| (NC)-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | | | | and often just needs a helping hand. |
| (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that | | | | |
| affects three to seven per cent of children. | | | | Physicians, parents and educators routinely |
| The disorder causes difficulties | | | | offer guidance by teaching children with ADHD |
| concentrating, sitting still, controlling | | | | that the disorder is a challenge, not an |
| emotions and listening. ADHD is one of the | | | | excuse. With the help of medication, which |
| best-researched psychological disorders and | | | | can correct the underlying chemical |
| the overall data on its validity are far more | | | | imbalance, along with appropriate counseling, |
| compelling than for most mental disorders. It | | | | they have a fair chance of reaching their |
| is officially recognized by the World Health | | | | full potential. |
| Organization. | | | | |
| | | | All medications currently approved to treat |
| Children with ADHD are not problem children, | | | | ADHD belong to a class called stimulants. A |
| but children who have difficulty functioning. | | | | number of new investigational ADHD treatments |
| These difficulties can be addressed. These | | | | offer great promise and in the future |
| children often have special characteristics, | | | | Canadians will have more choice in ADHD |
| such as being energetic, adventurous, | | | | treatment. |
| intelligent, having a great sense of humor | | | | |
| and the ability to throw themselves into | | | | Research has shown that up to 60 per cent of |
| their goals. Unfortunately, these | | | | children continue to have symptoms into |
| characteristics sometimes go unnoted strictly | | | | adulthood and this can cause career |
| because the difficulties caused by ADHD | | | | difficulties due to disorganization and |
| always seem to be front and centre. | | | | attention deficiencies, but those who adapt |
| | | | to their condition as children can thrive |
| The tendency of children with ADHD to be | | | | personally and professionally. |
| disorganized, forgetful and easily distracted | | | | |
| sometimes makes it hard for their true | | | | For more information on ADHD, please visit |
| colours to shine, but the potential is there | | | | your doctor. |