ADHD:

Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder

Prevalence

Overview

ADHD is one of the most common disorders among children, and rates of diagnosis have
continued to increase in recent years. The most recent data from the CDC states that as of
2011, about 11% of children (ages 4-17) were diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD Diagnoses
among boys occur at four times the rate of ADHD diagnoses among girls.

Origins of the Disability

There is no definitive explanation as to why ADHD occurs. However, we do know that
both inherited and non-inherited factors contribute. There is evidence of a genetic
component, as ADHD tends to run in families. Various environmental risks related to
ADHD include pre- and perinatal factors, environmental toxins, dietary factors, and
psychological adversity.

Background Information

ADHD is very difficult to diagnose. For children with predominantly HyperactiveImpulsive ADHD, their disruptive, agitated behavior may be misdiagnosed as an
emotional-behavioral disorder. On the other hand, those with predominantly
Inattentive ADHD are often quiet, yet their minds wander off. In these children, the
disorder may go completely unnoticed. Also, it is common for ADHD to occur
alongside other disorders (a phenomenon referred to as comorbidity), which may
complicate the process of diagnosis.

Signs/Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD has three subtypes, each with different signs/symptoms. To
be categorized in either the predominantly Inattentive or
predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive subtype, a child must exhibit
6 or more behaviors in the corresponding cluster. To be categorized
as the combined subtype, a child must exhibit 6 or more behaviors
in both clusters.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
Hyperactivity
Fidgets
Moves around at
inappropriate times
Restless
Constantly active
Extremely talkative
Difficulty being quiet
during play activities

Not detail-oriented
Trouble staying on-task
Problems with listening
Difficulty following
directions
task-avoidant behavior

Use daily schedules and academic

planners to help your child with
keeping track of daytime
chores/activities and homework
Keep your home well-organized by
having designated spots for your
childs possessions
Make sure rules at home are wellunderstood and enforced with
consistency
Establish a system to reward good
behavior and be sure to praise your
child when applicable

Resources
For further information, visit these
websites:

Predominantly Inattentive Subtype

Helpful Tips for children with ADHD

Often misplaces items

Easily distracted
Forgetful
Poor organization
Task-avoidant behavior

Children and Adults with

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive
Disorder (CHADD)
ADHD & You
KidsHealth

Presenters: Stephanie Bove, Nicole Rechtzigel, Erik Rodriguez, and Cody Smieja

References
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2015, from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorderadhd/index.shtml
Data & Statistics. (2015). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November
22, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
Parigger, E.M. (2012). Language and executive functioning in children with ADHD (Masters
Thesis). Retrieved from http://dare.uva.nl/record/1/378400.
Thapar, A., Cooper, M., Eyre, O. & Langley, K. (2013).Practitioner Review: What have we learnt
about the causes of ADHD? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(1),3
16.doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02611.x