This document discusses attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It defines ADHD as a psychiatric disorder characterized by inattention prior to age 7. Common symptoms include fidgeting and difficulty focusing. The document explains that ADHD is caused by low levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain. Treatment focuses on behavioral modifications with consistency from parents, teachers, and caregivers. The goal is for children to understand their condition and advocate for themselves.

1. Current Issues in Brain Development
ECE 275
Lynlee Lusk

2. (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
According to Monastra, ADHD is “a psychiatric
disorder that is characterized by symptoms of
inattention…. These symptoms occur prior to 7
years of age. The condition does not disappear
with age; it is likely to cause impairment
throughout a person’s life” (Monastra 18).

3.  Fidgeting/squirming  Inappropriate running /
 Lack of attention to details / climbing
Makes careless mistakes  Difficulty with quiet activities
 Poor listening skills  Often interrupts or intrudes
 Does not follow through on on others
tasks  Excessive talking
 Difficulty with organization  Blurting answers
 Loses things  Cannot wait his / her turn
 Easily distracted  Avoids tasks requiring
 Forgetful sustained mental effort
 Leaving seat
http://pediatrics.about.com/cs
/adhd/l/bl_adhd_quiz.htm

4.  ADHD is caused by changes in brain chemicals
called neurotransmitters.
 Neurotransmitters help send messages between
nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine is an example of
a neurotransmitter and low amounts of dopamine
will cause symptoms of ADHD to appear (Sweeney
88).

5.  The ADHD brain lacks the development of the
prefrontal cortex. Without this development
the brain must processes incoming information
in other areas.
 Genetic or environmental? 3%-10% of Americans
have ADHD. It is more common in boys than girls.
The multi-media world may explain the increased
number of children diagnosed with ADHD (Sweeney
88).

6.  Monastra explains the long-term outcome for
ADHD children when he says “ADHD (is)
indeed a health impairment that, when
untreated, increased a person’s risk for
failure at school, for involvement in
substance abuse and criminal activities, and
for the development of a variety of problems
at work and in social relationships” (21).
 A child’s frequent, uncontrolled behavior not
only affects the immediately family but has a
profound impact in the child’s classroom.

7.  The perspective of the child should not be
forgotten. “The overall goal of this…approach
is for patients…to develop a good
understanding of their personal profile and to
increasingly become self-advocates” (Felt,
Lumeng, Christner 640).
 The goal is based on behavioral
modifications; education, practice, time and
patience. This takes consistency on the part
of the parents, teachers and caregivers.

8.  MeMoves was initially created to use in the special
needs classroom.
 Can be used as a transition tool, to calm a
distressed child, and as a way to increase attention.
 Appropriate for preschool through 3rd grade and all
those with special needs.
 Cross crawl, Lazy 8s, The Double Doodle,
Brain/Earth Buttons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLHt1Xk0hKA&f
eature=related

9.  claritycgc.org
 kidshealth.org
 addinschool.com
 smhc.org/family
 thinkingmoves.com

10.  Felt, B., Lumeng, J., and Christner, J. 2009.
Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. American Family
Physician 79, no. 8, (April 15): 640, 642.
 Monastra, Vincent J. Parenting Children with ADHD:
10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach.
Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association, 2006. Print.
 Rabiner, D., D. Murray, A. Skinner, and P. Malone.
2010. A Randomized Trial of Two Promising
Computer-Based Interventions for Students with
Attention Difficulties. Journal of Abnormal Child
Psychology 38, no. 1. (January 1): 131-142.

11.  Dennison, Gail E. & Paul E. Brain Gym. Hearts at
Play, Inc. 2010. Print.
 Monastra, Vincent J. Parenting Children with ADHD:
10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach.
Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association, 2006. Print
 Sweeney, Michael S. BRAIN The Complete Mind.
National Geographic Society, 2009. Print.