With all the information about ADHD out there, it's hard to tell what's factual and what's incorrect. But understanding what's true and what's not is a helpful component of your child's total treatment program. Below, you'll find some quick facts that may answer some of your questions or change false impressions you have about ADHD.
- In the United States, approximately 8%-10% of the school-age population is diagnosed with ADHD.
- ADHD in boys is diagnosed more often than ADHD in girls. Research indicates that many girls with ADHD have predominantly inattentive type ADHD symptoms. Therefore, ADHD in girls is less likely to be diagnosed or treated.
- Parenting and discipline styles do not cause ADHD. However, parental involvement in treatment (behavioral management strategies and/or medications for ADHD) can help manage symptoms of ADHD.
- Children with ADHD have difficulty attending to most tasks for extended periods of time. But they can concentrate on things that are interesting and stimulating, such as computer games.
- Most children with ADHD can succeed in regular classrooms with the help of parents and teachers who use techniques such as positive reinforcement, organizational and study skills, and instructional aides.
- Stimulant medications for ADHD help about 70% of those with the condition to improve many of the symptoms of ADHD by helping them increase focus and ability to control their own behavior.
- About 30%-80% of children with the disorder will continue to have symptoms of ADHD into adolescence.
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