This information is based on information from the NIMH and SAMHSA

Facts:

• ADHD affects about 3 to 5 percent of children in the United States; that means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, at least one child may be affected by this condition
• Between 20 to 30 percent of children with ADHD also have a Learning Disability
• Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD
• Up to one third of those with ADHD (mostly boys) also have Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• About 20 to 40 percent of those children with ADHD can develop a conduct disorder as they grow into adolescence
• Some children with ADHD also have an anxiety or depressive disorder
• Although no statistics are known, children with ADHD can also have bipolar disorder

Many parents consider their child my have ADHD when there is a period of disruptive and impulsive behavior. In addition, parents typically begin to consider this diagnosis when teachers tell them their child is chronically disruptive in class and/or having trouble paying attention.

The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, often with the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding those of inattention, which may not emerge for a year or more. Different symptoms may appear in different settings, depending on the demands the situation may pose for the child's self-control. A child who "can't sit still" or is otherwise disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer may be overlooked. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just a "discipline problem," while the child who is passive or sluggish may be viewed as merely unmotivated. Yet both may have different types of ADHD.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Trouble completing schoolwork
• Trouble following directions and waiting their turn
• The child is restless and fidgety
• They find most things boring and uninteresting and may say "I'm bored" frequently. Even when playing they go from toy to toy quickly, seemingly easily bored with each one.
• They are frequently and easily distracted.
• The child does not appear to learn from or respond to discipline techniques. For instance, parents often yell at them or restrict them from some activity, but it doesn't seem to change or improve their behavior.
• The child may at times misbehave just because they are bored.
• They may be called the class clown
• They have the best intentions but cannot follow through on tasks.

Here are a few of the common questions and comments made by parents who come in for an ADHD evaluation for their child

• Nothing works with my kid
• Our child does not respond to time outs.
• What my kid needs is more spanking
• My kid doesn't have the ability to behave (because of learning challenges, behavior disorder, emotional trauma) so how can I punish him/her?
• I spend more time arguing with my kid than nurturing and playing with him/her.
• I don't know how I should be handling certain situations?
• What can I really expect of my child it terms of behavior given his/her age?
• Are my expectations too high or too low?
• My kid can spend hours watching television, so why can't he/she concentrate at school and do chores at home

For more information on ADHD visit:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/adhdmenu.cfm

Additional important information:

Because the symptoms vary so much across settings, ADHD is not easy to diagnose. In addition many people disagree about how "real" ADHD may be. Thus, it is important to understand that ADHD is a real disorder which truly hinders children's school performance and social relationships. At the same time it is important to understand that the symptoms of ADHD can be caused or overlap with many other conditions or issues including depression, anxiety, learning problems, hearing and/or vision difficulties, developmental delays, neurological conditions, Bipolar Disorder, and behavior disorders. For these reasons, it is important to have a comprehensive evaluation done on your child to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Most families talk with their pediatricians when they are concerned about ADHD. Some pediatricians may do the assessment themselves, but often they refer the family to an appropriate mental health specialist they know and trust. At FPP, we recommend that you at least consult with a mental health professional in addition to your pediatrician to help make an accurate diagnosis.