too much
7. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
8. Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
9. Interrupts or intrudes in on others’ conversations and/or activities

Clear form

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Myths about ADHD

WHAT ADHD IS NOT

• ADHD is not kids wanting to be the center of attention
  
• ADHD is not kids deliberately being “naughty”
  
• ADHD is not mental retardation
  
• ADHD is not a learning disability
  
• ADHD is not a moral defect
  
• ADHD is not the result of bad parenting
  
• ADHD is not the result of poor teaching
• ADHD is not the result of too much sugar in the diet
• ADHD is not the result of a bad diet
• ADHD is not something kids “grow out of”
• ADHD is not a myth

WHAT ADHD IS

• ADHD is a brain disorder
• ADHD is due to altered brain chemistry
• ADHD is inherited
• ADHD is disabling for children
• ADHD is discouraging for parents
• ADHD is frustrating for teachers
• ADHD is a lifelong condition for about 66% of youth
• ADHD is a risk for smoking
• ADHD is a risk for substance abuse
• ADHD is a risk for teen pregnancy
• ADHD is a risk for delinquency
• ADHD is a risk for abuse
• ADHD is treatable

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Who needs treatment for ADHD but is not getting it?

ADHD is very common, but many children do not get the help they need. There are some groups that are especially underserved including:

• Boys: Those who are inattentive but not hyperactive. Adults expect boys with ADHD to be disruptive.
• Girls: Research on ADHD has mostly been done with boys. Parents and teachers do not think that girls might have ADHD.
• Younger children: Adults often think that younger children will outgrow their hyperactive and disruptive behaviors. But those with ADHD will not. They need early identification and treatment to be successful.
• Rural youth: Rural and non-metropolitan communities often lack access to ADHD specialists. Families do not have the time to travel long distances to get the help that their children need.
• Hispanic youth: First generation families may not recognize ADHD in their child due to cultural views, lack of identification by schools, not having a regular doctor, or lack of insurance to cover treatment.
• Uninsured children: These children often do not have a regular doctor or resources to pay for care or medication.

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What is the best treatment for ADHD?

• Years of research has shown that the single best ADHD treatment for the majority of children is medication
• Medication usually means “stimulant” medication: methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, others) or amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine). These medications stimulate the parts of the brain that help us to focus.
• These medications improve the chemical balance of certain elements in parts of the brain important to attention, motor control, and behavioral control
  
• Children who have other problems in addition to ADHD, such as anxiety or who are oppositional, need additional therapies.
• The best therapy to help children with ADHD and these other difficulties is called “parent behavioral training”. It seeks to help parents to deal with the challenging behaviors of these children. Children with ADHD are not able or ready to use usual types of “talk therapy.”
  

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The truth about ADHD medications

• ADHD medications are not addictive when used properly to treat ADHD.
• ADHD medications do not make children “zombies.”
• ADHD medications do have some potential risks or side effects. These risks can usually be managed for successful treatment.
• ADHD medications can be taken throughout adolescence, even into adulthood.
• ADHD medications help children to achieve their natural potential.

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