All children have periods when their behavior wanders out of control. They zoom around in constant motion, chatter nonstop, refuse to wait their turn, and are downright destructive. On other occasions, they drift around as if in a constant daydream, not able to hold their attention, and unable to complete the task that they start.
For certain children, these behaviors are more of their normal routine than an occasional disturbance in normal behavior pattern. Children and adolescents with ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have behavior disturbances so severe and so frequent that they handicap their ability to perform normal activities of daily living.
These children more often than not have trouble interacting with siblings and other children at school and in public settings. The children that have difficulties paying attention usually have trouble learning and maintaining passing grades. If the child has an impulsive nature this may put them in physical danger. This is because children with ADHD struggle with controlling impulsive behavior. These children have often been called “bad kids” or “space cadets”. It is a sad situation but these children are also victims of bullying. If ADHD is not treated properly some children will progress to the point of causing serious problems and suffering lifelong problems. These could include poor academic success, brushes with law enforcement, unsuccessful relationships, and employment fails. There are many effective treatments for ADHD in children available. Pediatricians have treatment plans available that are long-term to help children cope with ADHD. With these proper plans and treatments in place a child can lead a happy healthy life. Parents play very important roles in these plans and treatments. Understanding child with ADHD is a very important goal for parents and children. If parents do not actively take part in the treatments and plans for their children then success might not be attainable.
ADHA affects the portion of the brain that controls behavior. When a child has ADHD it makes it hard for the child to control his or her behavior. This condition is one of the most common chronic illnesses that affect children. Studies show that it can affect anywhere from four to twelve percent of children in school. Boys are diagnosed with ADHD three times more than girls. ADHD affects behavior differently in each child but does have a few specific ways.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three ways in which behavior is affected by ADHD. Inattention is where the child often daydreams, has a hard time paying attention, isn’t focused, is distracted, doesn’t listen or makes careless mistakes. Hyperactivity is where the child constantly fidgets or squirms, is always on the go, never sits still. The hyperactivity portion often keeps these children thinner than average. Impulsivity often causes dangers for children with ADHD. These children seem out of control they run in the street without looking, acts or speaks without thought, will call out answers without question completion, will not wait their turn, and have trouble waiting for things. Not all children will have all three of these symptoms. Some children might only have one or two symptoms.