ADHD myths and facts
With all the information about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder out there, it's hard to tell what's factual and what's incorrect. But understanding what's true and what's not is a helpful component of your child's total ADHD treatment program. Below, you'll find some quick facts that may answer some of your questions or change false impressions you have about ADHD.
- In the United States, ADHD is diagnosed in approximately 8%-10% of the school-age population. The prevalence appears to be similar in Australia, according to data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
- Boys are more often diagnosed with ADHD than girls. Research indicates that many girls with ADHD have predominantly inattentive type symptoms, which are not as easily noticed. Therefore, girls with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed or treated.
- Parenting and discipline styles do not cause ADHD. However, parental involvement in treatment (behavioural management strategies and/or medications) can help manage ADHD symptoms.
- Children with ADHD have difficulty attending to most tasks for extended periods of time. But they can concentrate on things that are interesting and stimulating, such as computer games.
- Most children with ADHD can succeed in regular classrooms with the help of parents and teachers who use techniques such as positive reinforcement, organisational and study skills, and instructional aids.
- Medications could help a great proportion of children with ADHD and improve many of the symptoms by helping them increase focus and ability to control their own behaviour.
- A significant proportion of children with the disorder will continue to have ADHD symptoms into adolescence.