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What is ADHD, and Why do People Say It Doesn’t Exist?
ADHD continues to be a much misunderstood disorder that can add significant academic and behavioral challenges to children and adults. This article by the Child Mind Institute summarizes the dilemma that many parents face when faced with when exploring the possibility of ADHD in their child. The article presents some very informative and resourceful information for parents.
~CoachRudy
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What is ADHD, and Why Do People Say It Doesn’t Exist?
Written by Dr. Steven Kurtz
This story is part of Speak Up for Kids, an annual public education program held during National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 6-12, 2012).
ADHD is the most common of all childhood psychiatric disorders, but one that is widely misunderstood.
That’s because the three key features of ADHD—hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity—are behaviors all children exhibit to some degree.
Of course all children are rambunctious, distracted and impulsive at times, but kids with ADHD are much more so than their peers—on parent and teacher rating scales used to measure these behaviors, they average three times the typical frequency of these interfering behaviors. They also exhibit these behaviors both at home and at school, so it gets in the way of so many parts of their lives.
Perhaps most important, in children with ADHD these behaviors are so frequent and so intense that they are causing them serious distress. These children typically are unable to settle down and concentrate well enough to succeed in school. They are unable to follow rules, so they often can’t play well with other kids or participate in team sports. They find themselves in trouble a lot, taking dangerous risks, and in conflict with their families. These are kids who are not only “in motion” a lot of the time, they’re frustrated because they’re out of sync with those around them and can’t do what other kids can do.
Adding to the challenges in diagnosing and helping kids with ADHD is that it’s common to blame parents for the kids’ out-of-control behavior—and for giving them medication to control it.
Read article HERE
