Because they are
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have behavior problems that are so frequent and severe that they interfere with their ability to live normal lives.
Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—with their attention miles away. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive.
Children with ADHD exhibit a slew of behaviors that can disrupt family life. They often don't “hear” parental instructions, so they don't obey them. They're disorganized and easily distracted, keeping other family members waiting. Or they start projects and forget to finish them—let alone clean up after them.
Children with ADHD, like children with Asperger's syndrome, sometimes have a hard time shifting from one activity to another. This can lead to explosive meltdowns when a child with ADHD is asked to stop doing something he enjoys. Kids with this condition also react poorly to unforeseen events and changes in schedule.
Games with physical training are often enjoyable to ADHD children. A good workout is an alternative. It increases the flow of blood to the brain and decreases nervous- ness and anxiety. It also releases endorphins into the brain, providing a feeling of calmness and wellbeing.
Because ADHD symptoms include difficulty with attention regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can affect planning, organizing, and managing behavior, many children with ADHD struggle with change.
Similar to the hyperactive symptoms, impulsive symptoms are typically seen by the time a child is four years old and increase during the next three to four years to peak in severity when the child is seven to eight years of age.
Kids with ADHD often have behavior problems. They get angry quickly, throw tantrums, and refuse to do things they don't want to do. These kids aren't trying to be bad. The problem is that ADHD can make it hard for them to do things they find difficult or boring.
Adopting Habits Is Difficult for ADHD Adults
For example, you might decide you need to do a task as soon as you think about it instead of writing it down on a list (the new habit).
Trouble maintaining friendships and romantic relationships. Speeding and dangerous driving. Substance abuse (ADHD makes you up to six times more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.) Risky sexual behaviors, such as having unprotected sex.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often blame themselves for their problems or view themselves in a negative light. This can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety, or depression.
However, there is no clear link between ADHD and IQ. A person may have a high, average, or low IQ score and also have ADHD. ADHD may cause a person to interrupt in class or perform poorly on tests. This can cause other people to believe that they may have a lower IQ.
Children with ADHD find it difficult to control their behavior and/or pay attention. They may act without thinking or have trouble focusing. This can cause problems at home, school and with peers, affecting your child's ability to learn and get along with others.
If your child is one of the many who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, it's likely you've seen a myriad of difficult-to-manage behaviors, including anger. Emotional regulation can be challenging for children with ADHD, and bouts of anger are common.
Myth: “They've always done well in school, so I don't think they have ADHD.” Truth: Lots of kids with ADHD do well in school, especially in younger grades where there is less homework to complete.
Is ADHD inherited from Mom or Dad? You can inherit genes that boost risk for ADHD from your mother, from your father or from both parents.
Causes of ADHD
Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
Youth with ADHD often have more stress than their peers without ADHD due to the symptoms they live with. Disruptions in daily routines can add to stress as well. Stress is an emotional response to difficult circumstances.
Struggles with reading, writing, and math are common among students with ADHD. Use these strategies and tools to help your child overcome these and other learning challenges in core school subjects.