ADHD
What is Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development (DSM 1V, 1994)
There are now three main categories of ADHD:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type. This subtype features both problems with attention as well as impulsivity/hyperactivity. Most children and adolescents with ADHD have the Combined type.
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type. This subtype features primarily problems with attention, but not impulsivity or hyperactivity. Many children and adults, especially girls and women, have this subtype, but it is most commonly undiagnosed.
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. This subtype features primarily problems with impulsivity and hyperactivity, but not inattention. This subtype is less common than the other two.
Despite popular belief, ADHD is more often under diagnosed than over diagnosed, especially in girls and women. Many children and adults are just considered stupid, lazy, unmotivated, moody, angry, irritable, spacy, flighty, or careless. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, problems with self-esteem, social deviance, drug use, and/or emotional problems are common. Proper diagnosis and early intervention can help to prevent many such problems.
How is ADHD evaluated?
Evaluations for ADHD at the Speech, Hearing, and Learning Center are designed to consider all subtypes of this disorder, using state of the art, computer assisted assessment, as well as measures of cognitive processing and potential, behavioral adjustment and academic achievement. Because the diagnoses of ADHD and learning disabilities often co-exist, an evaluation for ADHD usually includes an evaluation of a possible learning disability as well.
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