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Resources by Disability
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Definition: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic mental condition that affects approximately 2 million children in the United States.
Symptoms: The key symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD are often forgetful, easily distracted, and have difficulty completing assigned tasks. These symptoms typically emerge in early childhood, and can persist into adulthood if left untreated. About 20-30% of all children with ADHD also have a specific learning disability.
Cause: ADHD is a hereditary condition that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is more common in boys than girls.
Diagnosis: To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must complete a clinical diagnostic evaluation. Because certain signs of ADHD are common childhood traits, to be diagnosed with the condition, these symptoms must be long term, severe enough to impair development, and occur in more than one environment (such as school and home).
Treatment: There are stimulant medications and psychological and educational treatments that can manage the symptoms of ADHD. Behavioral therapy can also help patients cope with the condition. If left untreated, people with ADHD can develop secondary problems such as depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Myth: People often think that children with ADHD lack discipline and simply make excuses for not learning. In truth, ADHD is a biological condition that makes learning very difficult. These children rely on medications and other accommodations to cope with these challenges.
Notable People:
- Bill Cosby , an American actor and comedian.
- Leonardo da Vinci , an Italian Renaissance painter and inventor.
Support Groups:
CHADD of Pennsylvania
207 West Ferry Road
Yardley PA 19067
Tel: (215) 736-1541
Website: http://www.chadd.net/template.cfm?affid=600&p=about
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
P.O. Box 543
Pottstown PA 19464
Tel: (484) 945-2101
Email: mail@add.org
Website: http://www.add.org
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Center for Management of ADHD
Website: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/service.jsp?id=27705
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