The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or AD HD, is a condition that can make it hard for a person to sit still, control behavior, and pay attention.  These difficulties usually begin before the person is 7 years old.  However, these behaviors may not be noticed until the child is older.

While it is not known just what causes AD HD, researchers who study the brain believe they are coming closer to understanding.  They believe that some people with AD HD do not have enough of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in their brain.  These chemicals help the brain control behavior.

As many as 5 out of every 100 children have AD HD.  Boys are three times more likely than girls to have AD HD.

There are three main signs, or symptoms of AD HD.  They are: problems paying attention, being very active, called hyperactivity, and acting before thinking, called impulsivity. All children may have some of these behaviors, at an age-appropriate level, during a transitional phase, such as after the birth of a new baby in the family.  However, the AD HD child will show a pattern, over a period of years, of having a number of these characteristics at levels that are not situation or age-appropriate.

There is no quick treatment for AD HD.  However, the symptoms of AD HD can be managed.  It is important that the child's family and teachers do several things.  First find out more about AD HD. Then, learn how to help the child manage his or her behavior, and at the same time create an educational program that fits the child's individual needs. Finally, provide medication if parents and the doctor feel this would help the child.

For more information please contact Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, at 800-233-4050 or visit them online at www.chadd.org.

Phone code: 1710