Understanding ADHD A detailed examination of the neurobiology and the societal implications of HEY LOOK! A SQUIREL!

Information provided by Kidshealth.org

A Real Life Example Lisa's son Jack had always been a handful. Even as a preschooler, he would tear through the house like a tornado, shouting, roughhousing, and climbing the furniture. No toy or activity ever held his interest for more than a few minutes and he would often dart off without warning, seemingly unaware of the dangers of a busy street or a crowded mall. It was exhausting to parent Jack, but Lisa hadn't been too concerned back then. Boys will be boys, she figured. But at age 8, he was no easier to handle. It was a struggle to get Jack to settle down long enough to complete even the simplest tasks, from chores to homework. When his teacher's comments about his inattention and disruptive behavior in class became too frequent to ignore, Lisa took Jack to the doctor, who recommended an evaluation for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

You totally just clicked through that last slide, didn’t you?

Be honest…

Kinda just skimmed it, right?

That can be part of ADHD.

What is ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

What is ADHD? ADHD is a common disorder that affects an estimated 10% of children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though no one knows why.

What are the signs? Many students with ADHD…

What are the signs? Many students with ADHD… Have trouble concentrating and paying attention.

What are the signs? Many students with ADHD… Have trouble concentrating and paying attention. Have trouble sitting still in class and waiting for their turn.

What are the signs? Many students with ADHD… Yell out comments before other kids have a chance to raise their hands.

What are the signs? Many students with ADHD… Yell out comments before other kids have a chance to raise their hands. Sometimes they can be disorganized, distracted, or forgetful.

What are the signs? Many students with ADHD… Yell out comments before other kids have a chance to raise their hands. Sometimes they can be disorganized, distracted, or forgetful. They may wiggle around in their seats, move around a lot, talk too much, or interrupt other people's conversations.

Symptoms and Signs Before you move on… Complete the Symptoms and Signs Checklist on the 1 st page of your Study Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve had people tell me I’m really just lazy. Is that true?

No. The science of ADHD is quite clear.

Doctors know that ADHD is caused by changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (pronounced: nur-oh- trans-mih-terz).

These chemicals help send messages throughout your brain.

Someone with ADHD might have low amounts of the neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain’s attention centers.

Huh?

You’re not lazy! Your brain’s just wired differently!

You can be as successful as anyone. You might just need to change things up at school more.

FAQs Q: Can’t I just like take some pills and fix this?

FAQs Q: Can’t I just like take some pills and fix this? A: Medication can help, but it is no cure. You will still have to learn strong study habits.

FAQs Q: Can’t I just like take some pills and fix this? A: Certain medicines can help people with ADHD by improving their focus and attention and reducing the impulsiveness and hyperactivity associated with ADHD.

FAQs Q: Can’t I just like take some pills and fix this? A: Going on medication is a decision between you, your parents, and your doctor.

FAQs Q: Can’t I just like take some pills and fix this? A: Going on medication is a decision between you, your parents, and your doctor.

FAQs Q: I know lots of people with ADHD. Why don’t they have IEPs?

FAQs Q: I know lots of people with ADHD. Why don’t they have IEPs? A: For IEPs, ADHD is placed under the Other Health Disabilities category.

FAQs Q: I know lots of people with ADHD. Why don’t they have IEPs? A: Just having a medical diagnosis of ADHD will not automatically lead to an IEP.

ADHD and IEPs In the Special Education evaluation process, Special Education teachers will interview your parents and teachers, and review years worth of grades and school work samples.

ADHD and IEPs To qualify for ADHD, you must show significant (as in, significantly different from your peers) issues in:

ADHD and IEPs To qualify for ADHD, you must show significant (as in, significantly different from your peers) issues in: Maintain focus and completing tasks.

ADHD and IEPs To qualify for ADHD, you must show significant (as in, significantly different from your peers) issues in: Maintain focus and completing tasks. Organizing materials.

ADHD and IEPs To qualify for ADHD, you must show significant (as in, significantly different from your peers) issues in: Maintain focus throughout instruction. Organizing materials. Completing assignments reliably.

The IEP is here to help! Complete the next page of your study guide and brainstorm ways that the IEP can help you be successful.