Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay, Research Paper

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated three to seven percent of all elementary school children. This disorder is known to be more prevalent among boys than girls by a three to one ratio. (Psych pg 611-612)

There are three very common yet distinct ways of telling if a child is suffering from ADHD: if they are impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive. The children are usually very easily distracted, move from one task to another very quickly, can?t stay seated, can?t listen to one person for very long, can?t follow simple instructions, wriggle around a lot, blurt out answers in class, lose things, and climb on furniture.(Psych pg 611-612) These are just a few examples of the way these children act out. Many of these children suffer from learning disabilities and do poorly in school. They struggle the most with reading, complex problem solving, and tasks that require fine motor coordination. (Psych pg 611-612)

Joe* is a sophomore at Sacred Heart University who suffers from ADHD. Joe was eight years old when he found out he had ADHD. He had a hard time focusing in school. He was always hyper and ran around a lot. His doctors put Joe on Dexedrine, which is a form of Ritalin known as a ?slow release?. He takes two pills in the morning, and they split mid day as needed. Joe?s doctors have learned that he learns better in groups and with visual aids. With the help of Dexedrine, Joe now does better in school and stays focused for longer amounts of time.

Many children suffer from ADHD, but with the help of doctors, and medicine they can interact normally with children that do not have the disorder.