Adhd Differences In Perception Essay Research Paper

Adhd: Differences In Perception Essay, Research Paper ADHD: Differences in Perception ADHD children seem to always be in motion. They can find it hard to complete tasks they’ve begun and planning ahead is difficult. These children occasionally appear to be oblivious to what takes place around them. Then there are other days when these children appear to behave just fine, apparently unaffected by the disorder. This can pose a problem for the affected youngsters as it leads others to think that the ADHD children can readily control these behaviors. ADHD is non-discriminating. Faced with constant turmoil and commotion in their lives, these affected children are from many diverse backgrounds (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 42). Ethnicity and cultural backgrounds of

the affected children and their primary caregivers can greatly influence the understanding of this disorder and its associated behaviors as well as affect any treatment options that might be sought (Bussing 233). Why don’t all children benefit from the wealth of information and treatment options available in today’s society? Children today seem to be plagued with a chronic psychiatric condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD. Estimates suggest that this disorder is affecting 3% to 5% of the children in this country (Bussing 233). In the United States this means reference is being made to nearly 5 million ADHD children. ADHD isn’t just some convenient or fancy term for what parents would call a child who misbehaves. This condition,

recognized in previous years as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Minimal Brain Dysfunction, Minimal Brain Damage, Hyperkinesis and Hyperactivity, is a serious medical condition that is thought to cause inappropriate levels of distractibility, impulsively and inattention. This condition can appear with or without hyperactivity (Alexander-Roberts 1). Although this condition is very prevalent it is also considered to be very treatable (Bussing 233). In the United States, the doctors diagnose ADHD more frequently than do other doctors anywhere else in world. There are specific behavioral characteristics must be observed for a medical professional to diagnose ADHD. These characteristics are as follows:  Inattention: Those affected by this disorder have a hard time keeping their

minds focused on the task before them.  Impulsively: These children act before considering the consequences; this could be dangerous as they may run into the street before looking for oncoming traffic. They may call out unacceptable comments in the classroom, interrupt others conversations and can be extraordinarily awkward or accident-prone.  Hyperactivity: The affected children appear to be in almost continual motion, as if “driven by a motor.” At school, they can’t seem to sit still; they wiggle and move restlessly at their desks. Often, these children will roam around the classroom, touching things, disturbing the other children and the teacher, make unnecessary noise and talk excessively (Encarta 98 Encyclopedia) Children afflicted with ADHD face numerous

educational, developmental and social challenges. African American children with ADHD must also cope with different language characteristics, communication styles and varied cultural factors (Wright). The child’s family members undertake numerous challenges as well and all family members, including siblings, experience the stresses and pressures associated with ADHD. To better cope with these challenges and relieve stresses in the family unit, it is important that parents recognize when their child has this disorder and that they seek appropriate treatment (Erk 3). Recognizing the disorder is another challenge in of itself (Johnson 155). There are many contradicting viewpoints when it comes to diagnosing and treating ADHD (Johnson 155). Although the disorder might impair a