AD/HD Awareness Week

I am sharing this lens with you today because... I have HOPE.

It is my hope that a parent reading this will recognize AD/HD symptoms in their own child and get the help that they need.

It is my hope that an educator reading this will recognize AD/HD symptoms in a nonhyper student and get her the help that she needs (and wants).

It is my hope that YOU will be a little more patient with an AD/HD child today.

AD/HD hits close to home for me. Never in a million years did I think that my well-behaved, sweet child could be struggling so hard in school because of AD/HD.

This lens is dedicated to my daughter.

(Download a copy of 7 Myths about ADHD for quick reference!)

(Thanks to ADDitude Magazine for this list.)

ADHD isn't a real medical disorder. ADHD has been recognized as a legitimate diagnosis by major medical, psychological, and educational organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education. The American Psychiatric Society recognizes ADHD as a medical disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-the official mental health "bible" used by psychologists and psychiatrists. ADHD is biologically based. Research shows that it's a result of an imbalance of chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, within the brain. Its primary symptoms are inattention, impulsiveness, and, sometimes, hyperactivity. People with ADHD typically have a great deal of difficulty with aspects of daily life, including time management and organizational skills.

Children who are given special accommodations because of their ADHD are getting an unfair advantage. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools address the special needs of all children with disabilities, including children with ADHD. Special accommodations, such as extra time on tests, simply level the playing field so that kids with ADHD can learn as successfully as their non-ADHD classmates.

Children with ADHD eventually outgrow their condition. More than 70 percent of the individuals who have ADHD in childhood continue to have it in adolescence. Up to 50 percent will continue to have it in adulthood. Although it's been estimated that 6 percent of the adult population has ADHD, the majority of those adults remain undiagnosed, and only one in four of them seek treatment. Yet, without help, adults with ADHD are highly vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. They often experience career difficulties, legal and financial problems, and troubled personal relationships.

ADHD affects only boys. Girls are just as likely to have ADHD as are boys, and gender makes no difference in the symptoms caused by the disorder. But because this myth persists, boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

ADHD is the result of bad parenting. When a child with ADHD blurts things out or gets out of his seat in class, it's not because he hasn't been taught that these behaviors are wrong. It's because he cannot control his impulses. The problem is rooted in brain chemistry, not discipline. In fact, overly strict parenting- which may involve punishing a child for things he can't control- can actually make ADHD symptoms worse. Professional interventions, such as drug therapy, psychotherapy, and behavior modi%uFB01cation therapy, are usually required.

Children who take ADHD medication are more likely to abuse drugs when they become teenagers. Actually, it's just the opposite. Having untreated ADHD increases the risk that an individual will abuse drugs or alcohol. Appropriate treatment reduces this risk. The medications used to treat ADHD have been proven safe and effective over more than 50 years of use. These drugs don't cure ADHD, but they are highly effective at easing symptoms of the disorder. The drugs do not turn kids into addicts or zombies.

People who have ADHD are stupid or lazy-they never amount to anything. Many well-known, high-achieving individuals have ADHD, including top executives such as David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways, and Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko's. Other well-known, high achieving people with ADHD include Terry Bradshaw (quarterback, Super Bowl winner and NFL commentator), Howie Mandel (comedian and host of "Deal or No Deal"), James Carville (prominent political consultant and commentator), and Michael Phelps (swimmer and holder of 14 career Olympic gold medals, the most by any Olympian ever).

The United States has four leading AD/HD organizations.

They are:

ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO);
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA);
ADDitude magazine; and
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).

Personal note: I belong to CHADD and Attention magazine came with my membership. My membership has been worth every penny that I spent (which was about $40 I think).

There are three main categories of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.



(Thanks to the CDC for the following description of symptoms.)

Inattention

Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

Often has trouble organizing activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

Is often easily distracted.

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat when sitting still is expected.

Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.

Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor."

Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

CDC ADHD Symptoms Widget.
Flash Player 9 is required.

Just for Girls

The symptoms and consequences of AD/HD in girls can be very different than for boys.

ADDvance is a great place to start when looking for information about AD/HD in girls.