ADHD Awareness Month is celebrated every October with events and activities happening all across the country and now, around the world. ADHD, as a disorder, only came to be recognized in the second half of the twentieth century. As ADHD Awareness Month kicks off, we thought it it would be appropriate to share a brief history of ADHD.
Over the past several decades, educators, policymakers and scientists have referred to ADHD, as a national crisis and have spent billions of dollars looking into its cause. They’ve looked at genetics, brain development, exposure to toxic substances like lead, the push for early academics, and many other factors. But new studies have a number of researchers asking whether the behavior and attention issues ascribed to ADHD are due to the fact that many kids today simply don’t get the sleep they need.
As researchers discover more about ADHD, we are beginning to see that the disorder presents differently in boys and girls, and later, in adult men and women. Understanding these gender differences could help the medical community make earlier diagnoses of ADHD for girls and perhaps help forestall issues related to untreated ADHD later in life.
There has been plenty written about the “disorder” aspects of ADHD – problems with attention, focus, impulsivity and executive function skills in general. But research studies seem to confirm that there is another side to the condition. It can bring with it, under the right circumstances, an ability to perform at extraordinary levels.
Research indicates that college students with ADHD have a greater chance of failing and having to retake classes, getting lower grade point averages, and leaving college without graduating than students without ADHD. Despite the challenges, there are strategies that can help make the transition to college from high school easier and more successful.
When you have adult ADHD, staying organized can be a continuing struggle. Despite your best efforts, yet you never seem to get any more organized. There are piles of papers and clutter all around. You still lose your keys on a regular basis and spend time every day looking for your cell phone. Here are some strategies that can help you keep the clutter at bay.
During the 1970s, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships. Today, most people recognize him as one of the hosts of the Fox network’s NFL Sunday program. What most people don’t realize is that Terry Bradshaw has struggled throughout his life and professional career with ADHD.
While there is no evidence to support the idea that video games cause ADHD, there are concerns that extensive video game play can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Once you understand the special attraction of video games for kids with ADHD, there are steps you can take to prevent this entertaining distraction from becoming a potentially harmful addiction for your child.
As the summer begins to wind down, parents start thinking about getting their kids ready to go back to school. For those parents with kids who have ADHD that can mean more extensive preparation. While kids with ADHD can have a difficult time adjusting to classrooms and homework again, there are steps you can take steps to help make the transition easier.
A gap year is an experiential year typically taken between high school and college in order to deepen practical, professional, and personal awareness. A gap year can be especially important and beneficial for students with ADHD. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about a gap year for your ADHD teen.
