by Connie Rae

Created on: August 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 29, 2009

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder impacts perhaps 3-5% of school-age children and their families. Statistics on younger, or older children are difficult to determine. The Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) identifies the essential features of this disorder as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is noted in individuals at a comparable level of development.

It is important that a child be appropriately diagnosed with this disorder so that the best treatment can be determined. Children exhibit a variety of behaviors that are unacceptable, or irritating to their parents, caregivers, and teachers. Many of these behaviors are simply childish acting out, reactions to an unstable family environment, maybe some underlying organic disorders or mother's per-natal use of alcohol, or drugs that have affected, or perhaps poor parenting skills. Proper diagnosis involves a variety of opinions of how this child's behavior is adversely affecting his life. A common tool for assessment is the Conner Rating Scale, where the parents, the teacher and the child respond to a series of questions rating behavior activity in degrees from "not at all," to "very much." A diagnosis of ADHD must be made by a trained mental health professional, utilizing as many tools as can be made available.

It is important to rule out any other causes for this child's behavior, such as a learning disorder, mental retardation, autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, family chaos, drug-indused mental changes, or any other physical or emotional disorder that might be causing unacceptable behavior.

Regradless of the diagnosis, there are certain common things that all children need in order to do well. Some of these are universal. A child needs to feel liked, and loved, by the significant people in their life. They need consistent structure. They need to know what is expected of them, and they need rewards, consequences, and sometimes punishment, for unruly behavior. They need to know they are capable of doing things reasonably well, and be encouraged in their pursuit of these things. They need reasonable and true praise for things well done.

A child with ADHD needs these things as well. They just make it more difficult for the adults in their lives to provide these things, by their inattentive and impulsive behavior. It is important for these adults to

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