Learning Disabilities

ADHD

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 of the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-IV:

ADHD with the combined characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention,
ADHD with inattention as the primary characteristic, and
ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity as primary characteristics.

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 is often where females are placed, 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%.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms are divided into two groups: symptoms of inattention and symptoms of hyperactivity. These groups of symptoms are shown below:

Symptoms of Inattention
- often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
- often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the work place (this failure is not due deliberately refusing to do it or not understanding instructions)
- often has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
- often avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- is often forgetful in daily activities
Symptoms of Hyperactivity
- often fidgets with hands or squirms in seat
- often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
- often runs about or climbs excessively inappropriately
- often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
- often talks excessively
- often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
- often has difficulty awaiting turn
- often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)

Causes of ADHD

The exact causes of ADHD are unknown, but may include toxic exposure, complications at birth, too much sugar, brain damage, food allergies, etc. Such etiologies may account for some ADHD cases, but many examples of ADHD do not fall into any of these categories. Also, studies have shown that ADHD is genetically linked. This does not mean that if a parent has ADHD, the child will also have the disorder. It does mean that a child with ADHD probably has a close relative who has experienced this problem. How much of a genetic link there is unknown.