Understanding ADHD in Children: Causes & Behavioral Challenges

Because they have trouble focusing and staying on task, kids with ADHD demand a lot of extra attention and guidance from their parents and teachers.

What is ADHD?

• According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, ADHD is "a health condition involving biologically active substances in the brain. Studies show that ADHD may affect certain areas of the brain that allow us to solve problems, plan ahead, understand others' actions, and control our impulses." In other words, kids with ADHD have trouble focusing, staying on task and controlling their impulses.

Symptoms

• Children suffering from this disorder usually demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics: impulsive behavior, inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Obviously, dealing with a child who exhibits such behavior can be demanding and exhausting for parents and teachers.

Why do these kids need so much extra attention?

• Because ADHD makes it harder for kids to concentrate, parents and teachers expend a lot of energy getting them to sit down, listen, follow through with a task, pay attention and stay focused. Children suffering from ADHD are often disruptive in class and have difficulty building relationships and getting along with their peers and authority figures.

Misconceptions

• According to HelpGuide.com, "Children with ADHD may try to be good, but still are unable to sit still, stay quiet or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn't meant they're acting out on purpose." Parents and teachers need to remember that ADHD is a mental disorder, and children suffering from this disorder are not purposefully trying to make others' lives difficult.

Prevention/Solution

• Although there is no cure for ADHD, this disorder can be treated through medication, therapy, and extra guidance and support from teachers and parents. It's important for parents and teachers to provide kids with ADHD with consistent structure, direct communication and instructions, and encouragement and understanding.