Welcome to Friday Facts! on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on a various segment of special needs. We do this to provide information and awareness. Today we are discussing ADHD.
What do the following people have in common?
Howie Mandel
Steven Spielberg
Albert Einstein
Bill Gates
Michael Jordan
Dan Rathers
Jason Kidd
Charles Schwab
A.) They are all famous B.) They all have ADHD C.) All of the above
The answer is C - they are famous and they have ADHD.
This is a very small sample of the names that you would know who have ADHD and they were all children at some point!
Here is some information about childhood ADHD taken from FAMILYDOCTOR.ORG. Make sure to click this link to read more.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at work. They may be much more active and/or impulsive than what is usual for their age. These behaviors contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behavior. For this reason, children who have ADHD are sometimes seen as being "difficult" or as having behavior problems.ADHD is more common in boys than in girls. You may be more familiar with the term attention deficit disorder (ADD). This disorder was renamed in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:
Has difficulty following instructions
Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home
Loses things needed for activities at school and at home
Appears not to listen
Doesn't pay close attention to details
Seems disorganized
Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
Forgets things
Is easily distracted
The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms:
Fidgety
Runs or climbs inappropriately
Can't play quietly
Blurts out answers
Interrupts people
Can't stay in seat
Talks too much
Is always on the go
Has trouble waiting his or her turn
Children who have ADHD have symptoms for at least 6 months.
What should I do if I think my child has ADHD?
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms:
Has difficulty following instructions
Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home
Loses things needed for activities at school and at home
Appears not to listen
Doesn't pay close attention to details
Seems disorganized
Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead
Forgets things
Is easily distracted
The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms:
Fidgety
Runs or climbs inappropriately
Can't play quietly
Blurts out answers
Interrupts people
Can't stay in seat
Talks too much
Is always on the go
Has trouble waiting his or her turn
Children who have ADHD have symptoms for at least 6 months.
What should I do if I think my child has ADHD?
Talk with your child's doctor. A diagnosis of ADHD can be made only by getting information about your child's behavior from several people who know your child. Your doctor will ask you questions and may want to get information from your child's teachers or anyone else who is familiar with your child's behavior. Your doctor may have forms or checklists that you and your child's teacher can fill out. This will help you and your doctor compare your child's behavior with other children's behavior. Your doctor will probably want to test your child’s vision and hearing if these tests haven't been done recently.Your doctor may recommend trying medicine to see if it helps control your child's hyperactive behavior. A trial of medicine alone cannot be the basis for diagnosing ADHD. However, it can be an important part of evaluating your child if ADHD is suspected.It might be hard for your doctor to tell if your child has ADHD. Many children who have ADHD aren't hyperactive in the doctor's office. For this reason, your doctor may want your child to see someone who specializes in helping children who have behavior problems, such as a psychologist.
Information about Adult ADHD can be found at ADHD Support. Click the link for more information.
Do you often feel you're not reaching your potential? It's a common feeling among adults with ADHD. Although many adults with ADHD have above-average intelligence, they may feel they have underachieved in terms of academic and/or professional success. Many also report difficulties in their personal relationships.
ADHD: Not Just a Child's Disorder
Overall, there may be a general feeling of dissatisfaction among adults with ADHD—a nagging sense that they are not realizing their potential.
Of course, many adults go for years not knowing they have ADHD. They assume, as many people do, that ADHD is a "kid's" disorder. When they finally learn that they do have ADHD—now a medically recognized disorder in adults—they often experience an "a-ha!" moment, feeling relieved to understand the source of their life-long concerns. Sometimes it's not until a child is diagnosed with ADHD that the parent realizes personal symptoms of ADHD as well.
ADHD tends to run in families. So, when one family member is diagnosed, you may want to look for symptoms of ADHD in other family members.
Overall, there may be a general feeling of dissatisfaction among adults with ADHD—a nagging sense that they are not realizing their potential.
Of course, many adults go for years not knowing they have ADHD. They assume, as many people do, that ADHD is a "kid's" disorder. When they finally learn that they do have ADHD—now a medically recognized disorder in adults—they often experience an "a-ha!" moment, feeling relieved to understand the source of their life-long concerns. Sometimes it's not until a child is diagnosed with ADHD that the parent realizes personal symptoms of ADHD as well.
ADHD tends to run in families. So, when one family member is diagnosed, you may want to look for symptoms of ADHD in other family members.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you may find it helpful to ask yourself the questions below. These questions are related to the three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People who do not have ADHD may occasionally demonstrate inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. People with ADHD will demonstrate more of these behaviors, consistently, over time. Of course, only a qualified health care professional can make an accurate diagnosis of ADHD.
Inattention
Do you find that you frequently "wander off" mentally?
Are you frequently distracted by irrelevant sights or sounds?
Do you find yourself missing details or making careless mistakes?
Do you have difficulty following instructions?
Do you find yourself losing or forgetting things often?
Hyperactivity
Can you sit still, or are you always moving your hands or feet while in your chair?
Do you tap your pencil or your feet?
Do you regularly play with your hair or clothing?
Do you consciously resist fidgeting or squirming?
Impulsivity
Do you often take action before you consider the possible consequences?
In conversation, do you interrupt others? Do you blurt out inappropriate comments?
Do you experience difficulty waiting in line or for your turn?
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you may find it helpful to ask yourself the questions below. These questions are related to the three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People who do not have ADHD may occasionally demonstrate inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. People with ADHD will demonstrate more of these behaviors, consistently, over time. Of course, only a qualified health care professional can make an accurate diagnosis of ADHD.
Inattention
Do you find that you frequently "wander off" mentally?
Are you frequently distracted by irrelevant sights or sounds?
Do you find yourself missing details or making careless mistakes?
Do you have difficulty following instructions?
Do you find yourself losing or forgetting things often?
Hyperactivity
Can you sit still, or are you always moving your hands or feet while in your chair?
Do you tap your pencil or your feet?
Do you regularly play with your hair or clothing?
Do you consciously resist fidgeting or squirming?
Impulsivity
Do you often take action before you consider the possible consequences?
In conversation, do you interrupt others? Do you blurt out inappropriate comments?
Do you experience difficulty waiting in line or for your turn?
Use the ADHD checklist for adults as a starting point to see if you may be experiencing the signs and symptoms of ADHD.
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Want to discuss ADHD with others? Head to KnowledgeSafari.com
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1 comment:
Oh my gosh...I think my son and I have ADD!! I'm serious!!! I never looked this up...whoa. Off to get the checklists....
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