Comic on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Overview of ADHD
When a person's brain or body has a hard time staying still, and it causes problems for them, they may have a disorder called "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder."
Inattentive Symptoms of ADHD
When someone's brain likes to move from topic to topic very quickly; this can make it hard to focus ("Inattentive Symptoms")
These people often get distracted easily, either by their own thoughts or by things going on around them
This can make it hard to stay organized, or to finish things they are asked to do
Sometimes, this also makes it hard to remember things ("What did my mom just ask me to do?" "Where did I put my homework?")
Hyperactive Symptoms of ADHD
When someone's body likes to move around most of the time, it can make it hard to slow down or sit still ("Hyperactive Symptoms")
These people have a hard time staying in their seat for a long time
When they are sitting, they may "squirm" or "fidget" a lot
They have a hard time with quiet activities, and would rather be moving around
Impulsive Symptoms of ADHD
For some people with ADHD, their brains move so fast that is hard to slow down before making a choice. This can make it hard to follow rules. ("Impulsive Symptoms")
They may have trouble waiting their turn
They may interrupt people without meaning to
They may run around or climb on things they are not supposed to
Kids with ADHD sometimes get in trouble at home or at school because of their symptoms, even when they are doing their best to follow the rules. Treatment can make it easier to stay calm and focused when it is necessary... but won't stop kids from having fun.
More information on ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common disorder, and can present differently in different individuals. The symptoms of ADHD are divided into two major categories: “Inattention” and “Hyperactivity & Impulsivity.” People whose symptoms fall primarily in the first category are considered to have “Predominantly Inattentive Presentation” ADHD (in the past, this may have been referred to as “Attention Deficit Disorder,” or ADD). People whose symptoms fall primarily in the second category are considered to have “Predominantly Hyperactive -Impulsive Presentation.” Some individuals have multiple symptoms from both categories, and they are referred to as having “Combined Presentation” ADHD. ADHD symptoms may change with time, and therefore a person’s designated presentation may also change. For example, many people with ADHD find that as they get older, their hyperactive & impulsive symptoms improve, while their inattentive symptoms may persist.
Inattention
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD are all related to a general difficulty focusing on one thing at a time. All people get distracted from time to time; what differentiates people with ADHD is that their trouble focusing is frequent enough and severe enough to cause difficulties in their day-to-day life, particularly at school or in the workplace. People with these symptoms become distracted easily; because their attention shifts quickly, it may seem that they aren’t listening when someone tries to speak to them, and they may have a hard time following through with instructions or tasks. They often struggle with paying attention to small details, and may make seemingly “careless” mistakes at school or at work. They may have trouble paying attention to one thing for a prolonged period of time, and as a result may try to avoid tasks that require them to do so. They tend to have difficulty with organization, and they may forget things or lose things more frequently than others their age.
Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
People whose ADHD symptoms fall in the hyperactive-impulsive category tend to have difficulty remaining physically still, and also struggle with slowing down to think before acting on an impulse. They tend to fidget when sitting down, and often get out of their seats more than is acceptable in a given situation. They may feel restless much of the time, and when children feel this way they are more likely to run and climb when it isn’t permitted. People with hyperactive symptoms may feel so driven to keep moving that others describe them as acting like they are “driven by a motor,” and they may have a hard time with activities that involve sitting quietly. As mentioned before, stopping to think before acting can be quite difficult for these individuals. They often have trouble waiting their turn, and may interrupt other people without meaning to. When asked a question, they may feel the need to start answering before the question is even finished. Some people with ADHD may talk so much that it annoys other people.
ADHD Symptoms and Learning
The symptoms of ADHD may be problematic in some situations, while in other situations they may be neutral or even helpful. For instance, an individual with ADHD may have a difficult time sitting in a class and listening to a traditional lecture. However, they may do very well in a classroom that uses hands-on learning techniques and requires students to move around frequently. Nevertheless, our society is structured in such a way that almost everyone is required to do some tasks that require prolonged periods of sitting still and focusing on one thing at a time. People who struggle to do this because of ADHD may come to believe incorrectly that they are not smart or capable. Treatment for ADHD can be highly effective, and can make it easier for people to demonstrate their true abilities in a wide variety of settings. This is one of the primary reasons why identifying and treating ADHD is so important; the treatment can have a major positive impact on confidence and self-esteem.
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