For this assignment, I have chosen to focus on children who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). As a matter of fact, the families of these children are also impacted when a child is diagnosed with ADHD. Although, both boys and girls can be diagnosed with ADHD the diagnosis is more prevalent in boys (Laver el al. 2011). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health disorders (DSM-5) surveys suggest that ADHD occurs in most cultures and in about 5% of children (p.51). This can help parents and children understand that ADHD can impact anyone and what they need to support each other.
Reasoning
The main reason I have chosen this population and social issue it is because I currently work at the meso level working with families. I have seen that more and more children have …show more content…
ADHD can be traced back to over 200 years. One of the earliest publications was in a medical text in the 18th century by Melchor Adam Weikard. In his publication, he had a chapter that discussed ADHD followed by recommendations for treatment (McGough, 2014). Moreover, ADHD was referred as brain damage until the first copy of the DSM was released and the name ADHD was given. Antshel & Barkely (2011) describe the major historical changes that ADHD has faced. One the major changes occurred in 1955 when the FDA approved the use of medication for hyperactivity. In 1975, a public law 94-142 was passed that hindered the services that children with ADHD could receive. In 1987 there was an organization called “ Children and Adults with Attention Defecit/ Hyperactivity disorder (CHADD) which advocated for children and families services. Additionally, in 1990-1991 children with ADHD were granted eligibility for special education. Although, it was not until more recent years that significant research demonstrated that children needed special attention to be placed on the condition to support