ADHD Statistics
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a mental condition found in some children all over the world. A child with ADHD can be hyperactive, totally inattentive and impulsive at times. However, to label every child who demonstrates the above traits as with ADHD is highly inaccurate.Children being children will be hyperactive, impulsive at times in some situations. A child may also seem to be inattentive, it could be because, and he doesn't want to pay attention. A look at the ADHD statistical data will convey an alarming trend; however, assumption is also a large contributor to this figure. To be fair, let us not put a child in ADHD care just out of a need to control the child.
A look at ADHD statistics:
According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.6 million elementary school-aged children have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Estimates reveal that about 6% of school going kids has ADHD problems. This figure is only partially representative as less than 50% of cases might be reported, less than that, diagnosed.
As such the number of kids who get treated for ADHD, despite having the problem, is far far less.. ADHD affects boys more than girls, about 2 to3 times more, as data would have us believe, however, boys, by nature, are disruptive, and a rationalization may be necessary. It would be prudent to consider the gravity of the problems rather over react to mere data.
Diagnosis & treatment:
Left untreated, ADHD can adversely affect the wellbeing and development of a child and his/her family. Childhood, being the platform on which rest of the life is built, a child with untreated ADHD could have behavioral problems carried into adulthood. Such a child could also be emotionally weak, besides being a laggard in studies.
ADHD is diagnosed during primary school years.Symptons may be seen by the age of six .It is not easy to diagnose this condition as the symptoms might overlap the natural behaviour of a child.However, as mentioned above, the most telltale leads are Hyperactivity,consistent impulsive actions, and disruptive and un attentiveness.
While the causes of ADHD are still being understood, a genetic element may also be involved. There are different therapies, rather than treatments for ADHD. It must be mentioned here that an ADHD child is not completely abnormal all the time, does behave as a normal play child but can have bouts of such extreme behaviour.
Treatment of ADHD is in accordance with the type of behaviour predominantly displayed.Treatment includes psychosocial and educational programmes as well as medication, in some cases. It would be very useful to seek help of teachers to understand the child's condition better and arrive at better diagnosis.
More than the treatment, a child with ADHD needs support, understanding and love and thanks to the various awareness programmes for parents and teachers, the ADHD child can also look forward to being a national asset.
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