Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neuro-biologic health conditions seen in school-age children through the adult years.

ADHD does not mean not lazy, spoiled kids. It is an identified brain chemistry and neurologic pathway that significantly impairs function and affects behavior. Those with ADHD have an inordinately difficult time connecting with enough attention at the right time, for enough time to store into memory the multiple and complicated parts of their daily learning. They have a hard time inhibiting their responses and focusing through distractions. The complex diagnosis that is ADHD is not easy to make. It cannot be based on one teacher’s two dimensional checklist, or by grades on a report card. The nuances of emotions, learning, and the variability of one’s focus all have to be carefully evaluated by a professional making that diagnosis.

We know with scientific validity that medication is up to 70% effective in treating the inattentiveness, impulsivity, hyperactivity and distractibility of ADHD. With medication often comes some improvement in “oppositional” behavior, and benefits other relationships. The different medications for ADHD are some of the most studied, longest followed, best understood and proven to be safe. But medication is not a cure. It allows the student to focus and attend for the time that the medication is taken. At critical learning times, that focus is imperative.
ADHD is a chronic condition. As such, parents need to under- stand attention management and be taught how to guide their child with different types of support. This may include behavior techniques, educational and organizational supports, or other care.

Good sleep, healthy diet and good exercise are also part of the building blocks to emotional and behavioral health. A child’s school must be a good fit for his learning capacity and style. Finally, and most importantly, the patient with attention and learning issues must be part of the team guiding his success, so that he will grow to understand how his brain works best, appreciate his strengths, and deal effectively with his challenges with his esteem intact. Part of a good comprehensive management plan includes this “demystification.”