U.S. Center for Disease Control (2011) reports that 11% of children between 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Yet this is only 11%, number wise this is a ton of people, around 6.4 million to be exact. ADHD is more common than any other child behavioral disorder. Also, more boys than girls are identified as having ADHD.
What are some symptoms of ADHD?
- There is a limited sustained attention or persistence of attention to tasks.
- There is low performance on repetitive or tedious tasks.
- The student has a lot of inattention when it comes to daily tasks and school work.
- Children with ADHD are very impulsive and like to call out in class when it is unnecessary.
- Hyperactivity is common.
Are there ways to treat ADHD?
Yes there are ways to help treat ADHD....
- Parents and teacher work together to create small goals at home and in the classroom.
- As a teacher, students with ADHD can benefit from brain breaks and short assignments.
- Teachers should also incorporate meditation within the classroom.
- Medication also can help but parents and teachers need to watch closely to see if it's helping.
For most children, the exact cause of ADHD is unknown.
The combination of genes and environmental influences offer the best explanation for why children have ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD is a very complex process.
Psychostimulants like Ritalin and Adderall help reduce impulsivity in students.
A section 504 plan can help students along in school by creating goals and helping them through ADHD.