Protecting the Health of Children with ADHD
Being healthy is important for all children and can be especially important for children with ADHD. The core symptoms of ADHD, like impulsivity and inattention, might lead children to behave in ways that can put their health at risk or cause them to forget healthy and protective behaviors. Over time, if not addressed, these risks can lead to injury, disease, or even an earlier-than-expected death.
ADHD: The Facts
ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.
These brain operations are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills” and include important functions such as attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills. There are various contributing factors that play a role in these challenges including chemical and structural differences in the brain as well as genetics.
What Is ADHD? Meaning, Symptoms & Tests
The meaning of ADHD is complex. It’s a misunderstood neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. ADHD symptoms vary by sub-type — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined — and are often more difficult to diagnose in girls and adults. Here, we review the symptoms, causes, types, and tests associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
ADHD Basics
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) find it unusually difficult to concentrate on tasks, to pay attention, to sit still and to control impulsive behavior. Our guide to ADHD offers information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for ADHD.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a real, biological condition that’s caused by differences in brain anatomy and wiring. It often runs in families. ADHD isn’t a problem of laziness or willpower. In fact, kids with ADHD are often trying as hard as they can to pay attention and sit still. But the ADHD brain works in a way that makes certain things naturally challenging.
