What We Have Learned

What we have learned about ADHD

Regina Douglas was the first individual to document that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) persists into adulthood. ADHD is a highly co-morbid condition, which means that if you have ADHD, you are likely to have additional diagnoses of exceptionality, for only 31 percent of individuals with ADHD do not have co-morbidity. According to Dr. Bilkey, approximately 25 percent of individuals with ADHD also have learning disabilities (LD). For the individual who has ADHD as well as learning disabilities, the most common form of learning disabilities include dyslexia, which means that the individual will have difficulty reading, and dysgraphia which means that the individual will have difficulty with written expression.

As an educator it is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a genetic disorder; in fact 80 percent of the cases of ADHD can be attributed to genetics. This means that students with ADHD may have less parental support as one or both of their parents may have undiagnosed ADHD. Twenty to 30 percent of individuals who have ADHD primarily have the inattentive subset. The inattentive subset is very difficult to diagnose. While these individuals may not be prone to acting out, the difficulties that they have concentrating are just as detrimental to their learning.

ADHD has a childhood onset, which means that as a parent, you are likely to notice symptoms in early childhood. ADHD can be impairing as it can affect individuals socially, academically and later on in life when they are employed. It is noted that 75 percent of individuals with ADHD do not have a best friend by the age of 12, and in school they are often picked on and bullied. Adolescents with ADHD have a sense of inner restlessness, may feel immature and are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Left untreated, individuals with ADHD are more likely to form addictions. Untreated ADHD can also lead to academic impairment, as only 5 percent of individuals with ADHD get into college, and 25 to 35 percent of these students are retained at some point during their elementary and secondary education.

Various forms of treatment are available for ADHD. Research demonstrates that behavioral interventions coupled with medication is most effective, followed by medication alone, behavioural interventions alone and home and community supports.

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