What is ADHD? -- The Basics
ADHD is a common disorder that affects between 8% to 10% of school-age children.
It is currently believed that boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, and to present ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms
Kids with ADHD sometimes act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.
At times, normal developemental behavior can be mistaked for ADHD, and at times ADHD is mistaken for normal child behavior. A proper consultation with a qualified therapist, in conjunction with appropriate psychological testing, can help determine is a child has ADHD.
In general, a difference between ADHD and normal "kid behavior" is that children with ADHD present symptoms over a longer period of time and symptoms occur in a range of settings. In addition, ADHD impairs a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home.
Treatment
There are both medical and counseling related treatments for managing ADHD in kids.
The good news is that with proper treatment, kids with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.
Contact
If you would like more information on ADHD, or any child counseling services in Cambridge or Boston, MA, please feel free to contact us at 617-395-5806.
Warmly,
Thrive Boston Counseling