Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects 3 to 5 percent of children, at least one child in every classroom in the United States (telosnet.com). There are three core features which characterize a child with ADHD: inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Stephen Hinshaw defines inattention, as related to ADHD, as the inability to sustain attention, specifically with the presence of repetitive stimuli (27). Children with ADHD tire under a demanding workload, particularly when they are not interested. They are easily distracted, both in concentration of thought, and following through actions. Automatic attention may be given to activities they enjoy, however, focusing conscious ...view middle of the document...
Perinatal/congenital influences: include low birth weight, prenatal difficulties, disease of infancy, but no specific predictions can be made. Toxic factors may include lead intake, which may disrupt brain development or brain processes and lead to ADHD symptoms (Winshaw, 46). Lastly, environmental influences such as discordant families, may contribute to this disorder, however recent research seems to point more to biological causes rather than environmental causes (Understanding the problem).ADHD may "co-exist" or be comorbid with other problems/disorders. Ten to thirty percent of children with ADHD have a comoribidity with Learning Disabilities, not to be confused with the underachievement that is often accompanied by ADHD, usually the result of inattention and distractibility of students with the disorder. Nearly half of children with ADHD, mostly boys, tend to be comorbid with oppositional defiant disorder. These children may overreact or lash out when they feel bad about themselves. Outbursts of temper, acting belligerent, defiant, or stubborn is characteristic of children with this comorbidity (telosnet.com). Without help, children with this disorder may develop antisocial behaviors, which may cause them trouble in school and even with the law. Lastly, ADHD may have a comorbidity of emotional disorders including anxiety and depression. Excessive anxiety and depression may interfere with the children's behavior and thinking, thus becoming an emotional handicap. As a result children with ADHD must be checked for accompanying anxiety and depression, in order to be treated and helped through these feelings.
