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