ADHD stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.  This condition is common among children of school age.  What happens is that the brain does not make enough of certain neurotransmitters that are important to the function of certain areas of the brain.  The areas affected are mostly those that deal with organizational functions.

Children with ADHD are often mislabeled as troublemakers by teachers and others.  This is because of the symptoms of the condition:

* Trouble concentrating; often bored in class
* Prone to outbursts; interrupting conversations; cutting in line in school
* Inability to keep still
* Impulsive behavior
* Disorganization; forgetting supplies needed for activities
* Difficulty finishing work

Any one of these symptoms alone can lead parents or teachers to believe a child is disruptive.  With ADHD, the disruptions are involuntary since they are a part of the condition.

A diagnosis of ADHD involves a medical examination and other assessments by a trained professional.  Medical doctors do the physical assessment and may rely on other professionals to evaluate the child’s behavior at home and at school.  There is a team approach when diagnosing the disorder.

Knowing that something is indeed wrong is only half the battle.  Now, you want to know how to help your child overcome the problem.  Unfortunately, there is no known cure for ADHD.  Treatments are geared towards managing the symptoms to give your child a semblance of normality in their lives.

An important part of the treatment process involves finding help.  The disorder is often misunderstood by both parents and educators.  To give your child every advantage, understanding the ins and outs of the disorder including treatment options may offer you peace of mind.

Support groups are available for parents and sufferers of ADHD.  With children, parents often need the support to help them.   Parents can expect to find others going through a similar range of emotions and dealing with similar daily dilemmas.  What you won’t find is condemnation or intimidation.

Many child sufferers (about fifty percent) become adult sufferers.  Support groups are available for them also.  Sharing with others suffering from the same condition brings acceptance and confidence.

Support exists in several forms.  Check with your doctor and therapist about local support groups for parents of and/or children with ADHD.  Parents can participate in online forum communities dedicated to ADHD.  There are websites that offer information about the latest treatments, groups raising awareness of the disorder and other parent resources.

* www.chadd.org – Children and Adults with ADHD
* www.add.org – Attention Deficit Disorder Association (adult sufferers)
* www.boards.webmd.com – Supportive forums on WebMD
* www.adders.org – ADHD online support group
* www.adhdnews.com – online support group

Don’t feel alone.  Help is as close as your computer.
Books that give you support help you beat ADHD: Amazon Books