What is ADHD?

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What is ADHD?

What is ADHD? It is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. People with ADHD may find it hard to focus, stay organised, or sit still, and these challenges can show up at school, work, and home. ADHD isn’t about laziness; it’s linked to how the brain manages attention and self-control. Many children are diagnosed, and some carry symptoms into adulthood, but with the right support—like routines, coaching, therapy, and, for some, medication—life can feel more manageable. When you ask, “What is ADHD?” think of it as a different way the brain works, bringing both hurdles and strengths, such as creativity and fast problem-solving.

Myths Related to ADHD

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is often misunderstood. Misinformation leads to judgment, stigma, and missed support opportunities.

Some of the most common myths that surround ADHD have been mentioned below:

Myth: ADHD arises out of self-control or poor discipline.

Fact: ADHD is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s capabilities of processing signals and is not a condition arising from poor discipline. The brain’s competencies of regulating emotions and impulses are affected, leading to erratic behavioural patterns.

Myth: ADHD affects only children.

Fact: ADHD can continue into adulthood. Many adults may not even understand they have it until later in life.

Myth: Unruliness of parents causes ADHD.

Fact: ADHD is not a result of a Parent’s unruly Parenting style. It is a neurological disorder that has no connection with the Parents’ disciplining mannerisms.

Myth: ADHD individuals are synonymous with hyperactive children.

Fact: ADHD affects individuals in different domains. Having ADHD doesn’t imply that the child is hyperactive. Some children may struggle to pay attention, a trait that can easily pass off as naughty behaviour.

Myth: People with ADHD have the liberty to choose when they want to focus on a particular task.

Fact: Individuals with ADHD cannot focus under their control. They will always find it difficult to stay focused while performing activities that need concentration for a long time.

Myth: Medication is the only solution.

Fact: ADHD is a condition that varies in its severity. The challenges caused by ADHD can be tackled with the help of a blend of strategies and therapies. Only when the degree of ADHD is higher, there can be a need to use medication.

Busting the above myths helps to clear any false beliefs and creates awareness about the hardships faced by individuals with ADHD, thereby fostering a supportive environment that helps children thrive academically and socially.

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What Causes ADHD?

Research shows that ADHD does not have a set defined cause; it occurs due to various reasons, such as prenatal factors, complications at birth, etc. The brain development and the structure of the brains of individuals with ADHD are different compared to normal individuals, due to which the competencies of the brain to process signals are hampered, especially those areas whose functions are related to controlling attention, activity levels, and impulses.

Some of the prime causes of ADHD are listed below:

Genetics

ADHD can arise from hereditary reasons. If a child has ADHD in a family, there will be greater chances of the sibling having ADHD, as ADHD tends to run in families. Specific genes related to brain chemicals like dopamine may play a role.

Improper Brain Structure and Functioning

Studies show that there are major variations in the brain structure of individuals as compared to those who do not have ADHD. Brain imaging studies show that there are differences in the level of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine and an imbalance in its transmission that results in ADHD.

Prenatal and Early Life Factors

Exposure to alcohol, tobacco smoke, or drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk. Very low weight at birth, physical brain injury with a direct impact on the brain, may also be a potential reason for ADHD.

Exposure to harmful toxins

Harmful chemicals such as lead have a direct effect on brain development. So, exposure to such harmful toxins or consuming tobacco-related substances increases the risk of ADHD in individuals.

Influences

Eating habits

Diet has a crucial role in fostering a child’s physical development, especially brain development. When the child has regular intake of healthy vegetables rich in essential minerals, the growth process is properly regulated. So when the child does not receive this natural intake, it can affect the brain development process.

Excessive Screen Time

Being glued to screens can impact the child’s core competencies of concentration; therefore, the child should be assigned an appropriate time limit for viewing mobiles or screens.

ADHD is a neurological disorder that has no connection with how parents discipline their child. Nor does it directly arise out of watching too much mobile or being lazy. ADHD is caused due to a mix of various reasons, especially biological and environmental factors.

Recognition of these signs helps to initiate appropriate interventions and strategies to support the overall progress of individuals with ADHD, enabling them to function independently and manage their daily lives effectively.

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How is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is Diagnosed in a comprehensive process that considers behaviour patterns, developmental history, and daily difficulties. There is not a single test for ADHD, so relevant professionals combine multiple sources of information to reach an accurate diagnosis.

The process of ADHD diagnosis is listed below.

Evaluation by professionals

Clinical Evaluation is the first step in the Diagnosis of ADHD. The concerned professionals, psychologist, psychiatrist, or paediatrician, take inputs about the symptoms, challenges faced by the individual and family history.

Behavioural Checklists and Rating Scales

Parents, teachers and sometimes the kids fill out forms that help measure attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Observation over Time

The Symptoms of ADHD should be seen in the individual for at least 6 months and should be visible in more than one environment at home, school and outdoor settings.

Comparison with Diagnostic Criteria

Doctors use procedures from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to match reported symptoms with official standards.

Rule Out Other Conditions

The symptoms of ADHD should be compared with other psychological issues to make sure that the child doesn’t possess any Other medical or psychological issues like anxiety, depression or learning disability.

Early and accurate diagnosis is important to provide the right support and methods. With the correct assessment, individuals with ADHD can better manage their symptoms and succeed in daily life. 

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How is ADHD Treated?

ADHD does not have a defined treatment that can guarantee a full cure of ADHD. ADHD can be treated by using a blend of techniques and teaching methods that help children build their attention skills and perform simple tasks that enhance their ways of daily functioning.

The child’s degree of ADHD is studied in-depth, and accordingly, a systematic plan is chalked out incorporating therapies suiting the child’s preferences and needs.

Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.), a pioneer in teacher training institutes, has initiated a top-notch Special Needs Education Course that has transformed the careers of trainees, giving them the perfect platform to acquire in-depth knowledge of ADHD and ways to support kids with ADHD effectively.

Here are the most common methods used:

Behavioral Therapy

Helps kids and adults develop skills to improve attention and control impulsive actions. Parents and teachers are trained thoroughly to help implement proper routines, enhancing the child’s behavioural patterns.

Medication

In certain cases, depending upon the individual’s condition, certain drugs such as Methylphenidate and other stimulants can be recommended that are known to calm them down by lowering their hyperactivity levels.

Counselling Workshops

Students are given special counselling sessions that help them work on their emotional regulation, fostering their self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

Academic guidance

Schools take special efforts to conduct extra classes for children with special needs, helping them solve their doubts and queries and be thorough with their basic concepts.

By completing the Special Education Needs Course, teachers learn tools to adapt lessons and surroundings. The Special Education Needs Course is best for teachers and caregivers who want to make a positive difference in inclusive classrooms.

Unlock the skills to support every child—join the SEN Course!

For downloading the brochure of the SEN Course, Click Here!

Call or WhatsApp on +919321024137 / +919869546913 for details of the SEN Course!

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