Information About
Developmental Disabilities--

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that lasts at least six months, is present in more than one environment, and is developmentally inappropriate (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood when a concerned parent or teacher refers the child for evaluation after noticing that the child's inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity is having an adverse impact on academic performance, socialization, or compliance with limits set by adults. Children with ADHD may be primarily inattentive, primarily impulsive or hyperactive, or may show a combination of these features. Children with primarily hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD often display symptoms in the preschool years, while the primarily inattentive type ADHD may go unnoticed until the school age years or even later (Blum & Mercugliano, 1997). The American Psychiatric Association (1994) estimates that about 3% to 5% of school-age children have ADHD, with a male to female ratio of 4:1-9:1. Treatment of ADHD usually involves medication such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and ongoing behavioral management. Research suggests that many children with ADHD benefit considerably from a combination of these two approaches. For more information on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, try one of the resources listed below:

Specific Diagnoses Card Catalog: Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD: Diagnosis and Treatment

CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD) 499 NW 70th Ave, Suite 101 Plantation, Florida, USA 33317 (305) 587-3700 (800) 233-4050 Fax (305) 587-4599

(c) 1998 VCU Va-LEND

Back to Va-LEND ParentNet