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[ Courtesy ADHD.com ]
Q. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
A. ADHD is generally considered to be a neurobiological disorder. Researchers believe that the symptoms of ADHD are caused by chemicals in the brain not working properly. It is characterized by the inability to sustain focused attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
There are 3 types, based on the latest diagnostic criteria, the DSM-IV.
The first and third types are most often and easily identified because these children tend to have symptoms that are highly noticeable. These are the ADHD children who are loud, always on the go, take risks, engage in dangerous behavior, and talk back to adults. The second group, which are often where our female ADHDers are found, are the quiet daydreamers. They lose personal belongings, can't work alone, don't finish tasks, and are often lost in their own thoughts.
Researchers estimate that ADHD occurs in as few as 1% and as many as 20% of children under 18 years of age. The most accepted estimate is 3-5%. That translates into one to three children in any classroom of thirty students.
Athough ADHD is considered a disorder, it is not all bad. Many people with ADHD attibute their creativity, energy, and exciting unpredictability directly to the ADHD.
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