ADHD
From Understood.org:
“ADHD is a common condition that impacts focus, self-control, and other skills important in daily life. It’s caused by differences in brain anatomy and wiring, and it often runs in families. ADHD is one of the most common conditions in childhood. It impacts how kids function in school and in everyday life.
ADHD is a real, biological condition that’s caused by differences in the development of brain anatomy and wiring. It often runs in families.
ADHD isn’t a problem of laziness or willpower. In fact, kids with ADHD are often trying as hard as they can to pay attention and sit still. But the ADHD brain works in a way that makes certain tasks naturally challenging.
ADHD involves a group of key skills known as executive function. Executive function impacts the ability to focus, organize, use working memory, and other skills.
Everyone has symptoms of ADHD at one time or another. But to be diagnosed with ADHD, kids must have far more difficulty with these problems than their peers. Kids with ADHD also have challenges in more than one setting—for example, at school, at home, and in friendships.
Estimates of how many kids in the United States have ADHD range from 5 percent to 11 percent.”
Resources
Guidance from Dept of Ed
July 2016 Dear Collegue Letter from US Dept of Ed, that explains the importance of properly identifying and serving children with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives.
ADDitude
A web destination for families and adults living with ADHD and learning disabilities. Founded in 1998 by Ellen Kingsley, an award-winning journalist with a unique ability to convey credible information with empathy and inspiration.
CHADD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is a national nonprofit organization that improves the lives of people affected by ADHD through education, advocacy, and support.
Apps for ADHD
Compiled by the Children’s Health Council
Understood.org
A great resources for articles to help parents understand and support their children, site also available in Spanish.