Sources: CDC, NIMH,
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and it can be a scary thing for most children that have it and don't know what it is. It goes from listening in class to wondering what is your favorite ice cream flavor. ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder that preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) can have and can last until adulthood. However, how do you know if you have it? Two major symptoms of ADHD are not being able to focus and having a hard time behaving. Now, these behaviors for children are very common but what makes this behavior so unique to ADHD is if that behavior continues into adulthood. And this continued behavior can eventually cause difficulty at home, at school, and with friends. Some other symptoms of ADHD include daydreaming a lot, forgetting/losing things, fidgeting, talking too much, and making careless mistakes.
However, ADHD doesn’t present itself in one way, it presents itself in three ways. These different types are dependent on what symptoms are strongest in the individual. The first one is the predominantly inattentive presentation. This one has difficulty staying organized, finishing tasks, paying attention to details, or following instructions. The second one is predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation and this one has difficulty sitting still for a long time and not talking a lot. And, finally, the last one is a combined presentation where the two types are combined in a person.
Some people wonder what are the causes of this disorder, but scientists have found that it is mostly due to genetics. Although, some causes might include brain injury, exposure to environmental risks during pregnancy or at a young age, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery, and low birth weight. To find out whether or not you have ADHD includes a medical exam that has hearing and vision tests to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD usually consists of a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and seeing the history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, themselves. Now, to best treat ADHD is a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For children with ADHD, the best method to try first is behavior therapy before trying medication. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.
However, one of the best ways to treat ADHD is for that child to live a healthier lifestyle. This can include developing healthy eating habits, participating in daily physical activity, and getting a good amount of sleep. I know this can be scary, especially if you are a child reading this. But one thing that you have to know is that you’re not alone. As I said in the beginning, this is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
This means that despite feeling like you’re the only one going through this, that is far from the truth. You are not alone and a lot of people will support you as you continue living life. They will be rooting for you the whole way and you shouldn’t feel any less than the best. After reading this if you feel like you have ADHD make sure to tell your trusted guardian and tell your doctor. And, remember that you’re perfect the way you are.
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