ADHD

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ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER Do you have difficulties with paying attention, focusing, organization, and/or sitting still? Do you find your body is in constant motion? You might have ADHD if you answered yes to any of the above questions. ADHD is a “neurobehavioral disorder [or] a disorder of the nervous system that can be seen in a person’s behavior” (Farrar: 4) that affects children as well as some adults. This disorder can also be defined as a condition that “ interferers with a person’s ability to control” (Nakaya: 8) attention. Furthermore, it hinders “motor activity” (Gascon-Garcia:1) and a person’s “ability to control impulsiveness” (Gascon-Garcia:1). This disorder is characterized by a short attention span, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The problems of ADHD result from an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. Not every child whose parents perceive him or her as active or even “hyper” has ADHD. ADHD has to be diagnosed by a medical professional. In order for this disorder to be identified, problems associated with ADHD needs to be present for at least six months, start before the age of seven, and interfere with performance in different settings such as home and school. It may impair academic activities in children that are school age. In order for children to be successful in school, it is imperative to identify them as well as put into place interventions to support them as they navigate through school. This will allow them to be successful later on in life. TPYES There are three subtypes of ADHD each with different symptoms. One subtype is hyperactive- impulsive. Those with this subtype fidget and talk a lot, move excessively or feel restless, interrupt others... ... middle of paper ... ...iption of having ADHD. Although, a person does not need to be hyperactive to be diagnosed with ADHD; however, some people continue to use the term ADD to refer to people that do not show hyperactivity. The behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of person’s life, such as, school, home, work, or other social settings, “beginning before the age of 7 and lasting at least 6 months” (“ADHD”). If diagnosed early, parents and educators can prevent a number of physical and emotional problems for children as they grow up. For children early intervention is the key. Evaluations usually include: “a thorough medial and family history, a physical examination” (“ADHD”), an interview with the child’s parents, teacher(s), and sometimes the child him/her self, along with a “psychological tests that measure IQ and social and emotional adjustments” (“ADHD”).

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