ADHD

Introduction

ADHD is said to be a neurological disorder that starts to show in some children in the preschool or early school years. It shows with symptoms like moodiness, poor impulse control, hyperactivity, distractibility, and forgetfulness. A child with ADHD finds it difficult to pay attention, and based on studies by Strock in 2003, between 3 and 5 percent of children are diagnosed ADHD. This is approximately 2 million children in the U.S. alone. For example if a classroom has between 25 to 30 student, it is most likely that at least one of these children will have ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

In an article by Terry Martin, between 30 percent and 70 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD will carry at least some of these symptoms over into adulthood if not all of these symptoms (Matlen, 25). Adult symptoms will occur in fluctuating severities and types, causing "significant impairments in interpersonal relations, marriage, emotional well-being, employment and daily adaptive functioning" (Matlen, 2005, 30). Based on an article by Hartmann “there are three main characteristics of ADHD. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention” (2003, 30). In order to diagnose ADHD it is crucial that a child receive a complete exam for the simple fact that numerous normal children show signs of ADHD. Also normal children may have a completely different disorder causing them to show signs of ADHD.

According to Dr. Green "There are three subtypes of ADHD the predominately hyperactive-impulsive type, the predominately inattentive type, and the combined type. Hyperactive individuals who display this type of ADHD almost seem like a motor with an endless supply of gas is driving them. They just cannot slow down. Hyperactive children appear to have endless energy. They are jumpy, fidgety, squirmy, noisy, and unable to calm down. Hyperactive children are often the cause of many class disruptions and may create a problem at dinnertime. Adults with this aspect of ADHD may feel chronically restless and feel they must remain busy" (1994, 41).

People with impulsive ADHD tend to act on impulse, without thinking about the consequences or options thoroughly. It is almost like they make these decisions when they don't even have to. Children with this type of ADHD display their emotions with a blurt out inappropriate comments, lack of control, have extreme over-reactions to things happening around them, and unintentionally offend people without thinking (Faraone, 15). These children may also have a problem sharing or taking turns.

Individuals with the inattentive type of ADHD have a hard time keeping their focus and are easily distracted. If someone with inattentive ADHD is trying to learn something that he or she has little interest in, that person may have rough time learning. However, if the individual is doing something he or she likes or is passionate about that person would have no problem paying attention. Children with this type of ADHD have a difficult time with homework. They leave books at home, leave their books at school, or forget to write down assignment. Homework can be a very frustrating for ...