ADHD Children

ADHD attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder occurs in about 10% of children. It is also sometimes known as ADD (attention deficit disorder). ADHD children have trouble paying attention, staying focused and following instructions. They also sometimes have difficulty calming down or sitting still. These symptoms persist at home, at school, or in any setting.

The symptoms of ADHD in children fall into three basic categories: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. ADHD children generally have trouble staying focused on specific tasks. They usually become distracted easily. ADHD children may or may not be hyperactive or energetic. They commonly lack the ability to control impulses.

Often, the symptoms and behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD go unrecognized. ADHD children get classified as badly behaved. Parents and teachers assume that the child is obstinate or rude, because he or she does not follow instruction or disrupts class. In reality, the child with ADHD cannot control these impulses.

If you suspect that your child may suffer from ADHD, seek the opinion of a medical professional. There is no test for ADHD, but a doctor can determine whether your child exhibits enough symptoms to be classified as having the disorder.

Keep in mind that the best treatment for ADHD is not always medication. Some ADHD children do respond well to medications such as Ritalin and Adderol, but others find that the side-effects of medication are too burdensome, or that the drugs are simply ineffective.

There are many alternative approaches to treating ADHD children which dont involve medication. Diet and exercise can go a long way toward alleviating ADHD symptoms. Also, ADHD children need a lot of structure. Parents must remain clear, firm and consistent. You can help your child excel in school by providing your ADHD child with a quiet, isolated place for completing homework without distractions.

Not all children who exhibit the symptoms associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder actually have the disorder. Sometimes children act out at home or at school due to other distressing factors in the childs life, such as divorce or a recent death in the family. Children with learning disabilities sometimes act out, out of frustration or to hide their learning delays. Also, some children are simply animated and rambunctious.

The difference between occasionally distracted children and children suffering from ADHD, is that ADHD children struggle with focus and attentiveness in every setting. Try as they might, they cannot sustain concentration nor control their impulsive behavior. For these reasons, ADHD children usually fall behind in school and often get in trouble frequently.

If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, dont ignore the symptoms. ADHD is treatable and does not have to hold any child back from high achievement.