2. Presented by Courtney Mace

3. Millions of people wake up each day, knowing that their day is not going to be like everyone else’s. According to the website, Living with ADHD, 3 to 7% of students between the ages of 6-12 are affected by ADHD. Other sites put the numbers at between 4% to an amazing 18%. No matter the numbers, ADHD is a growing problem that needs to be addressed. Although ADHD is difficult to diagnose, there are many behaviors to look for while dealing with children. The following information will give you a look at what to pay attention to. Let’s first look at the definition of ADHD.

4. A. Either (1) or (2): (1) 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level: (2) 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

5. B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years. C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home). D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

6. ADHD ADHD is an ongoing behavior disorder typically diagnosed at age 5or 6, although the symptoms have usually been observed much earlier than this age. The three key symptoms are: HYPERACTIVITY IMPULSIVITY IMPULSIVITY INATTENTION INATTENTION These symptoms typically interfere with the child's functioning in social and academic settings.

7. HYPERACTIVITY HYPERACTIVITY symptoms may be apparent in very young preschoolers and are nearly always present before the age of seven. Symptoms include: ~Fidgeting with hand or feet or squirming when seated ~Talking excessively ~Getting up frequently to walk or run around ~Running or climbing excessively when it's inappropriate ~Having difficulty playing quietly or engaging in quiet leisure activities ~Being always 'on the go'

8. IMPULSIVITY IMPULSIVITY symptoms cause children to do things abruptly and without thinking about the consequences. Symptoms include: ~Being impatient ~Blurting out answers before questions are completed ~Experiencing difficulty awaiting their turn. ~Having difficulty delaying responses ~Initiating conversations at inappropriate times ~Interrupting or intruding frequently to the point of causing problems with other children

9. INATTENTION INATTENTION symptoms make it especially difficult for children to focus and pay attention. Symptoms include: ~Displaying inability to focus attention on daily activities or tasks ~Failing to follow through on instructions, schoolwork or chores ~Showing difficulty performing tasks or completing schoolwork that require concentration ~Having frequent shifts from one uncompleted activity to another ~Failing to complete tasks, such as homework or chores ~Shifting frequently in conversation, not listening to others, or not keeping one's mind on conversations ~Procrastinating frequently

10. During their study, the Institute discovered that ADHD was found to have a substantial impact on anxiety, conduct, and depression, as seen below in the diagram. www.hms.harvard.edu www.hms.harvard.edu

11. Teachers are the first group of people that come in contact with school-age children, which is when ADHD diagnoses typically occur. It is imperative that teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators be cognizant of those children that appear to meet some of the criteria discussed today. This is my 7-year-old son, Garrett, who has ADHD. All children deserve the happiest life possible, All children deserve the happiest life possible, and ADHD shouldn’t keep them from it. and ADHD shouldn’t keep them from it.

13. ~Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4 th edition (DSM-IV) ~Living with ADHD website: www.livingwithadhd.comwww.livingwithadhd.com ~The Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute: www.hms.harvard.edu