ADHD is a chronic disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. It affects approximately 3-5% of school-aged children. The causes are unknown but may include genetics, brain injury, environmental factors, and prenatal influences. The three main symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Treatment involves medication and behavior therapy to help manage symptoms. While medication is often used, it is not always the best option for every child with ADHD. Proper classroom environments and teaching strategies can also help students with ADHD succeed.

1. Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Elyssa (Dobrinsky) Rudin EDUC 803

2. What is ADHD?ADHD is a “syndrome characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in….attention span, impulse control, and hyperactivity.” (“Teaching Children with”, 1998).It is a chronic disorder that may begin during a child’s infant years and continue through adulthood.Approximately 3-5% of the current school-age population is affected by ADHD (“Teaching Children with”, et. al.).Among all childhood behavior disorders, ADHD is one of the most common ones found in children. (Brock, 2002)

3. Causes of ADHD The cause of ADHD is unknown, however scientists are looking into the following possible causes and risk factors for ADHD:Genetics

4. Brain injury

5. Environmental exposure (example: lead)

6. Alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy

7. Premature delivery

8. Low birth weight ("Facts About ADHD", 2010)

9. ADHD Signs & Symptoms The three most main symptoms of ADHD are:Inattention

10. Hyperactivity

11. Impulsivity Each of the above symptoms have different signs that can be seen in children with ADHD.(Smith, Jaffe-Gill, & Segal, 2010)

12. Signs of InattentionIndividual does not pay attention to detail or makes careless mistakesDistracted easily and has trouble focusingSeems not to listen when being spoken toHas trouble following directions and remembering thingsUnorganized and has trouble planning ahead and/or finishing products or activitiesOften loses or misplaces items (Smith, et.al.)

13. Signs of HyperactivityConstantly moving and fidgetingOften gets up from seat at times when sitting quietly is expectedAlways moving aroundTalks excessivelyHas trouble playing quietlyAlways has lots of energy (Smith, et.al.)

14. Signs of ImpulsivityScreams out answers without waiting to be called on or before hearing the entire questionHas trouble waiting for their turnFrequently interrupts and disrupts others“Intrudes” on other people’s conversations or activities (Smith, et.al.)

15. NOTE:Not all children have all three of the above mentioned symptoms, however that is what is most commonly found in children with ADHD. Some children with ADHD may be:Inattentive without being hyperactive or impulsive

16. Hyperactive and impulsive, but is able to pay attentionBeing inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive all at the same time is the most common form of ADHD but it is not the ONLY form. (Smith, et.al.)