Childhood ADHD
By Sophie Umansky
Digital Literacy, Period 2, January 6, 2016
Introduction to ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a mental disorder that deprives children of the ability to stay focused and pay attention. This disorder can last the rest of peoples lives, but with the right medication and treatment, people live very happy and healthy lives. So I asked myself, "How can I create a presentation to raise awareness about childhood ADHD?" I chose the topic on childhood ADHD because I'm interested in the topic, and I want to learn more about it. In addition, I want to help the children suffering from this disorder.
A Little More About My Topic...
In addition to having trouble paying attention, children with ADHD also can act very impulsively and hyperactively. All children are different - some might be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive, or a combination. Some symptoms of childhood ADHD are: difficulty following instruction, daydreaming, excessive talking, and being very fidgety and squirmy. Children sometimes will not reach their full potential, due to many setbacks and children can often have low self-esteem, trouble interacting with others, academic failure, and in some cases, even depression. Although a cure hasn't been found yet, multiple treatments exist such as stimulant medication, behavioral, occupational, or family therapy, or a combination of both. Although causes are unknown, risk factors include prenatal exposure to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Also, ADHD is hereditary, meaning that if someone in the child's family had ADHD, there is a possibility that the child might also have ADHD.
ADHD continued...
Many people believe that that children with ADHD could behave better if they wanted too, but that's not true. Children try to stay on their best behavior, but it is very challenging for them due to ADHD. Since there is no official diagnosis for ADHD, it may be mistaken for learning disabilities, or other conditions such as Tourette syndrome, Bipolar disorder, or Anxiety disorder. Also, ADHD occurs three times more often in boys than in girls. "As I like to describe it, having ADHD is like having a powerful race car for a brain, but with bicycle brakes. Treating ADHD is like strengthening your brakes- so you start to win races in your life." said Dr. Hallowell, a psychiatrist, who helps children overcome ADHD. I believe that although these children have many challenges to overcome, with the right treatment and support they will become no different than any other children.
Sleepless
Childhood ADHD can cause children to have trouble falling asleep.
Homework
Due to inattentiveness, children with ADHD have trouble focusing on the task at hand, such as homework.
Daydream
Children with ADHD, get distracted very easily, and sometimes daydream for periods of time during their day.