ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness

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Formerly known as:  ADD (attention deficit disorder)

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Cause: Unknown, but tends to run in families

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Population affected:

• Affects men/boys more than women/girls

• Children often diagnosed between ages 6-12, teachers tend to notice the disorder first (testing is done to confirm)

• Adults typically learn how to manage ADHD and don’t show as many signs as young children or teens

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Symptoms may include:

• Hyperactivity

• Limited attention

• Fidgeting

• Lack of restraint

• Repetition of words or actions

• Impulsivity

• Irritability

• Forgetfulness

• Absent-mindedness

• Difficulty focusing

• Problems paying attention

• Short attention span

• Learning disability

• Anxiety

• Boredom

• Mood swings

 

Treatment: Medication and Therapy

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Toy for kids to help:  “fidgets” Fidget Cube

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Berks County Resources:

• http://berks.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/library/article.aspx?hwid=hw166083

• https://www.cptherapy.com/resources

• http://www.berkshirepsychiatric.com/childrenmentalhealth.html

• http://www.councilonchemicalabuse.org/lunchnlearn.html

• https://www.antietamsd.org/cms/lib/PA01001939/Centricity/Domain/16/help_with_special_edu_issues.pdf

• https://www.boyertownasd.org/Page/633

• http://thebraingym.net/add-and-adhd-in-children/

• https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Reading&state=PA&spec=6

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Lehigh Resources:

• http://momsconnectonline.com/resources/

• https://www.lvhn.org/conditions_treatments/childrens_care/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_adhd/learn_about_attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_adhd/treatment

• https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Lehigh+Valley&state=PA&spec=6

• http://www.lehighvalleycamps.com/

• http://www.pediatricmedicalcenteroflehighvalley.com/aap-library.html?aapcat=adhd

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National Resources:

• http://www.chadd.org/

• http://www.snap4kids.org/id167.html

• http://momsconnectonline.com/resources/

• http://creativehs.org/counseling-2/

• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

• https://www.add.org/

• http://borntoexplore.org/

• http://connect.additudemag.com/groups/group/ADHD_in_Pennsylvania/

• http://www.leareducationalcenter.com/programs/addadhd-coaching

• http://www.everychildeverytime.com/

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Book:

• Zipper: The Kid with ADHD by Caroline D. Janover, Rick Powell

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References: 

• Mayo Clinic Staff Print. (2016, March 11). Overview. Retrieved April 2, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/home/ovc-20196177