There was a time when ADHD was believed by many to not be a true disorder. That was until medical, psychological, and educational organization in the United States all concluded that ADHD is in fact a real, brain based medical disorder and that people with ADHD of all ages and backgrounds benefit from appropriate treatment. (http://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/) Unfortunately, old patterns of thinking are often hard to change. Therefor as an educator, I feel it’s my duty to do my part to educate as many others as I can about this disorder.
*Help Dispel the ADHD Myths by sharing: 31 Myths in 31 Days—Debunked!
So What Exactly is ADHD?
Simply put, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that is characterized by difficulties with inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in one’s daily functioning in at least two settings: at home, in school, in the community or in the workplace. ADHD usually persists through a person’s lifetime, and it is NOT limited only to childhood.
Prevalence of ADHD
ADHD is said to affect 7% of the U.S. population. That is about 8 or 9 million adults.
Causes of ADHD
ADHD is very likely caused by biological factors which influence neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain, and which have a strong genetic basis.
The Lowdown on ADHD
Attention and ADHD
It is a common belief that people with ADHD have trouble paying attention. FALSE! People with ADHD do not have trouble paying attention, but they do have trouble paying attention to the “right” things. Those with ADHD struggle paying attention to those things that they find “uninteresting.” On the flip side, there is a tendency for adults and children with ADHD to focus very intently on things that do interest them; in fact the ADHD mind cannot ignore things it finds interesting! This leads to what is called “hyperfocus,” a focus so strong that one becomes oblivious to the world around them. (Resource : Strategies to Make Hyper Focus Work For You)
High Energy Individuals Have ADHD
While some do fall under the impulsive and hyperactive category, many people with ADHD are also quiet, reserved, or slow-paced people. This is because ADHD affects different people in different ways, and also because it often is found in people who have accompanying disorders (co-morbidity).
Many People with ADHD Struggle with Short Term Memory
What did he just ask me to do? What time did I just tell her to meet me? People with ADHD have trouble remembering things in the short-term, so it’s important that they utilize resources like planners, calendars, and other reminder systems to keep them on track. (Resource: Treat ADHD Symptoms Through Brain Training)
People with ADHD Experience Sleep Problems
As many as 50% of children with ADHD experience sleep problems. Check out this article for tips on how to battle this problem: ADHD Sleep Advice
Valuable Resources – Help Spread the Word!
ADDitude Magazine – Such a great resource, full or information, advice, and research!
The Positives of ADHD – Love this list of 151 Positive Characteristics of People with Attention Deficit
7 Facts You Need to Know About ADHD
CHADD – a national non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD.
ADDVANCE – a site dedicated to site to providing answers to questions about ADD (ADHD) for families and individuals at every stage of life from preschool through retirement years.
Peace, Love, Learn 