Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral health condition facing many families. One out of every 20 children is affected by it. Many children who have ADHD have above average intelligence levels. However symptoms of ADHD can make their schoolwork, family and friendships very difficult. Symptoms often appear by the age of 7 but can be difficult to recognize because there are three types of ADHD.
Children with=
Hyperactive ADHD, display noisy behavior
Inattentive ADHD, display quite behavior
and
Combination ADHD, display both noisy and quite behavior
All three types of ADHD can be managed if diagnosed and treated early.
Here are some facts about ADHD
- Untreated children who have ADHD often develop more serious adult problems such as depression, substance abuse and work and relationship conflicts.
- Up to five percent of school age children may have ADHD
- Childern who ahve ADHD can be sucessfully treated if they diagnosed early.
- Three times as many boys as girls are identified as having ADHD in their childhood years. However, girls are identified more in their late teens and young adult years.
- Punishment is not the answer for controlling ADHD behaviors.
- Children who have ADHD may have other problems, such as poor conduct, anxiety, deprssion and learning problems.
- ADHD can cause poor study habits, testing skills and school performance.
- Often, children who have ADHD may have above average intelligence, which make diagnosis of ADHD more difficult.
It's important to remember that a child with ADHD is no less intelligent than his peers. The disorder makes him disorganized but doesn't affect his ability to learn. Patience is important for the parents of a child with ADHD because his behavior can often be disruptive for the family. A regular daily schedule can help, as well as hugs and kind words for positive behavior.
