ADHDCarli CarlineoDimitra RallisEmmy BaldwinColin SnyderDiego SandovalChris Decker

Explanation One of the most common childhood

disorders that can continue through teenage years and adulthood

Three subtypes– Mostly hyper– Mostly has difficulty paying attention and

understanding things– Both hyper and having difficulty paying attention

and understanding things

Symptoms

Have a hard time paying attention Daydream a lot Forget things Be in constant motion or unable to stay still Squirm or fidget Act and speak without thinking Has poor listening skills Easily distracted Talks too much Interrupts others

Diagnosis

A licensed professional can gather information about a child and his behavior and environment

Will ask questions like…– Does the child have a middle ear infection that

could be causing hearing problems?– Are there any undetected hearing or vision

problems?– Does the child have any learning disabilities?

Diagnosis (cont’d)

After answering these questions, and many more, if a child has the symptoms of ADHD, he will be diagnosed with the disorder.

For an adult to be diagnosed, he must have had ADHD symptoms as a child that have lasted into adulthood– A wider range of symptoms and factors may need

to be considered when diagnosing an adult

Those Affected

Children of all races and genders are most often affected by ADHD.

Adults can also be diagnosed with the condition

Causes

There is no exact cause. Research shows that ADHD could possibly be

genetic. ADHD is seen more in prematurely born children. Environmental factors could play a part. There may be a link between smoking and alcohol

use during pregnancy and ADHD in children. Toddlers exposed to high levels of lead may have a

higher risk

Treatment

Medication to improve one’s focus and attention and to decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity– Adderall– Ritalin– Concerta

Therapy may also help those who suffer from ADHD

Getting Help

Rochester: Great Rochester Attention Deficit Disorder Association

Rochester Rehabilitation Center 1000 Elmwood AveDoor #5

Facilitator: Bill Sydney Phone: (585)263-3323 Website: www.gradda.com

Getting Help (cont’d)

Oswego: FADD Inc. (Families with Attention Deficit Disorder and Other Emotional Disabilities)

FADD Inc. 98 East Bridge StreetOswego, NY 13126

Contact: Peggy Cuyler-Salem Phone: (315)216-6425 Website: www.faddhouse.com

Related/Interested Information

Michael Phelps, Olympic swimmer, has ADHD

Tommy Hilfiger, internationally known fashion designer, has ADHD.

Bruce Jenner, 1976 gold medalist in the Olympic decathlon, also has ADHD.