Juveniles with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is believed to be the most common behavior disorder affecting juveniles today. Some studies suggest that as many as nine percent of juveniles suffer from ADHD in one degree or another. It is often thought of as a juvenile or childhood disorder due to the fact that it is usually first discovered in school-aged children when they begin to fall behind their peers in reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of study. In addition, the affects of ADHD often diminish with age and in some cases, disappear completely by early adulthood.

What are the affects?

So then what is ADHD exactly and how are juveniles affected by this disorder? Common symptoms of ADHD in juveniles include the inability to focus or concentrate. This, of course, will manifest itself in the classroom setting, but can also affect a persons social relationships with peers and can even extend to extracurricular activities such as athletics and music. The hobbies and interests of juveniles with ADHD often suffer because of their inability to focus and stay on task. Also, juveniles with ADHD will experience hyperactivity which is simply described as a sudden increase of energy or adrenalin. This can disrupt teachers and fellow students in the classroom and can make it difficult to remain quiet and keep still when appropriate.

In addition to this, juveniles with ADHD may experience impulsivity. This presents itself as a loud outburst or sudden change in demeanor. Juveniles may be following the rules and staying on task one moment, and the next moment they are being disruptive to others verbally or otherwise. It is important to note that many juvenile-aged students will, on occasion, experience many of these same symptoms. We are all aware that children can find certain subjects in school boring or mundane and they will often become uninterested or bored. Also, many juveniles after lunch or after consuming sugar or caffeine will become hyper and, at times, unteachable. The difference is, and what separates ADHD juveniles from the rest, is how it affects the lives of these individuals and their overall performance in the different areas of their lives. When these symptoms or challenges begin to impede and interfere with an individual's everyday life and the juvenile's ability to compete on the same level as peers, ADHD is suspected.

Treatment and Help

Once ADHD is diagnosed it is extremely important for parents as well as educators to focus on the tools available to help allow these juveniles to experience success. There are two general treatments for ADHD. One involves medication that is available to those juveniles with ADHD. Medications help control the mentioned side effects of ADHD so that juveniles can perform well in the classroom and social settings, as well as in their extracurricular activities. Another form of treatment involves therapy with counselors and ADHD specialists. Therapy allows juveniles to vocalize and work through their issues with compassionate experts who in- turn help juveniles understand and examine their daily issues. Studies have shown that both medication and therapy gives individuals with ADHD the best chance to achieve their potential. These treatments along with support from family and friends make up a proven system for success.