What is Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder or ADHD?
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is “a condition of the brain that makes it hard for children to control their behavior”. (1) All kids have problems with their behavior from time to time, but kids with ADHD have behavior problems that interfere with regular life and are continual. ADHD used to be called Attention-Deficit Disorder or ADD. ADHD usually lasts your whole life. A lot of adults have ADHD. Kids with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or AD/HD) can have different kinds of symptoms: • Inattention: These kids have trouble with paying attention, are disorganized or daydream too much. • Hyperactivity: These kids are always moving, can’t sit down or talk too much. • Impulsivity: These kids act and talk without thinking, interrupt a lot or show poor judgment. • Combination: The above symptoms can occur in different combinations. For more on ADHD and Your School-Aged Child, read what the American Academy of Pediatrics has to say in this one-page parent hand-out. I
