Most of us, who have ever been a student at primary school can recall sitting attentively in class meanwhile our peer, whom will be referred to for the purposes of this research as: 'Jimmy', the one who always seems to be running around, being disruptive in class, and cannot seem to just pay attention. However, Jimmy is beyond intelligent and bright, but as he gradually continues from grade to grade, Jimmy is often labeled as the 'troublemaker' by his peers and is of concern to his teachers. Why can't Jimmy behave? Is Jimmy 'abnormal'? Or is he simply an underestimated, clever child?
Jimmy, like most adults and children may sometimes have difficulty paying attention, sitting still for long periods of time, and acting impulsively from time to time. However, when these symptoms interfere with daily learning/living, they can be signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition, otherwise known as ADHD. A common condition, that is "defined by developmentally atypical, persistent and impairing restlessness, impulsiveness and inattentiveness starting from an early age" (Hyperactivity, 2012, p.1). Under the broader scope of ADHD, lies its subtypes: inattentiveness, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both that can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children. This is due to the fact that most children, specifically, those in the preschool years tend to share such behaviors and can be challenging for parents and doctors to determine whether they are just at the high spectrum of typical child behavior or actually meets ADHD standards. Although there is not a specific test to conclude a diagnosis; a diagnosis can be and is usually found when the child enters school age and displays present ADHD symptoms in school, home, and/or outside the home. According to medical professional, Russell Schachar (2012), ADHD is a common disorder that is estimated to affect 3-7% of school-aged children globally. …show more content…
It is estimated that one in every 20 children around the world are diagnosed with ADHD, meaning that 1-2 students, like 'Jimmy' may be present in a classroom. Such disorder is most commonly found in boys than girls, rationing at 7-9 boys for every girl. Commonly, children with ADHD have other types of developmental disorders such as "anxiety, mood disorders, learning/language disabilities, conduct disabilities, or sleep difficulties" (Chaban & Tannock, 2009, p.1). ADHD affects children's self-control of behavior, school achievement, and development of social skills and positive relationships, if improperly treated. Children with such disorder are also at a higher risk for depression and anxiety, difficult interpersonal relationships, substance abuses, delinquency, accidental injuries, or job failure, when older. Typically, ADHD continues to be prevalent in more than half of these children as they move on into adulthood.
There is few medical knowledge about ADHD, such as the causes, however there are many factors that pertain to ADHD, such as genetic and environmental factors. Although, its genetic influence nature is still currently unknown, one of the facts that holds to be true is that it is highly heritable. Studies have also shown that ADHD share genetic influences with other conditions such as dyslexia (inattentive symptoms), oppositional problems (hyper-active symptoms), and autism (ADHD). Environmental factors consist primarily before or during pregnancy such as smoking, drinking, or low birth weight that can increase risk. Although little is known of such disorder, treatment such as medication and behavioral treatment is available, first, a diagnosis must be made, which is done after direct observation of the child, according
Jimmy, like most adults and children may sometimes have difficulty paying attention, sitting still for long periods of time, and acting impulsively from time to time. However, when these symptoms interfere with daily learning/living, they can be signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition, otherwise known as ADHD. A common condition, that is "defined by developmentally atypical, persistent and impairing restlessness, impulsiveness and inattentiveness starting from an early age" (Hyperactivity, 2012, p.1). Under the broader scope of ADHD, lies its subtypes: inattentiveness, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both that can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children. This is due to the fact that most children, specifically, those in the preschool years tend to share such behaviors and can be challenging for parents and doctors to determine whether they are just at the high spectrum of typical child behavior or actually meets ADHD standards. Although there is not a specific test to conclude a diagnosis; a diagnosis can be and is usually found when the child enters school age and displays present ADHD symptoms in school, home, and/or outside the home. According to medical professional, Russell Schachar (2012), ADHD is a common disorder that is estimated to affect 3-7% of school-aged children globally. …show more content…
It is estimated that one in every 20 children around the world are diagnosed with ADHD, meaning that 1-2 students, like 'Jimmy' may be present in a classroom. Such disorder is most commonly found in boys than girls, rationing at 7-9 boys for every girl. Commonly, children with ADHD have other types of developmental disorders such as "anxiety, mood disorders, learning/language disabilities, conduct disabilities, or sleep difficulties" (Chaban & Tannock, 2009, p.1). ADHD affects children's self-control of behavior, school achievement, and development of social skills and positive relationships, if improperly treated. Children with such disorder are also at a higher risk for depression and anxiety, difficult interpersonal relationships, substance abuses, delinquency, accidental injuries, or job failure, when older. Typically, ADHD continues to be prevalent in more than half of these children as they move on into adulthood.
There is few medical knowledge about ADHD, such as the causes, however there are many factors that pertain to ADHD, such as genetic and environmental factors. Although, its genetic influence nature is still currently unknown, one of the facts that holds to be true is that it is highly heritable. Studies have also shown that ADHD share genetic influences with other conditions such as dyslexia (inattentive symptoms), oppositional problems (hyper-active symptoms), and autism (ADHD). Environmental factors consist primarily before or during pregnancy such as smoking, drinking, or low birth weight that can increase risk. Although little is known of such disorder, treatment such as medication and behavioral treatment is available, first, a diagnosis must be made, which is done after direct observation of the child, according