- Kids with ADHD are very hyper and have difficulty focusing and paying attention. They are also usually very impulsive. Additional characteristics seen in ADHD children include: very talkative; can't sit still; wiggle, squirm, and/or fidget; difficulty paying attention; easily distracted; interrupt others; and do not finish things.
- There are three primary types of this disorder. (1) Combined Type (Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive): Children with this type of ADHD show symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This is the most common form of ADHD. (2) Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: These children show symptoms of both hyperactivity and impulsiveness but can pay attention. (3) Inattentive Type: This type of ADHD used to be known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). These children do not show signs of hyperactivity or impulsiveness. They show symptoms of not being able to focus or pay attention. These symptoms can go unnoticed due to the fact that they do not cause a disturbance.
- Only doctors can diagnosis ADHD. The doctor will use universal guidelines and often use surveys to get an idea of what is going on to aid in the diagnosis. The guidelines and surveys are for children ages 6 to 12. Diagnosing children younger than five years of age is very difficult because many younger children show some of the symptoms due to immaturity.
- Once diagnosed, ADHD can be treated. Education for both the child and the family is essential. This could range from special education, to counseling, and more. Often medicine will be be prescribed to the child. It is important for the child to learn to recognize his symptoms and then learn to control them.
- Significant statistics related to ADHD include: 3 percent to 7 percent of school age children suffer from ADHD; from 1997 to 2006, ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3 percent per year; and 4.5 million children ages 5 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2006.
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